For a generous slice topped with egg, cheese or something else at the weekend, start with toastie bread or a whole loaf you can slice yourself. Melba toast is better suited to small, crunchy bites. Before buying, check the slice thickness or whether you can cut the loaf yourself: the bread products discussed here are not confirmed as thick-cut.
For a generously topped slice, a loaf-style base is a better choice than a small piece of toast. Check whether the bread is pre-sliced or whether you can cut it yourself; don't rely on the product photo alone to judge the thickness.
If wholegrain ingredients and nutritional information are important to your choice, compare the ingredients list and fibre per 100 g. Consider the product format separately: multigrain Melba toast doesn't become thick-cut breakfast toast just because it contains wholegrain ingredients.
For a brunch board with small portions and modest toppings, Melba toast is an alternative to a whole slice of bread. Albert Heijn describes its plain Melba toast as light and crunchy, while Van der Meulen Melba calls its multigrain version super-thin.
First, decide whether you want a slice of bread for toppings or small pieces of toast. Then compare the ingredients and nutritional information for the product format that suits your breakfast.
| What to look for | What to check when buying | Who it's important for |
|---|---|---|
| Room for generous toppings | Check whether you're buying toastie bread, a whole loaf or small pieces of Melba toast, and look at the actual slice size. | For breakfast with egg, cheese or warm toppings, I want a full slice rather than small pieces of toast. This bread format, which is easy to top, is the main priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Wholegrain and fibre | Read the ingredients list and compare fibre per 100 g; don't rely on the term ‘multigrain’ alone. | If wholegrain ingredients are my starting point, I also want to be able to compare the fibre content. This is the main priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Small, crunchy portions | Check the product format and the number of pieces or portions in the pack. | For a brunch board with modest toppings, I prefer individual, crunchy bites to whole slices. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this way of serving. |
| Salt and ingredients | Check the ingredients list for the type of salt used, and compare the salt content per 100 g and per portion. | When I'm serving several products, I want to know which ingredients and salt levels apply to each one. Checking the label is the top priority for around 10% of consumers. |
Van der Meulen Melba describes its multigrain version as super-thin toast. It's designed for a different kind of portion from a slice of bread with generous toppings.
First, decide how much topping you want each portion to hold. For a full breakfast serving, look for bread or toastie bread, then check the slice thickness.
The two terms don't tell you the same thing about the ingredients. Neither tells you how thick a piece of toast or a slice is.
If wholegrain ingredients or fibre matter to you, check the exact product description, ingredients list and nutritional information per 100 g.
The ingredients in one loaf don't tell you which type of salt has been used in another loaf or toast product. For example, Jumbo lists baker's salt in its Tostibrood Volkoren - Half.
If baker's salt or iodised salt is relevant to your choice, check the ingredients list for the product you're actually buying.
A pack containing lots of small pieces of toast doesn't automatically serve the same purpose as a pack of bread slices for generous toppings.
Decide how many topped portions you want to serve, then compare the pack sizes and the number of pieces in each pack.
Jumbo's own-brand Tostibrood Volkoren - Half is a loaf-style option for anyone who wants to make a topped slice or a toastie.
AH Melba Toast Naturel is a crunchy base for small toppings.
The multigrain version is made for serving small, crunchy pieces of toast.
These whole loaves are suited to a weekend breakfast where you want to cut your own slices, rather than buying pre-sliced thick-cut toast. They need to thaw, be baked in the oven and cool before you slice them. Decide for yourself what slice thickness and toppings will work with the bread.
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For a planned breakfast when you want to slice a whole loaf yourself. It needs to thaw, be baked in the oven and cool first. Check the ingredients and allergen information if you're serving it to others.
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For anyone who wants to prepare one whole 550 g loaf and slice it themselves. Leave it to cool after thawing and baking before you cut it; this doesn't guarantee that a slice will hold up well to heavy or wet toppings.
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A whole 550 g multigrain loaf for anyone who wants to cut their own slices. It needs to thaw, be baked in the oven and cool first. Check the latest allergen information; the ingredients listed include wheat and sesame.
No. They are different product formats if you want a generously topped slice. Van der Meulen Melba describes its multigrain toast as super-thin; for a larger portion, look for bread or toastie bread and check the actual slice thickness before buying.
Check the exact product description and ingredients list rather than assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘wholegrain’. Also compare the fibre per 100 g, and separately decide whether you need a slice of bread or a small piece of toast.
No. The product category alone won't tell you which type of salt has been used in a particular product. Check the latest ingredients list; Jumbo lists baker's salt in its Tostibrood Volkoren - Half.
Follow the storage advice on the packaging for your variety. After opening, Albert Heijn recommends keeping AH Melba Toast Naturel in a sealed tin; Van der Meulen Melba Meergranen Toast should be stored in a cool, dry place.
