If you’re serving small topped bites
Small, uniform pieces make a practical base for a range of toppings. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Van der Meulen Melba toast sesam is sold in small packs.
Which option is right for you?
If seeds and texture are your priority
Compare the types of seeds and their percentages on the label. According to Bolletje, Bolletje Ontbijtcrackers Meerzaden contains a variety of seeds and kernels, but it’s a cracker, not Melba toast.
If you need to take allergens into account
Check the label on the specific product you’ve chosen for any guest who needs to avoid certain ingredients. Sesame toast may also contain cereals containing gluten and soya.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want small pieces of toast or firmer crackers. Then compare the seeds and check the ingredients of the exact product you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and texture | If you’re making small bites, compare the product type, the size of the pieces and the packaging. | I want to serve a variety of toppings on small, uniform bites without using a large cracker. This toast size is the top priority for around 50% of consumers. |
| Type and quantity of seeds | Check which seeds are listed in the ingredients and what percentage is given for the product you’ve chosen. | If I want the seeds to be clearly noticeable, I’d rather choose based on the ingredients than the product name. The seed mix is the main consideration for around 30% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Check the allergens listed and any cross-contamination warnings on the current packaging. | I’m buying for guests who need to avoid certain ingredients, so the information on the specific pack comes before size or texture. This is the first concern for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all seeded products are alike
According to Albert Heijn, Van der Meulen Melba toast sesam contains 7% sesame seeds. Bolletje lists several different seeds and kernels in its Ontbijtcrackers Meerzaden. They’re different types of product, too.
Compare the ingredients and size of the exact products before deciding which will work with your toppings.
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Choosing sesame without checking the allergen label
Alongside sesame, the ingredients list for Van der Meulen Melba toast sesam at Albert Heijn also names wheat, barley and soya. The product name doesn’t tell you everything that might matter to your guests.
When you buy, check the allergens and any cross-contamination warnings on the packaging.
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Mistaking a cracker for a small piece of toast
A breakfast cracker or crispbread won’t necessarily be the same size as Melba toast. This matters if you want to make small, uniform bites.
Before buying, compare the pieces with how you plan to top and serve them.
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Assuming it’s made with iodised baker’s salt
Brood.net describes the use of iodised baker’s salt in the Netherlands as an agreement within the baking industry. That doesn’t mean every type of toast is made with it.
Check the ingredients list if the type of salt used is important to your choice.
Brands to consider
Van der Meulen
A good option if you’re looking for Melba toast as a base for small topped bites. Albert Heijn’s range includes sesame, wholemeal and multigrain varieties.
- Albert Heijn lists 7% sesame seeds and six small packs for its Melba toast sesam.
- According to the ingredients list, this sesame variety contains wheat, sesame, barley and soya. Check other varieties individually.
AH
Albert Heijn’s range of party toasts includes its own plain Melba toast and organic Melba toast with sesame seeds.
- You can compare plain and sesame options within the same range.
- For the ingredients and allergens in a specific variety, check its packaging or product page.
Bolletje
Bolletje Ontbijtcrackers Meerzaden is worth considering if you’d prefer to serve a cracker with a variety of seeds and kernels rather than thin Melba toast.
- Bolletje lists 13% linseed, 4% sunflower seeds, 3.9% sesame seeds and 1% pumpkin seeds in this breakfast cracker.
- It’s still a breakfast cracker, so compare its size with the Christmas bites you have in mind and check the allergen label.
Crackers and crispbread at Joybuy
These products are options if you’re looking for a crisp sesame base and are also considering crackers or crispbread. Don’t choose them just because they contain sesame: make sure the size suits the topped bites you have in mind.
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Wasa Thin Crisp Sesame, 190 g
A sesame cracker to consider if you’re looking for a crisp base for toppings. The pack states 190 g; compare the cracker dimensions with your preferred size for party bites and check the allergen label.
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Bolletje Sesame Bagel Crackers, 225 g
A sesame cracker for serving topped crackers instead of Melba toast. The pack states 225 g; check the size of the crackers and read the current allergen label.
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g'woon Crispbread Sesame, 5 pieces
Sesame crispbread to consider if you want a crisp base and don’t need Melba toast. The pack contains five pieces; check their dimensions for small bites and read the allergen label.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare the amount of seeds in toast and crackers?
Check the percentages in the ingredients list for the exact products. Albert Heijn lists 7% sesame seeds for Van der Meulen Melba toast sesam; Bolletje lists separate percentages for different seeds and kernels in its Ontbijtcrackers Meerzaden. Compare the product types too, as a breakfast cracker isn’t the same as Melba toast.
Can I serve sesame toast if a guest has a food allergy?
Don’t serve sesame toast without first checking the label on the specific pack. The ingredients list for Van der Meulen Melba toast sesam at Albert Heijn includes sesame, wheat, barley and soya; cross-contamination warnings may also be relevant to your guest.
Does toast always contain iodised baker’s salt?
No, you can’t assume this is the case for every type of toast. According to brood.net, the use of iodised baker’s salt in the Netherlands is encouraged through an agreement. If the type of salt used matters to your choice, check the product’s ingredients list.
How can I keep topped toast crisp until Christmas dinner?
Store the toast according to the instructions on the packaging and add the toppings as close to serving time as possible if you want to keep it crisp. Always follow the storage instructions for the product you buy.