Making small bites for a Christmas market
If you want to top and serve small portions, look for thin melba toast or party toast. Try it beforehand to make sure the topping is a good match for the toast in terms of weight and moisture.
Which shape is right for you?
Comparing seeds and fibre
Compare the ingredients and nutritional information per 100 g rather than relying on the name on the front of the pack. Sesame melba toast and a cracker with a high seed content are different products, even if you serve both with toppings.
Selling unpackaged bites
If you’re serving unpackaged toast, you must be able to tell customers about any allergens it contains. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the requirement to provide information about the 14 legally designated allergens. For these products, sesame and cereals containing gluten deserve particular attention.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how big you want each bite to be. Then compare the seeds and nutritional information of suitable options, and check the allergens and where you can buy the exact variety.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and presentation | Check the size of the toast or cracker, and try it with your planned topping. | If I want to serve small bites, the topping needs to fit the base I’ve chosen. Around 31% of consumers say size is their top priority. |
| Seeds and nutritional information | Check which seeds are listed and compare the stated fibre and salt per 100 g. | I want to know whether I’m mainly buying sesame toast or a cracker with a different seed mix. This composition matters most to around 31% of consumers. |
| Allergens when serving | Check the current label and, if selling unpackaged products, arrange for information about any allergens to be available before purchase. | When I’m selling bites, I want to be able to answer questions about sesame and cereals containing gluten. This is the main concern for around 23% of consumers. |
| Availability | Check the current place of sale, stock and pack size before planning your order. | If I’m planning to serve these, I want to be able to buy the packs I’ve chosen in good time. Around 15% of consumers put practical purchasing considerations first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all seeded products are the same kind of toast
Small sesame melba toast is a different shape from a seeded cracker. The seed content can vary too: Albert Heijn lists 7% sesame for AH Biologisch Melba toast met sesamzaadjes, while Bolletje lists a different seed content for its 45% Zadencrackers.
Compare both the label and the size. If you want to serve small pieces of toast, don’t choose a cracker based on its seed percentage alone.
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Looking only at sesame in sesame toast
The sesame toast and crackers reviewed also contain cereals with gluten. A brief description such as ‘seeded toast’ doesn’t give customers all the allergen information they may need.
Use the current packaging for the exact variety to provide allergen information. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires information about legally designated allergens in unpackaged food.
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Assuming a product page guarantees stock
Jumbo stated that Party Toast met Sesam was no longer part of its online range. Lidl, by contrast, lists its Melba Toast as an in-store product.
Check where the variety you’ve chosen is available shortly before placing your order. If you choose an alternative, check its label again too.
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Assuming you can tell the iodine content from the word ‘salt’
Seeing salt in the ingredients or nutritional information doesn’t tell you how much iodine a specific toast contains.
Only make a claim about iodine if the current packaging or the manufacturer provides evidence for the exact variety.
Brands to consider
Bolletje
Bolletje makes sesame bagel crackers and seeded crackers for anyone considering a cracker format as well as small pieces of toast.
- Bolletje says its Bagel Crackers Sesam contain 7.6% roasted sesame seeds; the brand lists 45% seeds for its 45% Zadencrackers.
- These are crackers, not mini melba toast. Check the ingredients and allergens for each variety.
Albert Heijn
AH Biologisch Melba toast met sesamzaadjes is a small piece of toast that works well with modest toppings.
- Albert Heijn lists 7% sesame for this melba toast.
- Check the label for other allergens too; the sesame information isn’t the full ingredients list.
Jumbo
Party Toast met Sesam is an example of small party toast.
- The party toast format is worth considering if you want to put together small bites.
- Jumbo said this product was no longer part of its online range. Check current availability before relying on it.
ALDI / Goud Gebakken
ALDI lists toast with pumpkin and sunflower seeds; make sure the shape and ingredients suit the variety you choose.
- This offers an alternative to sesame toast.
- Before listing seeds or allergens on a product card, check the current label for the specific variety.
Lidl / Tastino
Lidl lists Melba Toast as an in-store product. Here, ‘melba toast’ describes the shape, not a confirmed seed content.
- Lidl lists a 240 g pack sold in store.
- Check the current pack to confirm whether the melba toast you’ve chosen contains sesame or other seeds.
Seeded crackers on Joybuy
These are crackers containing seeds or sesame, for anyone considering a cracker as a base for a Christmas market bite. Check whether each product’s shape suits your planned portion; a cracker is not the same as small melba toast or party toast.
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Lu Vitalu Multiseed Crackers, 200 g
An option if you’re looking for a cracker with several types of seed for your bites, rather than classic melba toast. Check the size and current allergen information before deciding on your portions.
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Wasa Thin Crisp Sesame, 190 g
A thin sesame cracker to consider if you don’t need melba toast. Before ordering, check that each cracker is large enough for your planned topping, and read the current label for allergen information.
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Bolletje Bagel Crackers Sesam, 225 g
Consider these bagel crackers if you’re looking for a different size from small melba toast. Bolletje says Bagel Crackers Sesam contain 7.6% roasted sesame seeds. Before serving them as unpackaged bites, check the size and allergens on the current pack.
Frequently asked questions
Which allergens should I check in sesame toast?
At the very least, check the packaging for the exact variety for sesame and any cereals containing gluten. Look for other listed allergens and any information about possible traces too; sesame toast doesn’t always have the same ingredients.
Do I need to list allergens if I sell topped toast unpackaged?
Yes. Customers must be able to get information about any legally designated allergens in unpackaged food. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says this information can be provided in writing or electronically. Verbal information is only allowed under certain conditions, including that it is available directly before purchase and that a visible notice points customers to it.
Does salt on the label mean the toast contains iodine?
No. You can’t work out the iodine content of the exact toast from a mention of salt. For product-specific information, check the current packaging or contact the manufacturer about that variety.
How can I stop topped toast going soft before serving?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack and try the toast with your topping in advance. If the topping is moist, add it as close as possible to serving time.