If you’re serving a range of toppings
You want spicy, savoury or creamy toppings, for example, to provide the main flavour. Plain Melba toast is a more logical starting point than toast flavoured with olives and herbs.
Who is this choice relevant to?
If you want the toast to add flavour too
You’re looking for flavour in the base as well as in the toppings. Sesame or multigrain toast is worth comparing, as long as its flavour works with your toppings.
If you’re checking ingredients for guests
You want to know which allergens and ingredients the variety you’ve chosen contains before serving it. The salt per 100 g or use of baker’s salt may also be relevant to your choice.
What should you look for when buying?
First decide whether the topping or the toast should provide the main flavour. Then think about when you’ll add the toppings and check the packaging for the exact variety.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour base | Check whether the toast is plain or contains ingredients such as olives, tomato and herbs. | If I’m serving several bold toppings, I don’t want an extra herb flavour in the base. A neutral flavour would therefore be the main reason for choosing a variety for around 36% of consumers. |
| Crispness | Check the product description and, if you’re serving moist toppings, add them as late as possible. | If I’m serving a creamy spread, I want the toast to stay crisp while it’s being served. Crispness would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the current packaging to see which allergens the exact variety contains and which may be present as traces. | If I’m serving guests with allergies, I need to be able to check in advance which variety may be suitable for them. Around 21% of consumers would put checking ingredients first. |
| Fibre and salt | Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and take the amount you’ll serve into account. | I want to compare the fibre and salt levels of different varieties rather than judge them by their name. For around 14% of consumers, this would be the main consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming premium toast goes with every topping
According to Jumbo, Jumbo Knapperige Toast contains ingredients including black olives, sun-dried tomato, herbs and chilli. Those flavours may compete with your toppings.
Choose seasoned toast if that’s the combination you’re after. For a table with a range of toppings, plain Melba toast is a more neutral starting point.
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Assuming sesame or multigrain means allergen-free
As well as wheat, sesame and multigrain varieties may contain other ingredients that matter to guests with allergies. Ingredients vary from product to product.
Check the allergen information on the exact packaging and keep a suitable alternative separate if a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients.
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Guessing the salt content from the product name
According to Albert Heijn’s product information, AH Biologisch Melba-toast met sesam contains 1,1 g of salt per 100 g; Jumbo lists 2,1 g per 100 g for Van der Meulen biologische sesamtoast. So being organic or containing sesame doesn’t tell you the salt content.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g, then consider how much toast you want to serve.
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Assuming all toast contains iodised baker’s salt
Not all toast automatically contains iodised baker’s salt. The Voedingscentrum says that bakers are not required to use baker’s salt.
If this ingredient matters to your choice, check the label on the specific toast or ask the manufacturer.
Brands to consider
Van der Meulen
The Melba range includes a plain base as well as sesame and multigrain varieties.
- For its multigrain variety, Jumbo lists 45% wholemeal wheat flour and 7,5 g of fibre per 100 g; according to Jumbo, the organic sesame variety contains 7% sesame.
- Ingredients and salt levels vary between varieties, so always check the packaging of the toast you choose.
Albert Heijn
The own-brand range includes both plain Melba toast and an organic sesame variety.
- Albert Heijn describes its plain variety as a base for toppings; according to its product information, the organic variety contains 7% sesame.
- With the sesame variety, you’ll need to check for sesame and ingredients containing gluten, among other things. Read the current allergen information.
Jumbo
Jumbo Knapperige Toast is an option if you want the toast itself to add a seasoned flavour.
- The product description lists black olives, sun-dried tomato, herbs and chilli.
- This isn’t a neutral base. If allergies are a concern, also check the ingredients and any possible traces listed.
Haust
Krokant Toast is worth considering if you want to serve moist toppings.
- According to Haust, its twice oven-baked toast with herb breadcrumbs stays crisp for longer after toppings are added; this is the manufacturer’s claim.
- According to the product information, the variety reviewed contains egg and cereals containing gluten. The herb coating also affects how its flavour works with your toppings.
Bolletje
Bolletje is worth considering if you’re looking at crackers or snack crackers as well as Melba toast.
- Bolletje’s range includes a variety of crackers and crispbreads.
- Crackers are a different product from Melba toast, so compare their shape and flavour with the toppings you plan to serve.
Melba toast for different toppings
These Joybuy products are Melba toast varieties to consider if you’re planning to offer a range of toppings at an Asian-themed evening. Choose the pack and flavour base that suit your serving plans.
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Delverde Classic Melba Toast, 100 g
Melba toast to consider if you want different toppings to provide the main flavour.
According to the product information, it contains cereals containing gluten; sesame, soya and mustard may be present as traces. If you have allergies, check the current packaging. Also check the label if the use of baker’s salt matters to you.
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Crispy Melba Toast, 240 g
Melba toast to consider if you’re serving several types of toppings or dips.
Before buying, check the allergens listed on the current packaging, especially if you’re choosing it for guests with allergies. Also check the label if the use of baker’s salt matters to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is sesame toast a better fit for an Asian-themed evening than plain toast?
Sesame toast is a good choice if you want to taste sesame in the base too; plain Melba toast leaves more room for the flavours of a range of toppings. Albert Heijn lists 7% sesame in its organic Melba toast. If you choose it, check the allergens on the packaging.
How can I keep topped toast crisp?
Keep the toast dry and add the toppings as late as possible. If you’re serving moist toppings, you could also compare it with Haust Krokant Toast: according to Haust, this twice oven-baked variety stays crisp for longer, but that’s no guarantee with every topping or serving time.
Does toast always contain iodine from baker’s salt?
No, don’t assume that it does. The Voedingscentrum says that bakers are not required to use baker’s salt. Check the label or ask the manufacturer if this ingredient matters to your choice.
Which allergens should I check in Melba toast?
Check the exact variety for ingredients such as cereals containing gluten, soya and sesame; other allergens may also be relevant, depending on the product. Read both the ingredients list and any warning about possible traces on the current packaging, especially if you’re serving guests with allergies.