Which option is right for you?

If you’re making small bites with different toppings

You’re looking for individual, crisp bases for toppings. Albert Heijn describes its plain melba toast as a base for toppings, while JP by Jos Poell presents its crisp toast as party toast.

If you want to compare fibre content

You want a crisp base, but you’re also checking the nutritional information. The product listing for Van der Meulen wholemeal melba toast at Albert Heijn gives 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g. Compare this figure with the same unit on other packs.

If you need to check for allergens

Ingredients and warnings about possible traces may determine what’s suitable for you or your guests. The toast options mentioned differ in their declarations of sesame, soya and cereals containing gluten, among other things. So check the label on the pack you buy.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you want small, crisp bites or larger, soft slices. Then compare the nutritional information and allergens for products in the format you’re looking for.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Size and texture Check whether it’s melba toast, party toast or sliced bread; if you’re serving individual bites, check how many pieces are in the pack. If I want to serve a variety of small bites, I look for a crisp base rather than a large, soft slice. This format is the top priority for around 40% of consumers.
Wholegrain and fibre Check the wholegrain description and compare fibre per 100 g, rather than comparing the amount per piece with the amount per 100 g. If I want to serve toast more often, I want to know how much fibre the option I choose contains. Fibre and wholegrain status are the main considerations for around 30% of consumers.
Allergens and labelling Read the ingredients, allergen information and warnings about possible traces on the current packaging. If I need to take my guests’ allergies into account, I need to know which ingredients are in the pack I’ve chosen. For around 30% of consumers, this check comes first.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking party toast for medium-sliced bread

    Melba toast consists of small, toasted slices for toppings. It’s not the same size or soft texture as medium-sliced bread.

    Decide whether you want individual bites or larger slices with toppings, then check the product description.

  • Assuming wholegrain means it’s suitable for your allergies

    Van der Meulen wholemeal melba toast listed by Albert Heijn contains sesame and cereals containing gluten, among other ingredients. A wholegrain description doesn’t, by itself, mean a product is suitable for someone with an allergy.

    Read both the ingredients and the warnings about possible traces on the packaging.

  • Relying only on online product information

    Albert Heijn notes that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change. So a product listing you viewed earlier may not match the pack you’re using.

    Check the current label before serving, especially if ingredients or allergens are important.

  • Assuming every bread product contains iodised baker’s salt

    The use of iodised baker’s salt isn’t guaranteed just because a product is called bread or toast. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt.

    Check the ingredients list or, for unpackaged bread, ask which salt has been used.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

AH Plain Melba Toast is an option if you’re looking for plenty of small pieces of toast to use as a base for toppings.

  • The product listing describes a 240 g pack containing twelve packs of six pieces of toast, with 3.9 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The listing names wheat, barley and soya among the allergens and notes that sesame may be present. Check the current label.

Van der Meulen

Wholemeal melba toast with sesame is worth considering if you’re specifically looking for a wholemeal toast option.

  • The product information at Albert Heijn lists 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g and six packs of six pieces of toast.
  • The pack contains 120 g; the product listing names sesame, wheat, barley, rye and soya as allergens.

JP by Jos Poell

This crisp toast is designed as a base for toppings to serve with drinks.

  • According to the JP by Jos Poell product listing, the toast stays extra crisp for longer; this is a product claim, not an independent comparison.
  • The option listed contains 2.9 g of fibre and 1.6 g of salt per 100 g, and may contain milk, egg and sesame.

Bolletje

Bolletje Echte Beschuit is a round, crisp bread option if you’re not looking for small rectangular pieces of toast.

  • Bolletje describes its rusks as light and crisp.
  • Rusks aren’t a confirmed medium-sliced bread option. The ingredients listing includes wheat, rye and egg, among other things.

Toast for small bites

This Joybuy option is melba toast for small bites with toppings. If you’re looking for larger, soft slices, check separately whether sliced bread would suit your plans.

Delverde Classic Melba Toast, 100 g

Delverde Classic Melba Toast, 100 g

An option for making small, crisp bites with sweet or savoury toppings, instead of using larger, soft slices.

For allergen information, check the current ingredients and warnings about possible traces on the packaging.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does toast in the Netherlands automatically contain iodised baker’s salt?

No, you can’t tell from the product category. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use iodised baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list or ask the baker.

Which allergens should I check in toast?

Check for any allergens that are relevant to you or your guests, both in the ingredients and in warnings about possible traces. The options mentioned differ in their declarations of cereals containing gluten, soya, sesame, milk and egg, among other things. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for pre-packed products must appear on the label.

How should I store opened melba toast?

After opening, store AH Plain Melba Toast in a sealed tin, as advised in Albert Heijn’s product information. For other options, follow the storage advice on the packaging.

What does ‘wholegrain’ mean on a pack of toast?

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the wholegrain description means that all the flour used is wholemeal; this applies to toast too. If you also want to compare fibre content, check the nutritional information per 100 g separately.