For anyone serving lots of small nibbles
Thin Melba toast gives you an even-sized base for small, topped bites. Van der Meulen’s multigrain version comes in six packs of six pieces, so you don’t have to open them all at once.
Which shape works best for you?
The number of nibbles you’re serving, the texture you want and any ingredients your guests need to avoid all help determine which size is most practical.
For lovers of seeds and a satisfying crunch
If the classic toast shape isn’t essential, you could also consider crackers or crispbread. The Bolletje varieties mentioned here combine different seeds with a shape that’s unlike thin toast for party nibbles.
For anyone choosing nibbles for guests with allergies
Check the ingredients, allergens and any cross-contamination information on each pack. The Melba and Bolletje varieties discussed here list sesame and gluten-containing cereals, among other ingredients; the multigrain Melba toast also contains soya.
What should you look for?
Start with your toppings: thin toast is handy for small portions, while choosing a sturdier alternative will also change the shape of your nibbles. Then weigh up the seeds you’d like against any ingredients you need to check for your guests.
Multigrain or wholemeal Melba toast
When to choose it: opt for this thin format if you want to top lots of small bites evenly.
Consider: the base is thin, so take care with wet or heavy toppings.
Multigrain baguette toast
When to choose it: consider this format if you want to top your nibbles in advance and keeping them crisp is a priority.
Consider: Haust’s claim that it stays crisp for longer is a brand claim; also check whether this variety is available.
Seeded cracker or crispbread
When to choose it: go for this option if you’re looking for a variety of visible seeds and a sturdier base.
Consider: a cracker or crispbread isn’t thin toast for party nibbles, so adjust the size of your bites accordingly.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Serving it crisp | Compare the size and number of pieces in each pack. Think about whether you’ll add the toppings in advance and how wet they are. | I want to prepare small bites ahead of time without the base going soft before guests pick them up. Around 42% of consumers put ease of serving first. |
| Seeds and texture | Check which seeds are actually listed in the ingredients, and whether you’re buying toast, crackers or crispbread. | I’m looking for a range of seeds and a more substantial crunch for my sharing platter, even if that means serving a different-shaped nibble. This is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the latest allergen information and cross-contamination details. Compare salt per 100 g if that’s relevant to your choice. | If guests need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what I can safely serve first. This check comes top of the list for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘lots of seeds’
The term ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you which seeds a product contains. A product with lots of visible seeds might also be a cracker or crispbread rather than toast.
Check which seeds are listed in the ingredients, then choose the shape that suits your nibbles.
-
Overlooking sesame and other allergens
The seeded products discussed here list sesame and gluten-containing cereals, among other ingredients; soya is also listed in the multigrain Melba toast. This is important if you’re serving guests with allergies.
Check the latest packaging for every product, and avoid cross-contamination when adding toppings and serving.
-
Assuming a bakery product contains iodine based on its type
The word ‘toast’ doesn’t tell you which type of salt has been used in a particular product.
If iodine matters to your choice, check the type of salt in the ingredients list rather than relying on the product name.
-
Planning your menu around one type of baguette toast
Albert Heijn listed Haust Multigrain Baguette Toast as no longer part of its range. Don’t count on finding that specific pack without checking with your shop.
Check current availability before settling on the number of nibbles and toppings you’ll need.
Brands to consider
These examples highlight the differences between specific product types. Features of one variety won’t necessarily apply to the whole brand.
Van der Meulen / Melba
Thin Melba toast for small topped bites, including multigrain and wholemeal varieties with sesame.
- The multigrain variety combines wholemeal wheat with sesame and comes in six small packs; the wholemeal variety lists 4% sesame seeds.
- Both varieties discussed contain gluten-containing cereals and sesame. The multigrain variety also contains soya.
Haust
Multigrain baguette toast for topped party nibbles.
- According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the pack discussed contains around 20 pieces of toast.
- Haust’s claim that its recipe keeps topped toast crisp for extra long is a brand claim. Check whether this variety is still available.
Bolletje
Seeded crackers and crispbread if you’re looking for an alternative to classic toast for party nibbles.
- Ontbijtcrackers Meerzaden includes linseeds, sunflower seeds, sesame and pumpkin seeds, among other ingredients. Bolletje describes Oerknäck Waldkorn as 100% wholegrain.
- These two products aren’t thin toast for party nibbles, and contain gluten-containing cereals and sesame.
Products for your sharing platter
These Joybuy products are crackers and baguettes for anyone looking for an alternative base for barbecue nibbles alongside ready-made toast. Crackers have a different shape from toast for party nibbles, while baguettes need to be portioned yourself.
Image unavailable
TastyBasics sunflower seed crackers, 8 pieces
For anyone looking to use sunflower seed crackers as a base for small barbecue nibbles.
The pack contains 8 pieces. These are crackers, not thin pieces of toast; check the latest allergen information before serving them to guests.
Image unavailable
TastyBasics Multiseed Rusks, 184 g
An option if you’re looking for a product with several types of seeds and aren’t set on the shape of classic toast for party nibbles.
The pack states 184 g. Check the latest ingredients and allergen information before serving to guests.
Image unavailable
TastyBasics poppy seed crackers, 8 pieces, 200 g
For anyone who’d like to serve poppy seed crackers instead of thin toast for party nibbles.
The pack contains 8 crackers and states 200 g. Choose toppings to suit the flavour, and check the allergens on the pack.
Image unavailable
g'woon Popular Multigrain Baguettes, 2 pieces, 300 g
For anyone who’d like to slice their own bread as a base for barbecue nibbles rather than serving ready-made toast.
The pack contains 2 baguettes and states 300 g. Allow time to slice them into portions, and check the latest allergen information.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 4 × 135 g
A bread base for nibbles if you can prepare it before serving.
The pack contains 4 baguettes weighing 135 g each. This isn’t ready-made toast, so allow time to defrost, bake, cool and slice them. Check the allergen information too.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘multigrain’ mean that toast contains lots of seeds?
No, the name doesn’t tell you how many seeds it contains or which ones. Van der Meulen Melba Multigrain contains sesame and several grains, while Bolletje Ontbijtcrackers Meerzaden lists linseeds, sunflower seeds, sesame and pumpkin seeds, among other ingredients. Compare the ingredients list if the types of seeds are what will determine your choice.
What base can I choose for nibbles I’m topping in advance?
Consider baguette toast if keeping it crisp beneath the toppings is your main concern, but also think about how wet your toppings are. Haust says its multigrain baguette toast stays crisp for extra long; that’s a brand claim, not an independent test. Check availability before relying on that particular variety.
Can I serve seeded toast to someone with a sesame allergy?
If someone has a sesame allergy, don’t choose a product whose ingredients or allergen information lists sesame. The Melba and Bolletje varieties discussed here list sesame. Check the latest packaging and any information about possible cross-contamination for every product.
How can I tell whether a toast product contains iodised salt?
Check which type of salt is listed in the ingredients for the specific pack. Don’t assume it contains iodine based on the word ‘toast’, the brand or where the product comes from.