If you’re preparing lots of small bites
Packaged toast is a handy size for portioning up bites. If keeping it crisp is important, add moist toppings shortly before serving.
Which toast base is right for you?
If you want to toast fresh bread
Larger slices of sourdough bread work well for bites you prepare just before eating. Jumbo says the sourdough loaves in its range have a crisp crust; slicing and toasting them yourself is still part of the preparation.
If you check labels for your guests
Compare the ingredients, allergens and nutritional values of the product you choose rather than relying on the word ‘sourdough’. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information for pre-packed products is shown on the label and must also be available for non-pre-packed products.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’ll prepare the bites in advance or toast the bread just before serving. Then compare the size and labelling of the products you’re considering for your barbecue.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Small bites | Check the size of the toast and think about when you’ll add moist toppings. | If I’m preparing lots of bites, I want a handy base that won’t be softened by the toppings before serving. This preparation comes first for around 45% of consumers. |
| Toasting fresh | Check that you can cut the bread into suitable slices, and allow time to toast them just before eating. | For larger slices, I’d rather make time to slice and toast the bread on the spot. This is the most important consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Label and nutritional value | Read the ingredients and allergen information; compare fibre and salt per 100 g if they matter to you. | If guests need to consider ingredients or allergens, I want to be able to check the information for that specific bread. Checking the label is the top priority for around 22% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming sourdough toast is made with sourdough alone
The ingredients for Jos Poell Zuurdesem Toast, as listed by Albert Heijn, include yeast as well as wheat sourdough powder. So the product name doesn’t tell you everything about the ingredients.
If the ingredients matter to you, read the list for the specific product you’re choosing.
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Buying a whole loaf without a plan for serving it
Fresh sourdough bread takes more preparation than ready-to-serve toast if you want to make small barbecue bites.
Decide in advance what size slices you want, and who will slice and toast the bread just before serving.
This preparation also takes time while the other dishes are being served.
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Guessing a bread’s allergens from its name
Jos Poell Zuurdesem Toast, as listed by Albert Heijn, contains wheat and rye. Other toast products and fresh bread may have different ingredients.
Check the current allergen information for the specific product. If you’re buying non-pre-packed bread, ask about it before you buy.
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Assuming all toast is made with iodised baker’s salt
The name ‘toast’ or ‘sourdough bread’ doesn’t tell you which type of salt was used.
If the type of salt matters to you, check the ingredients list or ask which ingredients are used when buying unpackaged bread.
Brands and shops to consider
Bolletje
Bolletje sells products including crackers and rusks: other crisp bases for small bites.
- An option if sourdough flavour isn’t essential.
- Check that the size and ingredients of each product work with your toppings; crackers and rusks aren’t sourdough toast.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn provides product information about toast and recipes that use toasted slices of sourdough bread.
- The product information for Jos Poell Zuurdesem Toast shows which ingredients, allergens and nutritional values you can compare when choosing packaged toast.
- A recipe for toasted sourdough bread isn’t a comparison of available toast products, so check the product you’re actually buying.
Jumbo
Jumbo describes a range of sourdough breads for anyone who wants to toast larger slices fresh.
- Jumbo says this range of bread is proved for more than 24 hours with fresh sourdough starter and has a crisp crust.
- Jumbo says these loaves are only available in store; check the ingredients for the product you choose.
Lidl
Lidl displays a fibre meter on its packaged breads.
- This can help you compare the fibre content of packaged breads per 100 g.
- Also check whether the bread you choose contains sourdough and is suitable for the size of bites you want to make.
ALDI
ALDI lists bread, toast and crackers among its bakery products.
- You can compare different types of bread and toast bases.
- Check the packaging to see whether the product is sourdough toast and which allergens are listed.
Products for your barbecue
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Does sourdough toast automatically contain more fibre than regular toast?
No. The word ‘sourdough’ doesn’t tell you how much fibre the toast contains. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g for the products you’re considering, and check the label to see which bread or grain has been used.
How can I tell if toast is made with iodised salt?
Check the ingredients list for the type of salt used; don’t rely on the name ‘toast’ or ‘sourdough bread’ alone. If you’re buying unpackaged bread, you can ask the baker about the ingredients.
Where can I find allergen information for bread served at a barbecue?
For pre-packed toast, you’ll find allergen information on the label. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says it must also be available for non-pre-packed bread. Always check the product you plan to serve: for example, Jos Poell Zuurdesem Toast, as listed by Albert Heijn, contains wheat and rye.
When should I add toppings to sourdough toast?
Add moist toppings shortly before serving if you want to keep the toast crisp. If you’re using fresh sourdough bread, toast the slices just before adding the toppings. An Albert Heijn Allerhande recipe uses a griddle pan, oven grill or toaster.