Cook preparing a toppings table
Looking for a neutral, crunchy base for small portions of meat, cheese or spread. Albert Heijn and Jumbo describe plain melba toast as an option for topped toast bites.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Host checking allergens
Serving toast to several people and keen to check the ingredients, allergens and any cross-contamination warnings on the packaging before the meal.
Shopping planner
Matching the pack size and shape of the toast to the number of guests, and checking whether the chosen product is available through their preferred retailer.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to serve small pieces of toast or a larger topped slice. Then choose a flavour and check the label before serving anything to guests with allergies.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Shape and crunch | Compare small melba toast or party toast with larger slices of toast bread. Look at the shape rather than relying on the term ‘medium sliced’ alone. | I want to serve small portions of toppings alongside the roast, not one large topped slice. This presentation is the priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Flavour and size | Choose between plain and sesame, and check the size of the toast pieces and the pack contents. | For a range of toppings, I want a neutral base; if I specifically want a sesame flavour, I’ll look for a different variety. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this combination of flavour and size. |
| Label information | Check the ingredients, allergens and salt information on the current packaging. Check separately whether it contains bakers’ salt or iodised salt, if that matters to you. | If I’m serving someone with an allergy, I need to know what’s in the toast and what warnings appear on the label. This is the main concern for around 21% of consumers. |
| Pack size and availability | Compare the pack contents with the number of guests and check your preferred retailer before buying. | I want enough toast for everyone at the table, without relying on outdated retailer information. Practical shopping plans are the priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Treating ‘medium sliced’ as a fixed slice thickness
The term doesn’t tell you whether you’re getting small, crunchy pieces of toast or larger slices of bread. That difference affects how you can serve toppings alongside the roast.
Check the product’s shape and dimensions on the packaging. Choose melba toast if you’re after small, crunchy bites.
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Serving sesame toast without checking allergens
According to its product information, Albert Heijn’s organic sesame melba toast contains sesame. Plain varieties may also carry sesame warnings.
Check the current label for each variety you choose, and keep the packaging handy in case guests ask about the ingredients.
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Assuming a product contains iodine based on its category
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use bakers’ salt. So the words ‘toast’ or ‘bread’ don’t confirm which type of salt a particular product contains.
Check the ingredients list for bakers’ salt or iodised salt, or ask the producer or baker.
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Relying on outdated retailer information
A variety of toast may only be available in store, or may no longer be stocked in a particular online range.
Just before you shop, check current availability and pack size with the retailer you plan to buy from.
Brands to consider
AH
Albert Heijn lists 240 g of plain melba toast and a 100 g organic sesame variety: two different flavours for small topped toast bites.
- Albert Heijn describes the plain variety as a base for toppings, and provides ingredient and nutritional information.
- According to Albert Heijn, the organic variety contains 7% sesame seeds. If you have allergies, check the current packaging for the variety you choose.
Van der Meulen
Jumbo describes its 120 g Melba Toast Naturel as thinly sliced, crisp toasted pieces.
- A plain melba toast option if you want to serve small, crunchy toast bites.
- Jumbo lists wheat, barley and soya, as well as possible traces of sesame. If you have allergies, check the current label.
Bolletje
According to its own range, Bolletje offers crackers and rusks. These are different product types from melba toast.
- Worth considering if you’re also looking for a different crunchy base for toppings.
- Compare the shape and ingredients of your chosen cracker or rusk; don’t assume it’s interchangeable with melba toast.
Joybuy products for crunchy bites
These products include melba toast for small bites and a separate rice toast option. Compare the shape with your serving plans: none of these product names confirms a fixed ‘medium sliced’ size for sliced toast bread.
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Delverde Classic Melba Toast, 100 g
Consider this melba toast if you want to make small bites with a variety of toppings.
If you’re serving guests with allergies, check the ingredients and any warnings on the packaging.
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Conimex Delverde Melba Toast Round, 100 g
The round shape is a good option if you want to serve toppings on individual pieces of toast. Check the dimensions if size matters.
If you have allergies, check the current ingredients and warnings on the packaging.
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Crispy Melba Toast, 240 g
The 240 g pack is worth considering if you’re looking for melba toast for a larger gathering.
Before serving this toast to guests with allergies, check the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging.
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Van Der Meulen Rice Toast Natural, 65 g
This is rice toast, not melba toast or sliced toast bread. Check the shape if you want to make topped bites with it.
If you have allergies, check the ingredients and allergens directly on the current packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose melba toast or sliced toast bread with a Sunday roast?
Melba toast works well for small, crunchy bites with relatively dry toppings; larger slices of toast bread are better for a larger topped slice. If by ‘medium sliced’ you mean a particular slice thickness, check the shape on the packaging.
Can I serve sesame toast to someone with a sesame allergy?
Don’t serve toast containing sesame to anyone with a sesame allergy. Albert Heijn’s organic sesame melba toast contains sesame; for plain varieties too, check the current ingredients and any cross-contamination warnings.
Does toast in the Netherlands automatically contain iodine?
No, the product category alone doesn’t tell you that. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers don’t have to use bakers’ salt, so check the ingredients list or ask the producer or baker which salt was used.
How do I keep opened melba toast crunchy?
Store opened melba toast in an airtight container and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. For its plain variety, Albert Heijn recommends keeping it in a sealed tin once opened.