Who is this choice for?

Drinks party hosts looking for sourdough

You want a toasted base with sourdough as an ingredient, and you understand the difference between that appearing on the label and a clearly evidenced traditional method of preparation.

Hosts who want the topping to take centre stage

You’re looking for a thin, crisp base for small portions of toppings or spreads, without the toast itself having a strong flavour that dictates the pairing.

Shoppers comparing labels

You check the fibre, salt and allergens before buying, especially when serving toast to guests with different dietary requirements.

What should you look for when choosing?

Toast labelled as containing sourdough

Suitable for: a drinks party where sourdough as an ingredient matters. Albert Heijn lists wheat sourdough powder in Jos Poell Zuurdesem Toast; Jumbo lists sourdough in Mini Crackers Naturel.

Trade-off: an ingredient listing alone doesn’t tell you how long the dough was fermented or how it was made.

Classic Melba toast

Suitable for: small bites where you want a thin, crisp base. Van der Meulen describes its plain version as thinly sliced and toasted.

Trade-off: classic Melba toast isn’t necessarily a sourdough product.

Wholemeal toast or crispbread

Suitable for: when the stated fibre content matters more to you than having a very light, airy toast. According to Jumbo, Van der Meulen Melba Volkoren Toast contains 9,7 g of fibre per 100 g, while Leksands Knäckebröd Zuurdesem contains 21 g per 100 g.

Trade-off: crispbread and Melba toast have different shapes and textures, so consider which base will work best with your toppings.

What to consider What to check before buying Who is this most important for?
Sourdough and preparation Look for sourdough or sourdough powder in the ingredients list. If fermentation is what matters most to you, ask how the product is made. I want to make a considered choice for my drinks party and pick something with sourdough, not just packaging that gives that impression. For around 42% of consumers, sourdough identity is the priority.
Shape and topping Check the thickness and size, and match a thin piece of toast to the amount and moisture of the topping. For small topped bites, I want the base to stay crisp and the topping to shine. Around 33% of consumers say this combination is their main priority.
Nutrition information and allergens Compare fibre and salt per 100 g, and read the allergen information for the exact product. When I’m buying for guests, I want to know what ingredients and nutritional values the toast I’ve chosen contains. For around 25% of consumers, this label information matters most.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a sourdough ingredient means it was made traditionally

    Sourdough or sourdough powder in the ingredients list doesn’t tell you how much was used or how long the dough was fermented.

    If the method of preparation is important to your choice, look for specific information from the manufacturer rather than relying on the product name alone.

  • Forgetting about the toppings when comparing salt

    Cheese, cold meats and dips all contribute to the amount of salt you serve, as well as the toast.

    Compare the salt content of the toast per 100 g, and consider what you plan to put on it and how much you’ll use.

  • Assuming wholemeal or sourdough means allergen-free

    The sourdough, Melba and wholemeal products described contain gluten-containing cereals; some varieties also list soya or sesame.

    If you’re serving guests, check the allergen information on the packaging of the exact product you’re buying.

  • Relying on a product page you viewed earlier

    A product that’s useful for comparison may no longer be available to order. Albert Heijn lists Jos Poell Zuurdesem Toast as discontinued; Jumbo says Melba Toast Tomaat & Basilicum is no longer available online.

    Check current availability before finalising the food for your drinks party.

Brands to consider

Jos Poell

Worth considering if you’re specifically looking for toast labelled as containing sourdough.

  • Albert Heijn lists wheat sourdough powder in the ingredients of Jos Poell Zuurdesem Toast.
  • The ingredient listing doesn’t confirm the fermentation time or traditional preparation. Albert Heijn lists this product as discontinued.

Van der Meulen

Worth considering for thin Melba toast and a wholemeal Melba option for drinks party nibbles.

  • According to Jumbo, the plain version is thinly sliced and crisp when toasted; the wholemeal version contains 9,7 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • These Melba products aren’t confirmed as sourdough toast. Check the allergens for your chosen variety, including any mention of sesame and soya.

Jumbo

Worth considering if you’re looking for mini crackers in individual portions.

  • Jumbo lists sourdough as an ingredient in Mini Crackers Naturel and says the pack contains eight 31,25 g portions.
  • Having sourdough as an ingredient doesn’t automatically make these crackers traditionally made sourdough toast.

Bolletje

Worth considering if you’re looking for a tomato and herb cracker rather than a plain toast base.

  • Bolletje lists tomato, extra virgin olive oil and herbs in its Ciabatta Crackers Tomaat & Kruiden.
  • This isn’t confirmed as sourdough toast. The product contains wheat, so check the rest of the allergen information on the packaging too.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is toast with sourdough automatically made using traditional methods?

No. Listing sourdough or sourdough powder as an ingredient doesn’t prove how long the dough was fermented or how it was prepared. If that’s important to your choice, look for specific information from the manufacturer.

How do I compare the salt content of toast for a drinks party?

First compare the amount of salt per 100 g on the packaging, then consider your portion size and toppings. According to Jumbo’s product information, Mini Crackers Naturel contains 1,2 g of salt per 100 g; the amount of salt in the finished bite also depends on what you serve on top.

Which allergens should I check when buying toast for guests?

Read the allergen information on the exact product packaging. The varieties discussed contain gluten-containing cereals such as wheat, rye and barley; some also list soya, sesame or possible traces of these.

Does all Dutch toast contain iodine from baker’s salt?

You can’t assume that of every toast product. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority sets out conditions for using baker’s salt in bakery products, but that doesn’t tell you which ingredients are in a specific toast. Check the packaging or ask the manufacturer which salt was used.

How should I store opened toast?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and seal opened toast well. Albert Heijn recommends storing its Melba toast in a sealed tin after opening; Jumbo says to keep Mini Crackers Naturel in a cool, dry place.