If you want the base to stand out
Want the rye and sourdough to add a flavour of their own alongside the toppings? Wholegrain sourdough rye crispbread is a better fit than plain toast. Just bear in mind that it’s larger and more robust.
Which base is right for you?
If you’re making small bites with subtle toppings
For individually topped bites, a thin, plain base can give the toppings more room. Van der Meulen describes its Melba Toast Naturel as a base for topped bites; this product isn’t sourdough toast.
If the label will make the difference
Want to know which sourdough starter is used or what grains a product contains? Compare the ingredients and nutritional information on the exact pack. Also check separately whether bakers’ salt is listed, if that matters to your choice.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want the base itself to add flavour or simply support the toppings. Then compare the product’s shape and the information on the label.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sourdough as part of the base | Check which sourdough starter is listed in the ingredients and whether a proportion or fermentation process is specified for the exact product. | If I want the base itself to play a distinctive role, I’d want more to go on than just the word ‘sourdough’ on the front. For around 42% of consumers, this evidence-backed choice of sourdough would come first. |
| Size and mild flavour | Compare the shape and flavour of the toast with the toppings you want to serve. | For small bites with subtle toppings, I’d want the toast to support the toppings without taking centre stage. This would be the most important consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Wholegrain and fibre | Check the proportion of wholegrain and the fibre and salt per 100 g, taking the portion you serve into account. | If I also want to use a rye base outside drinks parties, I’d focus more on wholegrain content and nutritional information than on canapé size. Around 25% of consumers would choose this as their first buying criterion. |
Common mistakes
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Taking ‘sourdough’ in the name as proof of a long fermentation
Albert Heijn lists wheat sourdough powder alongside yeast and food acids in the ingredients for Jos Poell Zuurdesem Toast. These ingredients alone don’t tell you how long the dough has fermented.
Read the full ingredients list and look for specific information about the process if an artisan-style method is important to your choice.
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Choosing crispbread for bites that call for small pieces of toast
Leksands sourdough rye crispbread and thin Melba toast are both crunchy bases, but their shape and role when serving are different.
Before choosing, decide whether you want to serve a robust cracker with toppings or make small, individually topped bites.
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Assuming sourdough toast always contains bakers’ salt
Bakers’ salt is iodised salt, but according to the Voedingscentrum, Dutch bakers aren’t required to use it. So the word ‘sourdough’ doesn’t tell you what kind of salt a product contains.
Check the ingredients for bakers’ salt, or ask the baker or producer which salt has been used.
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Assuming a product listing means it’s currently available
The Albert Heijn listing we consulted showed Jos Poell Zuurdesem Toast as no longer stocked. So a product name appearing in a comparison doesn’t guarantee that you can buy it.
Check the current product page or shelf just before you buy, and compare any alternative by its shape, ingredients and the sourdough starter described.
Brands to consider
Leksands
The sourdough version we looked at is a wholegrain rye crispbread for anyone after a more robust base.
- For this version, Jumbo lists 85% wholegrain rye flour, 3.8% sourdough starter made from rye and water, and 21 g of fibre per 100 g.
- Crispbread is different from a small, plain canapé toast, and this version contains cereals containing gluten.
Jos Poell
The brand makes toast for drinks-party bites; the version we looked at is called Zuurdesem Toast.
- The ingredients listed by Albert Heijn include wheat flour, rye flour and wheat sourdough powder.
- The same listing also includes yeast and food acids, and showed this version as no longer stocked. The product name doesn’t prove a particular fermentation time.
Van der Meulen Melba Toast
Melba Toast Naturel is an alternative when a thin, plain base matters more than sourdough flavour.
- Van der Meulen describes this version as a light base for topped bites and drinks-party snacks.
- The Melba Toast Naturel we looked at isn’t a sourdough product.
Sourdough crackers on Joybuy
This product selection is suited to a drinks-party spread featuring a rye base with ‘sourdough’ in the product name, for anyone looking for a cracker rather than a small, plain piece of toast. Check the label if the exact recipe will determine your choice.
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Wasa Sourdough Rye Crackers – 235 g
Worth a look if you’re after a rye cracker to serve with toppings rather than a plain mini toast.
Pack size: 235 g. Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the current pack if they matter to your choice.
Frequently asked questions
Does sourdough toast automatically mean the dough has fermented for a long time?
No. The fact that Jos Poell Zuurdesem Toast lists wheat sourdough powder, yeast and food acids doesn’t in itself tell you anything about a specific fermentation time. If this will determine your purchase, look for clear information about the process used to make the exact product.
When should I choose Melba toast instead of sourdough rye crispbread?
Choose Melba toast if you want a thin, plain base for small topped bites; Van der Meulen describes Melba Toast Naturel as suitable for this. If you want the rye base itself to play a clear role, look at sourdough rye crispbread and bear in mind its more robust shape.
Does sourdough toast in the Netherlands always contain iodised bakers’ salt?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use bakers’ salt. Check the ingredients for the product in question, or ask the baker or producer which salt has been used.
What should I check for allergens in these products?
Check the allergen information on the current packaging; don’t assume a product is gluten-free just because it says sourdough. The ingredients for Jos Poell Zuurdesem Toast list wheat and rye, while the Leksands version we looked at contains cereals containing gluten.