Which toast is right for you?

Hosts who want the toast to make a difference

If you’re serving mild Christmas toppings and want a toast with sourdough ingredients, rather than using it simply as a base, check the ingredients listed on the pack for each variety.

Anyone putting together a platter with different toppings

Small pieces of Melba toast are a good option if you want to top each canapé individually. Choose a flavour of toast to suit the toppings you have planned.

Anyone catering for guests with allergies

Before Christmas dinner, check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings for each variety. Also consider how you serve different types of toast and toppings.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide what role the toast should play alongside the toppings. Then check the label and make sure the variety you choose is available.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is this most important for?
Flavour alongside the toppings Check the sourdough ingredients and choose a plain or flavoured variety that goes well with your toppings. I want the toast to bring its own flavour alongside mild Christmas toppings, without clashing with them. This is the top priority for around 50% of consumers.
Allergens and gluten Check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings for each variety. If you need a gluten-free option, look for an explicit gluten-free label. If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to take that into account when preparing and serving the toppings too. This is the top priority for around 33% of consumers.
Availability and portions Check current availability and pack size, and consider whether you’ll need a suitable alternative. Just before Christmas dinner, I want to be able to buy enough toast and portion out the canapés properly. This matters most to around 17% of consumers.

Common mistakes when choosing

  • Assuming sourdough toast is gluten-free

    Jos Poell Sourdough Toast, listed by Albert Heijn, contains wheat and rye. So the name ‘sourdough’ doesn’t mean the toast is gluten-free.

    If you need a gluten-free option, check the pack for an explicit gluten-free label and keep the toast separate from other varieties when serving.

  • Planning your menu around a single product listing

    Albert Heijn lists Jos Poell Sourdough Toast as discontinued. A product page alone isn’t a reliable reason to assume you’ll be able to buy it for your dinner.

    Check what’s available before settling on your toppings, and have a flavour-compatible alternative in mind.

    Changing the type of toast at the last minute could mean an extra trip to the shops.

  • Inferring iodine content from the product name

    Words such as ‘sourdough’ and ‘artisan’ don’t tell you whether a toast product contains baker’s salt or how much iodine it has.

    Compare the ingredient information and ask the manufacturer for product details if iodine is relevant to your choice.

Brands and product ranges to consider

Jos Poell

The Sourdough Toast listed by Albert Heijn contains wheat flour, rye flour and wheat sourdough powder.

  • A specific product you can use to compare the ingredients in sourdough toast.
  • Albert Heijn lists the product as discontinued. The product information also warns that it may contain traces of egg, milk, soya and sesame.

Van der Meulen

The wholemeal Melba toast on Albert Heijn’s product page is an alternative to sourdough toast.

  • The product information lists 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g and a pack with individually portioned servings.
  • The listed variety contains wheat, rye, barley, soya and sesame, among other ingredients. Check the current packaging for your guests.

Albert Heijn

The party toast category is a useful starting point for exploring different styles of toast for Christmas dinner.

  • The category includes plain, wholemeal and sesame varieties, among others.
  • A category listing doesn’t confirm that a particular variety is sourdough toast. Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack.

Joybuy products for toast

Matching products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is sourdough toast automatically gluten-free?

No. Jos Poell Sourdough Toast, listed by Albert Heijn, contains wheat and rye. If you need a gluten-free option, check that the product is explicitly labelled as gluten-free and keep it separate from other toast when serving.

Should I also check for possible traces when choosing toast for Christmas dinner?

Yes, if a guest has a relevant allergy. The product information for Jos Poell Sourdough Toast warns that it may contain traces of egg, milk, soya and sesame. Always check the current packaging of the variety you buy.

Does sourdough toast contain iodine?

No, you can’t tell how much iodine it contains from the name ‘sourdough toast’. Check the ingredient information and ask the manufacturer for product details if you want to compare toast on this basis.

What can I do if my chosen sourdough toast isn’t available?

Choose an alternative that goes with the same toppings and check its ingredients too. Plain Melba toast could be a good option if you want the toppings to provide the flavour; wholemeal or flavoured varieties call for a little more thought.