For travellers who keep an eye on fibre
Looking for a crunchy snack base, with fibre as an important point of comparison? Check the fibre content per 100 g and the ingredients list. Sesame toast isn’t automatically wholemeal.
Which shape is right for you?
For travellers who like bite-sized toppings
Thin melba toast is ideal for small portions of toppings without much preparation. Compare the packaging and nutritional information for the exact variety, though: a small size alone tells you nothing about fibre or salt.
For travellers who need to check allergens
Sesame and gluten-containing cereals may be relevant in sesame toast, crispbread and crackers. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging before buying, even if you’ve bought the product before.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to take small pieces of toast or a larger cracker with you. Then compare the factors that matter most for your snack. Check nutritional values on the same basis, such as per 100 g.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre and wholemeal | Compare fibre per 100 g and check which cereals are listed in the ingredients. | If fibre is my priority, I don’t want to judge a product by a picture of seeds alone. Around 33% of consumers give this need top priority. |
| Sesame and texture | Check the stated sesame content and choose between thin toast, crispbread or a bagel cracker. | For my snack on the go, I mainly want a shape and sesame flavour I enjoy. This is a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Salt | Compare salt per 100 g and consider how much of the product and any savoury toppings you plan to eat. | When I take several snacks with me, I want to know how much salt is in the portion I’ve chosen. Salt is the main consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
| Size and toppings | Check the portion size, packaging and storage advice; consider whether you want to take toppings separately. | I want to be able to make a quick, small topped snack on the go without carrying fragile pieces of toast loose. Around 17% of consumers prioritise this convenience. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming sesame or organic means more fibre
According to product information from Albert Heijn, Van der Meulen wholemeal melba toast contains 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g. Jumbo lists 4.9 g per 100 g for Van der Meulen organic sesame melba toast. So the product name alone doesn’t predict the fibre content.
Compare fibre per 100 g and check separately whether you want a wholemeal product.
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Counting only the number of pieces of toast
A small piece of toast doesn’t make the salt content per 100 g any less relevant, especially if you eat more than one portion or add savoury toppings.
First compare the nutritional information per 100 g, then consider how much you’ll actually take with you.
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Checking allergens only after you’ve bought it
Sesame and gluten-containing cereals are found in the types of products discussed here. Information about possible traces of allergens may also matter when making your choice.
Check the current packaging before buying or packing your snack.
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Assuming a product page means the item is currently available
A product page may show ingredients and nutritional values even when you can’t order the item at that time. Jumbo stated that its Party Toast with Sesame was no longer part of its online range.
Check availability when doing your shopping before setting off, and compare an alternative using its label.
Brands to compare
These brands offer examples of different sesame varieties and shapes. Always compare the exact variety: melba toast, crispbread and bagel crackers aren’t the same product.
Van der Meulen
Worth considering if you’re specifically looking for thin sesame melba toast.
- Albert Heijn lists 9.7 g of fibre and 1.9 g of salt per 100 g for its wholemeal melba toast.
- Jumbo lists 4.9 g of fibre and 2.1 g of salt per 100 g for the organic sesame variety. So check which variety you’re choosing and read the allergen information.
Wasa
An option to consider if you want to compare sesame crispbread with thin toast.
- Albert Heijn’s product information lists wholemeal wheat and sesame for Wasa Sesame.
- Crispbread is a different size and shape from melba toast. Check the exact packaging for wheat, sesame and other allergen information too.
Bolletje
Bagel Crackers Sesame are a cracker-style alternative if you’re not looking for thin melba toast.
- Bolletje lists 7.6% toasted sesame seeds in this variety.
- This isn’t melba toast. The ingredients include wheat, barley and sesame, among other things; if you have allergies, check the current packaging.
Jumbo
The product information for Party Toast with Sesame can help you compare sesame toast.
- The product page lists 8% sesame and nutritional values per 100 g.
- Jumbo stated that this item was no longer part of its online range. Check current availability before choosing it as a shopping option.
Products for toast and cracker snacks
These Joybuy products are sesame and cracker-style options for on the go. Choose the size that suits you, and check the nutritional information on the exact packaging if fibre, salt or allergens are deciding factors for you.
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Wasa Breakfast Biscuits Sesame 250 g
A sesame variety to consider if you want something to eat on the go, with or without toppings. The pack contains 250 g; compare the nutritional information and allergen details for this variety before choosing.
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Wasa Thin Crisp Sesame 190 g
A thin sesame cracker for anyone looking for a different shape from small pieces of melba toast, with the option to add toppings. The pack contains 190 g; check the nutritional values on the packaging if you want to compare fibre with other products.
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Bolletje Sesame Bagel Crackers 225 g
A bagel cracker to compare if you’re looking for a larger cracker instead of thin melba toast. The pack contains 225 g. Bolletje lists 7.6% toasted sesame seeds for Bagel Crackers Sesam; if you have allergies, check the current label.
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Wasa High-Fiber Crackers 300 g
A cracker option for anyone who mainly wants to compare the nutritional information for different varieties. The pack contains 300 g. Check the label for fibre per 100 g and the ingredients if a distinctly sesame-flavoured variety is important to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is seeded toast automatically wholemeal?
No. Check the ingredients for the exact variety and compare fibre per 100 g if that matters to you. Sesame on the packaging doesn’t, by itself, tell you how much wholegrain the product contains.
Which allergens should I check in sesame toast?
At the very least, check for sesame and gluten-containing cereals. Also look for any other allergens that are relevant to you. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, certain allergens must be listed on the label. Always read the packaging for the variety you’re buying.
Does toast or crispbread always contain iodine?
You can’t tell from the name toast or crispbread. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, iodine compounds may be present in Dutch bakery products because baker’s salt is added. If you have a question about a specific product, check the ingredients information or ask the manufacturer.
How can I keep toast crisp in the car?
Store the pack according to the advice on the label and seal it well after opening. A sturdy, airtight container can help protect loose, fragile pieces of toast during your journey.
How do I compare the salt in small pieces of toast and larger crackers?
Start with the salt content per 100 g so you’re comparing like for like. Then consider the portion you plan to eat and include any savoury toppings in your decision.