Which option is right for you?

Putting together a sharing platter

If you’re looking for small, crunchy bases for delicate toppings, shape and texture matter. Thin Melba toast keeps things subtle, while a seeded cracker lets the seeds take centre stage.

Comparing fibre content

If you’re looking at wholemeal flour and fibre, the ingredients list and nutritional information per 100 g tell you more than the term ‘multigrain’ alone.

Checking ingredients carefully

If you have questions about allergens or salt, the current label is the deciding factor. The products discussed here include sesame and various grains, but ingredients vary between products.

What should you look for when choosing?

Decide whether you want the base itself to add seeds and crunch, or whether you’d prefer something thin that lets the topping shine. Then compare the labels of products in your chosen category.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Wholemeal, fibre and seeds Check which flours are used, the fibre per 100 g and any stated percentage of seeds. For my lunch, I mainly want to know how much fibre the product contains and whether the seeds are more than just a topping; around 36% of consumers give this need the highest priority.
Shape and crunch Choose a size that suits the topping, and decide whether you want a thin piece of toast or a sturdier cracker. For a sharing platter, I want the bites to be easy to top and serve; presentation and texture come first for around 29% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the current ingredients list and allergen information, even if you’ve bought the product before. If I’m serving others, I need to know which ingredients and allergens are in this product; for around 21% of consumers, checking this is their top priority when buying.
Salt and type of salt Compare salt per 100 g and, if you’re interested in iodine, check which type of salt is listed in the ingredients. When I compare similar toasts, I want to check the salt content and the type of salt listed first; around 14% of consumers start with this label information.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘wholemeal’

    A multigrain product can contain both wholemeal flour and refined flour. For example, Jumbo lists both types of wheat flour in Van der Meulen Melba Multigrain Toast.

    If wholemeal flour matters to you, check the product description and ingredients list, and compare fibre per 100 g separately.

  • Assuming visible seeds are enough of an ingredient check

    The products discussed may contain sesame, gluten-containing grains or soya, among other ingredients. Allergens and warnings vary between products.

    Read the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging before buying or serving.

  • Assuming organic means a particular fibre or salt content

    Jumbo lists 4.9 g of fibre and 2.1 g of salt per 100 g for Van der Meulen Melba Organic Sesame Toast. The organic label doesn’t answer these nutritional questions.

    Consider the certification and nutritional information separately, and compare nutritional values per 100 g with similar toast.

  • Expecting all toast to use the same type of salt

    You can’t tell from the product category alone whether iodised salt has been used.

    Check the ingredients list if the type of salt matters to your choice.

Brands and product ranges to compare

Bolletje

Worth considering if you’re looking for a seeded cracker with a clearly visible seed mix.

  • Albert Heijn lists 45% seeds and kernels and 18 g of fibre per 100 g for Bolletje 45% Seed Crackers.
  • This product contains wheat, barley and sesame. Also check the packaging for information about other allergens.

Van der Meulen / Melba

Worth considering if you want thin Melba toast in a multigrain or organic sesame variety.

  • For Multigrain Toast, Jumbo lists 45% wholemeal wheat flour and 3% sesame seeds; according to the product information, the organic sesame toast contains 7% sesame seeds.
  • The multigrain variety also contains refined wheat flour. Compare fibre, salt and allergens for each product rather than relying on the name.

Albert Heijn

A retailer where you can compare product specifications for items such as Bolletje 45% Seed Crackers.

  • The product information lists ingredients, allergens and nutritional values.
  • When buying, check the current packaging to confirm the details of your chosen product.

Jumbo

A retailer with product information on the Van der Meulen multigrain and sesame toast mentioned here.

  • The listed ingredients and nutritional values make it possible to compare these products.
  • Check the packaging of the specific product before buying, especially for allergen information.

Goud Gebakken / ALDI

Worth considering if you’d also like to look at multiseed and sesame wholemeal crackers.

  • ALDI lists these varieties in its breakfast or thin cracker range.
  • Check the seed percentage, salt and allergens on the packaging of the product you choose.

Seeded rusks and crackers at Joybuy

These products suit anyone looking for rusks or crackers with seeds and a more substantial crunch. If you’re after a thin toast base for delicate toppings, they aren’t directly comparable to Melba toast.

Bolletje Multi-Seed Rusk, 10 pieces

Bolletje Multi-Seed Rusk – 10 pieces

For anyone who’d like multiseed rusks with lunch or drinks instead of thin toast.

Pack size: 10 pieces.

If you have allergies, check the current packaging for wheat, sesame and information about nuts.

View at Joybuy
Lu Vitalu Multiseed Crackers, 200 g

Lu Vitalu Multiseed Crackers – 200 g

For anyone looking for a multiseed cracker for breakfast or lunch and wanting to compare the nutritional information for each product.

Pack size: 200 g.

If you have allergies, read the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does all toast bought in the Netherlands contain iodised baker’s salt?

No, don’t assume that it does. If the type of salt used matters to your purchase, check the ingredients list for the toast you’ve chosen.

Is multigrain toast the same as wholemeal toast?

No, ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you how much wholemeal flour has been used. Jumbo lists both wholemeal wheat flour and refined wheat flour in Van der Meulen Melba Multigrain Toast, so check the ingredients for the specific product.

How do you compare seeded toast for fibre and salt?

Compare the nutritional information for like-for-like products per 100 g. This means portion size won’t affect your comparison of fibre or salt.

Which allergens should you check in seeded toast?

For the specific product, check for sesame and gluten-containing grains, among other ingredients. Soya and information about milk, eggs and nuts may also be relevant. Read the current allergen information on the packaging before serving the product.