Bulk buyer looking for seeds in their toast
You want the crunch of seeds, so you check the ingredients in actual toast. A product name featuring ‘multiseed’ doesn’t, by itself, tell you whether you’re buying toast, crackers or crispbreads.
Who is this choice for?
Host who wants to keep portions crisp
You plan to serve the toast at different occasions, so you check the best-before date, how many individual packs there are and how to reseal an opened pack. For example, Albert Heijn lists small individual packs for AH Melba toast naturel.
Buyer who needs to check allergens
You read the allergen information on the exact packaging before buying several packs. Sesame and cereals containing gluten are worth checking for; a ‘may contain’ warning could also affect your choice.
What should you look for when buying in bulk?
First decide whether you need small pieces of toast or whether a sturdier alternative would also work. Then compare the ingredients and packaging with how often you plan to use your stock.
Toast with seeds
A good choice when: you’re looking for toast to top with other ingredients and want seeds to be part of the product. ALDI lists varieties with pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
Check: the ingredients, allergens and best-before date on the pack you choose.
Plain Melba toast in small packs
A good choice when: small pieces of toast for several occasions matter more than having seeds. Albert Heijn lists AH Melba toast naturel in 12 packs of 6 pieces.
Check: don’t assume that a plain variety contains seeds; read the allergen information too.
Seeded crackers, crispbread or rusks
A good choice when: seeds and a sturdier product matter more to you than the shape of canapé toast. According to Albert Heijn, Bolletje Ontbijtcrackers Meerzaden contains 22% seeds.
Check: these products differ from toast in shape and how you use them, so make sure they’ll work with your planned toppings.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Seeds and product type | Check that it’s toast, which seeds are listed in the ingredients and the fibre content per 100 g. | If I’m looking for toast with visible seeds, I don’t want to get home with plain toast or accidentally choose crackers instead. For around 40% of consumers, the seed profile is the main consideration. |
| Stock and crispness | Check the best-before date, any individually wrapped portions and the storage advice for opened packs. | I want to serve the toast on different occasions without opening more packs than necessary. Around 30% of consumers give stock management top priority. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the exact packaging. | If I have a sesame or gluten allergy, I need to know what the chosen product says before buying in bulk. For around 30% of consumers, checking the label comes before their other buying preferences. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a multiseed product is toast
Bolletje’s seeded products also include crackers, crispbread and rusks. They don’t automatically have the shape you’re looking for in small topped pieces of toast.
Check the product category and make sure the size and texture suit how you plan to use it.
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Opening several packs at once
Opened packs may lose their crispness before you’ve used all the toast.
If possible, open one individual pack at a time. The Voedingscentrum recommends storing opened toast in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container; also follow the instructions on the packaging.
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Assuming iodised baker’s salt is always used
The Dutch agreement on baker’s salt doesn’t guarantee that every toast product contains iodised salt. In its 2008 agreement, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport described measures to encourage its use; brood.net notes that using it is not a legal requirement.
If iodine is relevant to your choice, check the type of salt listed in the ingredients for the specific product.
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Checking allergens only after buying in bulk
Seeded products may contain sesame. Even plain toast may carry a warning about the possible presence of sesame.
Before buying, read the latest ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety you’ve chosen. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be listed on the label.
Brands and retailers to consider
Bolletje
Worth considering if crackers, crispbread or rusks with seeds would also suit how you plan to use them.
- Albert Heijn lists Bolletje Ontbijtcrackers Meerzaden as containing 22% seeds.
- Crackers, crispbread and rusks aren’t canapé toast, so check the product type before buying several packs.
Albert Heijn
A retailer to consider when comparing plain Melba toast in small individual packs.
- Albert Heijn lists AH Melba toast naturel in 12 packs of 6 pieces.
- Don’t choose this product on the assumption that plain toast contains seeds; check the allergen information too.
ALDI
A retailer to consider if you’re specifically looking for toast with seeds.
- ALDI Netherlands lists varieties of toast with pumpkin and sunflower seeds in its range.
- Check the current variety, packaging, ingredients and allergen information in store.
Lidl
A retailer to consider for Melba toast if seeds aren’t essential.
- Lidl lists 240 g Melba toast as an in-store product.
- Check the packaging to see whether the variety available meets your requirements for seeds and allergens.
Crackers as an alternative to toast
These Joybuy products are crackers for anyone happy to choose a different shape from toast when buying in bulk. Compare the best-before date and packaging if you plan to use them on different occasions.
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Wasa Thin Crisp Sesame 190 g
A cracker for anyone looking for sesame and happy to choose a different shape from toast. The pack contains 190 g.
Before buying in bulk, check the best-before date and how many individual packs are included. If you have allergies, read the latest allergen information.
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Bolletje Sesame Bagel Crackers 225 g
A bagel-style cracker for anyone looking for an alternative to toast. The pack contains 225 g.
Check that the shape works with your toppings, and before buying in bulk, check the best-before date, any individual packs and the allergens listed on the label.
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Bolletje Light Spelt Crackers 190 g
A spelt cracker for anyone looking for a cracker rather than toast. The pack contains 190 g.
Check the ingredients listed on the pack you choose, along with the best-before date and storage advice. If you have a sesame or gluten allergy, read the latest allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
How should I store opened toast from a multipack?
Store opened toast in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container. The Voedingscentrum recommends keeping opened cracottes and toast in a kitchen cupboard for up to one month; also follow the advice on your packaging. When planning your stock of unopened packs, use the best-before dates shown.
Does toast in the Netherlands have to contain iodised baker’s salt?
No. Don’t assume that all toast contains iodised baker’s salt. Brood.net states that its use is not a legal requirement; in its 2008 agreement, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport described measures to encourage its use. Check the ingredients if the type of salt used is relevant to your choice.
How can I check for sesame and gluten in seeded toast?
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact, current packaging, including any ‘may contain’ warning. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains allergen labelling; a similar product or an older product description is no substitute for the label on the product you’ve chosen.
Can I use multiseed crackers instead of canapé toast?
Yes, if a sturdier product works with your planned toppings, but crackers aren’t the same as canapé toast. Compare the size and ingredients: for example, Albert Heijn lists Bolletje Ontbijtcrackers Meerzaden as containing 22% seeds, and the product name makes clear that they’re crackers.