Host with a generous platter of appetisers
You want enough toast for several topped bites, so you’re mainly looking at the net weight of each pack and where you can buy it.
Choose a 200 or 240 g pack if you want to put out a larger supply of Melba toast for several guests; Lidl Netherlands, ALDI Netherlands and Jumbo Supermarkets list packs in these sizes. Smaller options may be a better fit if you want to serve different kinds of toast. If any guests have allergies, always check the current packaging, whatever the pack size.
You want enough toast for several topped bites, so you’re mainly looking at the net weight of each pack and where you can buy it.
You’re serving a range of toppings and would rather choose several types of toast than one large pack of the same kind.
You want to know which ingredients and allergens a toast contains before serving it, or you’re comparing the stated salt content.
Decide how much toast you want to serve and whether one type will go with all your toppings. Then check the label on your chosen variety, especially if any guests have allergies.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Compare the net weight with how much toast you want to serve alongside the other dishes. Lidl Netherlands and ALDI Netherlands each list a 240 g pack of Melba toast; Jumbo Supermarkets lists a 200 g value pack. | If I want to put out plenty of topped bites, I don’t want to have to open a second pack halfway through. Having enough toast is the top priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Flavour and shape | Consider which variety will go with your planned toppings. Jumbo Supermarkets lists Van der Meulen plain, wholemeal and multigrain varieties, in packs of 90 to 120 g. | When I have different toppings, I want to offer a choice rather than give everyone the same toast. Around 33% of consumers prioritise variety. |
| Label | Check the ingredients, allergens and salt content per 100 g on the current pack. Don’t assume a particular type of toast is made with iodised baker’s salt without checking the label. | If guests have allergies or I’m watching my salt intake, I want to know exactly what I’m putting on the table. This is the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
A label on the front doesn’t tell you how much toast is inside. The Melba toast packs mentioned range from smaller options to value packs of 200 and 240 g.
Compare the net weight and think about how many varieties you actually want to serve.
Ingredients vary between varieties. Jumbo Supermarkets lists oats, rye, sesame, soya and wheat among the allergens in Van der Meulen Melba Multigrain Toast.
Check the current packaging before serving toast to guests with allergies.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt for bread and bread substitutes contains added iodine, but bakers aren’t required to use it. So this doesn’t tell you what’s in a particular type of toast.
Check the label or ask the manufacturer which ingredients are used if this affects your choice.
Lidl Netherlands lists its 240 g Melba toast as available in store only.
Before you do your shopping, check how you can buy the pack you want.
If you go to a shop for that pack, it means making a separate trip.
For anyone who wants to compare other types of Melba toast as well as plain.
ALDI’s own label, with a 240 g pack of plain Melba toast.
A 240 g pack of Melba toast for anyone looking for a larger pack.
Supermarket offering a 200 g value pack of Crispy Melba Toast Naturel.
Own-label AH Melba Toast Naturel is an option if you’re also comparing smaller packs.
This 240 g Joybuy Melba toast is a good fit if you want one larger pack to serve topped bites alongside Sunday roast. How many pieces of toast you’ll need depends on what else you’re serving.
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A 240 g pack for anyone who wants to serve several pieces of toast with toppings.
The product information contains conflicting allergen details. Check the current packaging before serving this toast to guests with allergies.
If iodine is important to your choice, check the label or ask the manufacturer which salt has been used.
A 200 or 240 g pack of Melba toast is an option if you want one larger pack for several guests. Jumbo Supermarkets lists a 200 g value pack, while Lidl Netherlands and ALDI Netherlands each list a 240 g option. Choose a smaller pack or several varieties if you need less toast or want to offer a choice.
Seal the pack well after opening and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. For its 240 g Melba toast, Joybuy Netherlands recommends storing it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture.
No, you can’t assume that for every type of toast. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that baker’s salt for bread and bread substitutes contains added iodine, but bakers aren’t required to use it. Check the label or ask the manufacturer about a specific product.
Check the allergens on the packaging of the variety you’re serving. Jumbo Supermarkets lists oats, rye, sesame, soya and wheat in Van der Meulen Melba Multigrain Toast; other types of toast may have different ingredients.
Compare the salt content per 100 g on the current packaging and consider how much toast and how many toppings you plan to serve. That way, you can judge the toast as part of the meal rather than on its own.