Anyone packing lunches for several school days
You want to keep a crunchy lunch option at home and check pack sizes so they suit the number of lunches you’re planning.
Who is this relevant to?
Anyone looking for an everyday lunch staple
You want to decide whether melba toast is just for a change or whether brown or wholemeal bread is a better fit for school lunches. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends brown or wholemeal bread for lunch.
Anyone who needs to follow allergy policies
Before packing lunch, you need to check the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging against the school or after-school club’s policies.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want melba toast as an occasional change or a regular lunch option. Then check the packaging and any allergen policies.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size | Compare the net weight and, if listed, the number of portions with the number of lunches you plan to pack toast for. | I want enough melba toast for the school lunches I’ve planned, without opening more than I’ll use. Pack size is the top priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Everyday lunch staple | If you’re looking for a staple for regular school days, check whether the product is specifically brown or wholemeal; melba toast and crispbread are different types of product. | For everyday school lunches, I’m looking for a staple that fits with choosing brown or wholemeal bread. Around 33% of consumers prioritise an everyday lunch staple. |
| Allergens and school policies | Read the ingredients, allergens and any warnings on the current packaging, and check them against the school or after-school club’s policies. | If there are allergy policies to follow, I want to know whether this specific product is suitable before packing it. For around 25% of consumers, allergens and school policies are the main concern. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming melba toast is gluten-free
The Albert Heijn and Van der Meulen melba toast varieties described contain wheat and barley. Soy and possible traces of sesame are also mentioned. A crunchy texture doesn’t mean a product is suitable for someone with an allergy.
Check the current packaging and the school or after-school club’s policies. Don’t rely on an older pack instead.
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Using melba toast as an everyday lunch staple without weighing it up
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends brown or wholemeal bread for school lunches. Melba toast is different from this kind of bread staple, so it doesn’t automatically have the same place in an everyday lunch.
If you’re mainly looking for a staple for regular school days, consider brown or wholemeal bread. If you’re after something crunchy, check whether wholemeal crispbread would work for lunch.
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Assuming all toast is made with iodised baker’s salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. The type of product alone doesn’t tell you which salt has been used.
Read the ingredients list for the specific product rather than trying to work it out from the word ‘toast’.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
The own-label range includes AH Melba Toast Naturel in a 240 g pack.
- Albert Heijn lists 12 portions for this pack, which can help when planning lunches.
- The product information lists wheat, barley and soy, with possible traces of sesame, oats, spelt and rye. Check the current packaging.
Sun Snacks (ALDI)
ALDI’s own-label range includes Sun Snacks Melba Toast Naturel in a 240 g pack.
- The stated pack size makes it easier to plan how much toast you’ll use.
- Before use, read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack, especially if the school has allergy policies in place.
Van der Meulen
A melba toast range that includes a 120 g plain variety.
- The plain variety comes in a smaller pack than the 240 g packs mentioned above.
- The plain variety described contains wheat, barley and soy, and may contain sesame. Check the label for other varieties separately.
Bolletje
Bolletje offers products such as Lichte Volkoren Crackers and Oerknäck Waldkorn, which are crunchy alternatives to melba toast.
- Bolletje says its Lichte Volkoren Crackers are made from whole grains. The brand also describes Oerknäck Waldkorn as wholemeal.
- Wholemeal crackers and crispbread aren’t automatically suitable for people avoiding certain allergens. Check the label for the variety you choose.
Products on Joybuy
These products show two options for school lunches: crispbread as a crunchy wholemeal choice, and melba toast for a change. Compare the product types and check the label before packing anything for a child.
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Wasa Sourdough Rye rye crispbread 235 g
Rye crispbread for anyone looking for a crunchy lunch staple instead of melba toast.
235 g pack. If you need to follow allergy policies, check the current label and the school or after-school club’s rules.
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Bolletje wholemeal crispbread 265 g
A crunchy wholemeal option to consider if you’d rather not pack melba toast for school lunch.
265 g pack. Check the current packaging for allergen information and school policies.
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Crispy melba toast 240 g
Melba toast for anyone looking to add a crunchy change to school lunches.
240 g pack. The allergen information in the product descriptions is contradictory. Check the current packaging and school policies before packing this product.
Frequently asked questions
Is melba toast suitable as an everyday staple for school lunches?
Melba toast doesn’t have to be your everyday bread staple. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends brown or wholemeal bread for school lunches. Choose melba toast when you want something crunchy for a change.
Can I pack toast if the school has allergy policies?
First check each product against the current packaging and the school or after-school club’s policies. The Albert Heijn and Van der Meulen melba toast varieties described contain wheat and barley; other ingredients and warnings vary by pack.
Does toast always contain iodised baker’s salt?
No, you can’t tell from the type of product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. For a packaged product, check the ingredients list.
How do I keep opened melba toast crunchy?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging. Albert Heijn says to store AH Melba Toast Naturel in a sealed container after opening.