Choose plain Melba toast if you want the flavour of your dips and toppings to take centre stage. If you’re mainly comparing the fibre content of the toast, consider wholemeal and multigrain options too, but check the salt content and allergens on each pack. The word ‘salt’ on the label doesn’t automatically mean iodised baker’s salt has been used.
If you want to take the fibre content of the toast into account, compare the nutritional information per 100 g. The wholemeal and multigrain Melba toasts reviewed contain more fibre than the plain options, but also include allergens such as sesame and soya.
Plain Melba toast is a natural, neutral base for dips or full-flavoured toppings. Remember to check the salt content and allergens of your chosen product.
Check the current ingredients list and allergen information before serving. The standard Melba toasts reviewed contain cereals containing gluten and soya; some varieties also contain sesame.
First decide whether the topping, fibre content or suitability for your guests matters most. Then compare only products whose nutritional information is based on the same quantity.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre | Compare fibre per 100 g and check the ingredients list for wholemeal and multigrain options too. Jumbo lists 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g for Van der Meulen Melba Wholemeal, 7.5 g for Multigrain and 3.9 g for Plain. | If I want to take the fibre content of the toast into account, I won’t choose based on the topping alone. Around 44% of consumers put this need first. |
| A base for toppings | Decide whether you want a plain variety and whether its shape suits the snacks you’re making; also compare the salt content per 100 g. | With full-flavoured dips, I want the topping to be the main flavour. Around 33% of consumers put a neutral base first. |
| Allergens | Read the current ingredients list and allergen information, including any warnings about traces. Check for an explicit gluten-free claim if needed. | If I’m serving toast to someone who needs to avoid certain ingredients, I need to choose a product that’s suitable for them. Around 23% of consumers put this first. |
The Van der Meulen varieties listed by Jumbo contain ingredients including wheat, soya and sesame. A higher fibre content doesn’t mean a product is suitable for someone with an allergy.
Check the current ingredients list for each variety and, if a dietary restriction must be accommodated, choose only a product that’s demonstrably suitable.
The salt content varies between the toast products reviewed. Dips and toppings also contribute to what you ultimately serve.
Compare both fibre and salt per 100 g on the label, and take your chosen toppings into account.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt in bread isn’t compulsory. The word ‘salt’ on a toast label alone won’t tell you whether it’s iodised.
Check the specific ingredients information if this distinction matters to your purchase.
Ingredients and allergen information can change. If you’re serving guests with allergies, the packaging of the product you actually serve is what matters.
Read the label again when you buy it, and check that the product you want is available.
Melba toast in plain, multigrain and wholemeal varieties.
Own-brand range including AH Melba toast plain.
Supermarket range including Van der Meulen Melba toast and other varieties of toast.
Lidl lists Melba toast in a 240 g pack.
Sun Snacks Melba Toast Naturel in a 240 g pack.
An alternative range that includes crackers, crispbread and rusks.
These Melba toasts are options if you’re looking for a base for dips or toppings for your Asian-themed evening. To compare fibre, salt and allergens, check the current information on the packaging of the product you choose.
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The round shape is an option for small topped toasts. Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging before serving.
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A classic Melba toast if you’re looking for a base for toppings. Check the label if fibre, salt or allergens will influence your choice.
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Melba toast to serve with dips or toppings. The product information about allergens is inconsistent, so check the packaging before serving this toast to guests with allergies. Compare fibre and salt only if it’s clear what quantity the figures refer to.
Plain Melba toast is a natural choice if you want the flavour of the topping to take centre stage. If you prioritise the fibre content of the toast, compare wholemeal and multigrain options too, and check the allergens for each variety.
Fibre content lets you compare products on this point, but on its own it won’t tell you whether a toast meets all your needs. For the Van der Meulen varieties reviewed, Jumbo lists 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g for Wholemeal, 7.5 g for Multigrain and 3.9 g for Plain; check salt and allergens too.
Seal the pack well after opening and store the toast somewhere dry. Albert Heijn recommends keeping its plain Melba toast in a tightly sealed tin.
No, you can’t tell from the word ‘salt’ alone. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that using baker’s salt in bread isn’t compulsory; check the ingredients of the specific toast product if this matters to your choice.
Read the full, current allergen information and, in particular, look out for cereals containing gluten, soya and sesame in the standard Melba toasts reviewed. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergens in prepacked foods must be clearly shown in the ingredients list, and the type of cereal must be named when it contains gluten.
