For a generously topped packed lunch, look for a type of toast marketed for open sandwiches rather than Melba toast described as ultra-thin. ALDI describes Van Vlegelaar Krokante Tarwe Toast as rectangular and intended for open sandwiches, while Joybuy describes its Krokante Melba toast as ultra-thin. Neither description proves that a product is thick or resistant to breaking.
You’re looking for a toast base for the office with room for more than a thin layer of topping. You can judge its shape and surface from a product photo or packaging, but that doesn’t automatically mean it will be sturdier.
You’re taking toast in for several lunches or colleagues and want to know how many pieces or individual portions are in a pack. Storage instructions for after opening matter too.
You want to check the ingredients and allergens for each product, or find out whether iodised baker’s salt has been used. The product type alone won’t tell you.
For an office lunch, start by choosing a shape that suits your topping. Then check the portions and nutritional information on the packaging; a larger piece of toast isn’t automatically thicker or sturdier.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Shape for toppings | Look at the surface and the stated use. If you need a particular thickness or load-bearing strength, look for explicit product information; otherwise, try the toast with your chosen topping first. | If I’m adding generous toppings, I want enough room on my piece of toast without assuming that a rectangular shape is sturdier too. A practical shape is the top priority for around 46% of consumers. |
| Portions and storage | Check the number of pieces or portions per pack, and the storage instructions for after opening. | For several office lunches, I want to be able to divide up the toast and store the rest properly. Around 27% of consumers give portions and storage the highest priority. |
| Label information | Read the current ingredients and allergen information. If you want to know whether iodised baker’s salt has been used, check for that too; look at the salt content if it’s relevant to your choice. | If I’m checking for allergens or want to know what type of salt has been used, I want to check the individual pack. For around 27% of consumers, checking the label is the most important factor. |
A cracker can also make a good lunch base, but it’s a different product category from toast. Compare the shape and ingredients of the specific product rather than assuming a cracker is simply a thick-cut piece of toast.
The name Melba toast doesn’t mean it’s extra thick or sturdy. Joybuy describes its 240 g Krokante Melba toast as ultra-thin slices.
Check whether the thickness, dimensions or intended use are specified for the particular product. If sturdiness is essential, try the toast with the topping you plan to take with you first.
A toast’s name won’t tell you which allergens the current product contains or whether iodised baker’s salt has been used. According to the Voedingscentrum, bakeries aren’t required to use baker’s salt.
When buying, read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging. If you’re unsure which salt has been used, ask the manufacturer or bakery for product-specific information.
These brands give you a starting point for comparing toast and alternative lunch bases. Always assess the shape, ingredients and packaging of each product individually.
The range includes Melba toast, party toast and crackers.
Jumbo offers its own-brand toast and crackers in a range of varieties.
Bolletje makes a variety of crackers that you could consider as an alternative to toast in a packed lunch.
Lidl lists a 240 g pack of Melba toast.
ALDI lists both Van Vlegelaar Krokante Tarwe Toast and Sun Snacks Melba Toast.
No, don’t assume that it is. Joybuy describes its Krokante Melba toast as ultra-thin slices; check the packaging or product information for another product to assess its thickness and shape.
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, bakeries aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the label or ask the manufacturer or bakery which salt has been used in the specific product.
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, prepacked foods must list relevant allergens from the group of 14. Check the current ingredients list and allergen information for the toast you’re buying.
Follow the storage advice on the packaging you’ve chosen and protect the toast from moisture. For AH Melba toast naturel, Albert Heijn advises storing it in a sealed tin after opening; instructions may differ for other products.
