Picnickers with generous toppings
If you need room for a larger topping, look at the shape of the toast or cracker itself. A name such as ‘robust’ doesn’t tell you how much weight a product can hold.
Which shape is right for you?
Fans of small party bites
Melba toast could suit your plans if you’re serving small, light toppings. Albert Heijn describes Van der Meulen melba toast as thinly sliced and then toasted.
Shoppers who need to check the label
If allergens, ingredients or nutritional values affect your choice, check the current packaging before buying. Compare the nutritional information for similar products on the same basis, such as per 100 g.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how much room your toppings need and whether a small piece of toast has the shape you’re looking for. Then think about how you’ll transport it, and check the label before choosing a flavour or pack size.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Room for generous toppings | Check the shape and dimensions of the toast or cracker. Don’t assume melba toast is a thick slice: Van der Meulen describes its melba toast as thinly sliced. | If I want to serve generous toppings, I look for a base with a suitable shape rather than relying on the word ‘toast’ on the pack. Roughly 36% of consumers put space for toppings first. |
| Keeping it dry and intact in transit | Choose packaging that will keep the toast intact, and take moist toppings separately. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping food that needs to be chilled cool during a picnic. | I want my toast to stay whole and crisp on the way, so I can add the toppings once I’m at the park. For around 29% of consumers, keeping it in good condition during transport is the main concern. |
| Label and nutritional information | Check the current ingredients and allergen information. For similar products, compare salt and fibre, for example, per 100 g. | If an allergen or the ingredients determine my choice, I want to be able to check the label before taking anything with me. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this check. |
| Flavour and pack size | Check that the flavour goes with your toppings and that the pack size suits your group. Jumbo and Lidl offer both plain toast and flavoured varieties. | Once I’ve found a shape that suits my toppings, I’d rather choose a flavour and pack that work for my picnic. Roughly 14% of consumers put this consideration first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming melba toast is thick
Van der Meulen describes its melba toast as thinly sliced. So this type of product isn’t necessarily right if you’re looking for a thick base for generous toppings.
Choose melba toast for small, light bites. For more generous toppings, check the shape of other toast or crackers on the packaging or in store.
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Adding moist toppings before you set off
A moist topping can make toast soft. And if the topping needs to be chilled, you’ll also need to keep it cool separately during your picnic.
Take the toast with you dry and in a sealed pack, and add moist toppings just before serving. Keep perishable toppings chilled; according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, food that spoils quickly should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours.
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Relying on an allergen list you read earlier
Ingredients can vary between products or change over time. Albert Heijn lists wheat, barley and soya among the ingredients in its plain melba toast.
Check the current label for the variety you’re buying, including any warnings about possible cross-contamination. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains which allergens must be listed on prepacked foods.
Brands to consider
Van der Meulen
Melba toast for making small, crunchy bites.
- Albert Heijn describes this melba toast as bread cut into thin slices and then toasted.
- The description of it as thin doesn’t mean it’s suitable as a thick base for generous toppings.
Haust
A range of toast shapes to compare, including Party Extra and Krokant Toast.
- Jumbo lists, among other products, Haust Party Extra Original (200 g) and Krokant Toast (100 g).
- Product names and pack weights don’t tell you how thick or sturdy the toast is.
Jumbo
Own-brand toast and other crunchy snacks for comparing flavours and shapes.
- Jumbo lists Knapperige Toast naturel (100 g), as well as a variety with green olive and basil.
- Check the shape of the product you choose separately; a flavoured variety doesn’t tell you how sturdy it is.
ALDI
A range featuring both toast and crackers in different shapes.
- ALDI Netherlands lists Van Vlegelaar Krokante tarwe toast and Goud Gebakken Robuuste crackers.
- ‘Robust’ isn’t a measured thickness or break strength, so don’t assume a cracker is sturdier than toast.
Bolletje
Crackers and rusks are alternatives if you’re not set on party toast.
- Bolletje lists crackers, Bagel Crackers, crispbread and rusks among the products on its range page.
- A cracker or rusk has a different shape from a small piece of toast, so check that it suits your toppings.
Related Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is melba toast suitable if I’m looking for thick toast for generous toppings?
Melba toast isn’t the obvious choice if you specifically want a thick base: Van der Meulen describes its melba toast as thinly sliced. If you want more generous toppings, look at another type of toast or a cracker, but check the product’s shape first; its name doesn’t prove how sturdy it is.
How can I keep toast crisp during a picnic?
Take the toast with you dry and in a sealed pack, and add moist toppings just before serving. Keep any toppings that need chilling cool separately; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping food chilled during a picnic.
Is toast in the Netherlands always made with iodised baker’s salt?
No. Don’t assume a particular toast product contains baker’s salt without checking the label. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bread doesn’t have to be made with baker’s salt; check the ingredients of the toast you choose.
How do I check for allergens in toast?
Read the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging for the variety you’ve chosen. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the mandatory allergen labelling for prepacked foods; also check for any cross-contamination warnings if they’re relevant to your choice.