Who is this choice relevant to?

If you want to add toppings to small bites

For a festive spread, you’ll want thin, crisp toast. The plain sesame Melba toast described by Albert Heijn contains 7% sesame seeds; check that its shape suits the toppings you plan to serve.

If you want to compare fibre content

If nutritional value matters more to you than the sesame flavour, the figures per 100 g give you a useful comparison. Jumbo lists 7.5 g of fibre for the multigrain Melba toast reviewed and 9.7 g for the wholemeal version.

For households checking allergens

If you’re buying for several people, you’ll want to know which ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings appear on the packaging. For the varieties reviewed, check in particular for sesame, cereals containing gluten and soya.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you mainly want toast that’s suitable for small toppings, want to compare fibre content, or need to choose based on the ingredients.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Base for toppings Check the shape of the toast and the stated seed percentage. Add toppings just before serving to keep the toast crisp. If I’m serving small bites during the parade, I want thin toast that’s easy to top. For around 40% of consumers, a crisp base comes first.
Fibre and grain base Compare fibre per 100 g and check which flour is listed as an ingredient. You can also compare the salt content per 100 g. If you choose toast for its nutritional value, you’ll want to know whether it’s made with wholemeal flour and how much fibre the variety contains. For around 30% of consumers, this is the deciding factor.
Ingredients and allergens Read the current ingredients list and check the allergen and potential trace warnings. If you specifically want to know whether iodised salt is used, ask the manufacturer. When I buy toast for my household, I first need to check that the ingredients are suitable for everyone. This is the main consideration for around 30% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming seeded means wholemeal

    Sesame seeds on toast don’t tell you anything by themselves about the flour used or the fibre content. The plain sesame variety described by Albert Heijn lists wheat flour; Jumbo lists wholemeal wheat flour for the wholemeal variety reviewed.

    Read the ingredients list and compare the nutritional information per 100 g if fibre matters to you.

  • Checking only for sesame when looking for allergens

    As well as sesame, the toast varieties reviewed may also list cereals containing gluten and soya. The product name doesn’t give you the full picture of its ingredients.

    Check the current packaging every time you buy, including any warnings about possible traces.

  • Assuming that ‘salt’ means the toast contains iodine

    An ingredients list that only mentions ‘salt’ doesn’t tell you whether iodised baker’s salt was used in that particular toast.

    Check the packaging or ask the manufacturer which salt was used if this matters to your choice.

  • Assuming a product page means it’s currently in stock

    The Jumbo description of Party Toast with Sesame also says that the product is no longer part of its online range. So a product description doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be able to buy the toast for the parade.

    Check current availability with the shop where you plan to do your shopping.

Brands to consider

Van der Meulen / Melba Toast

The range reviewed includes plain sesame, multigrain and wholemeal Melba toast. The right variety for you depends on whether you prefer a base for toppings, a particular grain or a stated fibre content.

  • Albert Heijn lists 7% sesame seeds for its plain sesame toast. Jumbo lists 45% wholemeal wheat flour for its multigrain variety and 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g for its wholemeal variety.
  • Check the allergens for each variety; the same brand name doesn’t mean the ingredients are the same.

Albert Heijn / AH Biologisch

AH Biologisch offers sesame Melba toast if you’re looking for an organic option.

  • Albert Heijn lists 7% sesame seeds and the EU organic logo for this toast.
  • Organic status says nothing about whether a product is suitable for someone with a sesame allergy or whether iodised baker’s salt is used. Read the ingredients list for the specific product.

Jumbo

Jumbo describes its own Party Toast with Sesame as a small toast for topping.

  • The product description lists 8% sesame seeds.
  • The online product page says this toast is no longer in the range. Check what’s currently available before counting on it for the parade.

Bolletje

Bolletje Ontbijtcrackers Meerzaden are an alternative if you’re looking for a cracker with a mix of seeds, rather than the same kind of thin Melba toast.

  • Bolletje lists, among other ingredients, 13% linseed, 3.9% roasted sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds in this breakfast cracker.
  • A breakfast cracker is a different shape from a small piece of toast. Check the allergens on the packaging too.

ALDI / Sun Snacks

ALDI lists toast and varieties with pumpkin and sunflower seeds in its range.

  • This gives you a starting point if you’re specifically looking for toast with seeds.
  • Check the packaging to see which ingredients, allergens and nutritional values apply to the variety you choose.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is sesame toast suitable if you have a sesame allergy?

No. Toast containing sesame as an ingredient isn’t suitable if you need to avoid sesame. The sesame toast varieties reviewed list sesame; also check the current packaging for other allergens and any warnings about possible traces.

Is seeded toast automatically wholemeal?

No. Seeds and wholemeal describe different product characteristics. Albert Heijn lists wheat flour for the plain sesame toast reviewed, while Jumbo lists wholemeal wheat flour for its wholemeal Melba toast. Check the ingredients list rather than looking at the seeds alone.

How should I store Melba toast once it’s open?

Seal the toast well after opening and follow the storage advice on the packaging. For the AH Biologisch variety reviewed, Albert Heijn recommends storing it in a sealed tin after opening; the Van der Meulen sesame toast described should be stored in a cool, dry place.

Can I add toppings to the toast before the Sinterklaas parade?

If you want to keep the toast crisp, it’s best to add the toppings just before serving. How well it holds up when topped in advance depends on the topping; no storage time has been specified for a particular combination.