Who is this choice important for?

Parents who want to serve seeded toast

You’re looking for something crisp that you can top, but don’t want to assume that a product is wholegrain or suitable for every child just because it contains seeds.

Organisers who need to take allergies into account

You want to check the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging before serving. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises asking about allergies and other dietary restrictions in advance when preparing treats for children.

Parents who want to compare wholegrains and fibre

You check the grain base and fibre per 100 g, rather than judging by the seeds shown on the front of the packaging.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the dietary requirements for the party. Once you’ve found toast that’s suitable for the children attending, you can decide whether the grain base or serving it in small portions matters more to you.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Allergens Ask about allergies and read the allergen information and any warnings on the current packaging. Keep the packaging to hand when serving. If a child with an allergy is coming, I want to know which toast is suitable for them before serving anything. Around 40% of consumers put checking allergens first.
Grain base and seeds Look for wholemeal flour in the ingredients list and compare fibre and salt per 100 g. Check which seeds the product contains. If I want to take wholegrains or fibre into account, I don’t want to judge by the visible seeds alone. For around 30% of consumers, this comparison is the top priority.
Portions and toppings Check the size, number of pieces and whether the product comes in individual packs. Choose toppings you can add just before serving. I want to be able to serve small portions without laying out all the toast at once. For around 30% of consumers, convenience is the main priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘with seeds’ means suitable for everyone

    Sesame is an allergen. Depending on the variety, the product may also contain gluten-containing grains or other allergens; the product name or picture doesn’t tell you the whole story.

    Ask about allergies before buying, and check the ingredients, allergens and any warnings on the exact pack you plan to serve.

  • Assuming sesame toast is wholegrain

    Seeds and a wholegrain base are two different things. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that wholegrain products contain more fibre than varieties made with white flour.

    Check whether wholemeal flour is listed in the ingredients and compare the nutritional information per 100 g, including fibre and salt.

  • Topping all the toast in advance and putting it out

    Small portions that are easy to serve are handy for a children’s party. Toast left with toppings on for a long time can lose its crispness.

    Decide in advance how much you want to serve and add the toppings as close to serving time as possible.

  • Assuming the product contains iodine based on its type

    The fact that toast contains seeds doesn’t tell you whether baker’s salt was used. You can’t answer that just by looking at the front of the pack.

    If you want to know whether a specific variety contains baker’s salt, check the packaging or ask the manufacturer.

Brands and ranges to consider

These examples show why it’s worth comparing the exact variety: sesame, wholemeal flour, allergens and pack formats vary from one product to another.

Van der Meulen

Van der Meulen Melba sesame toast is a thin variety of toast for small topped snacks. Albert Heijn’s product information lists a 120 g pack containing six packs of six mini toasts.

  • The variety described contains 7% sesame seeds and lists 5 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The product information lists wheat, sesame, barley and soya among the allergens. Check the current packaging if a child needs to avoid any of these.

Albert Heijn

AH Scrocchi Sesame Linseed is a cracker made with ingredients including wholemeal wheat flour, wholemeal rye flour, linseed and sesame seeds.

  • Albert Heijn lists 7.7% linseed, 4.7% sesame seeds and 7 g of fibre per 100 g for this variety.
  • The same product information lists 1.5 g of salt per 100 g and names sesame, rye and wheat as allergens.

Bolletje

Bolletje Bagel Crackers Sesame is a sesame cracker and an alternative to traditional party toast.

  • Bolletje lists 7.6% toasted sesame seeds in the ingredients for this variety.
  • Bolletje names wheat, barley and sesame as allergens present, and warns that the product may also contain traces of egg, soya, milk and nuts, among other things.

ALDI

ALDI’s range includes toast varieties made with ingredients such as wholegrains, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.

  • The range gives you options to consider if you’re looking for a variety with seeds other than sesame.
  • Check the packaging of your chosen variety to compare its ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.

Lidl

Lidl’s range includes Melba toast, including a 240 g pack.

  • Melba toast is one product type to consider if you want to serve mini toasts.
  • Before choosing a variety for the party, check its packaging for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.

A cracker option on Joybuy

If you’re looking for a crisp sesame base for the party, you could also consider a cracker. The option below is a cracker, not Melba toast, so check that its size and allergens suit what you plan to serve.

Wasa Thin Crisp Sesame, 190 g pack

Wasa Thin Crisp Sesame, 190 g

A sesame cracker to consider if you want to serve a crisp base for toppings.

190 g pack. Before serving, check the current allergen information, particularly for sesame, wheat and barley, and look out for any warning about milk. Also check the number of crackers if you want to prepare small portions.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Should you ask about allergies before a children’s party?

Yes. Ask which children have an allergy or other dietary restriction before choosing the toast. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises doing this when preparing treats for children. Then check the current allergen information for the variety you plan to serve.

Is seeded toast always wholegrain?

No. The presence of seeds doesn’t tell you whether the grain base is wholegrain. AH Scrocchi Sesame Linseed lists wholemeal wheat and rye flour, while the ingredients list for Van der Meulen Melba sesame toast starts with wheat flour. So check the ingredients list for the variety you choose.

Can you assume all seeded toast is made with baker’s salt?

No. The seeds don’t tell you what salt was used. If you want to know whether a specific toast is made with baker’s salt, check the packaging or ask the manufacturer.

How can you keep toast crisp until it’s served?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and add toppings as close to serving time as possible. That way, the toast doesn’t have to sit ready with toppings on while the children are still waiting to eat.