Host with a large number of guests
You want to serve enough toast for topped nibbles, so you’re checking the pack weight and how many pieces you’ll need.
Who should consider their choice of toast?
Cook who pays attention to grains and fibre
You’re considering a multigrain or wholemeal option for your Sunday roast and comparing the nutritional information and ingredients for each variety.
Host who needs to check for allergens
You’re serving toast to guests with food allergies and checking both the toast and the toppings. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre stresses the importance of checking allergen information on the label.
What should you look for when choosing toast?
Decide how many nibbles you want to serve, then choose a type of toast that goes well with the toppings and is suitable for your guests’ dietary needs.
| What to consider | What to check | Especially relevant for |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity needed | Compare the pack weight and number of pieces with the number of guests and planned nibbles. | If I’m making topped toast for several guests, I want to know whether I’m buying enough without having lots left over. Around 36% of consumers prioritise getting the quantity right. |
| Type of toast | Check whether plain, wholemeal or multigrain toast goes well with the toppings; for fibre content, read the nutritional information per 100 g. | When serving different toppings, I want to choose toast with grains and nutritional information that suit my preferences. Around 29% of consumers consider the type of toast first. |
| Allergens | Read the allergen information for the specific toast and its toppings. Albert Heijn lists wheat, barley and soya in its plain Melba toast; Jumbo lists sesame and soya, among other allergens, in Van der Meulen Multigrain Toast. | If a guest has a food allergy, I need to be able to check the ingredients in each nibble before serving. Allergens are the main purchasing concern for around 21% of consumers. |
| Storage and serving | Check whether the toast comes in individual packs and follow the storage instructions after opening. | When I’m serving nibbles at different times, I don’t want to open all the toast at once. Around 14% of consumers give storage and serving the highest priority. |
Common mistakes when choosing toast for guests
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Assuming an old product listing means you can still order it
Jumbo still had Melba Toast Tomato & Basil on a product page, but stated that it was no longer part of its online range.
Check that your chosen variety is available just before ordering. If you choose a substitute, check its ingredients again.
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Assuming multigrain means allergen-free
According to Jumbo, Van der Meulen Multigrain Toast contains oats, rye, sesame, soya and wheat, among other ingredients. The name of the toast doesn’t tell you whether it’s suitable for a guest with a food allergy.
Read the allergen information for each variety separately, and check the toppings too.
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Assuming all toast is made with the same type of salt
The Netherlands Bakery Centre says that using baker’s salt containing iodine is not a legal requirement. So you can’t tell which salt a particular type of toast contains from its name alone.
Check the ingredients list on the pack if the type of salt used matters to you.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn sells plain Melba toast in a 240 g pack.
- The pack size is useful when you’re buying toast for several guests.
- Check the allergens on the pack: this Melba toast lists wheat, barley and soya, among other ingredients.
Van der Meulen
Van der Meulen offers several types of Melba toast, including plain and multigrain.
- According to Jumbo, the multigrain variety contains 45% wholemeal wheat flour, so you can check the grains it contains.
- This variety also contains oats, rye, sesame, soya and wheat, among other ingredients; check the label before serving it to your guests.
Haust
Haust is worth considering if you want to serve party toast.
- Albert Heijn listed a 200 g pack of Haust Party Extra Garden Herbs.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for your chosen variety before serving it.
Melba toast for topped nibbles on Joybuy
These packs of Melba toast are options for topped nibbles at a Sunday roast. Choose a pack size to suit the number of guests, and check the ingredients on the pack before serving.
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Crispy Melba Toast 240 g
A 240 g pack of Melba toast to include in your plans for topped nibbles.
Check the ingredients and allergens on the current pack before serving, especially if anyone has a food allergy.
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Delverde Classic Melba Toast 100 g
A 100 g pack of classic Melba toast for topped nibbles; choose the number of packs to suit your guests.
If you’re serving guests with a food allergy, check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you choose.
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Conimex Delverde Melba Toast Round 100 g
Round Melba toast in a 100 g pack, ideal for nibbles where you want to use this shape.
Read the ingredients and allergens on the pack before serving the toast to guests with a food allergy.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out how much toast I need for a Sunday roast?
Decide how many topped nibbles you want to serve and compare that number with the contents of the packs. Check the weight and whether the toast comes in individual packs too, so you don’t have to open more than you’ll use at once.
Which allergens should I check in Melba toast?
Check the allergen information on the specific pack, as ingredients vary between varieties. Albert Heijn lists wheat, barley and soya, among other ingredients, in its plain Melba toast; Jumbo also lists oats, rye and sesame in Van der Meulen Multigrain Toast. Remember to check the toppings as well.
How should I store toast until it’s time to serve?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack and only open the amount you’re going to use. Albert Heijn advises storing its Melba toast in a sealed tin after opening; Jumbo advises keeping Van der Meulen Multigrain Toast in a cool, dry place.