Who is this choice relevant to?

Hosts keeping an eye on sugar

You’re looking for toast for Friday afternoon drinks and want to compare the total sugar content of similar products per 100 g, rather than relying on the front of the pack.

Label readers who compare salt too

You want less sugar, but you also keep an eye on salt when pairing toast with savoury toppings. The nutrition table helps you compare both values on the same basis.

Hosts who need to check ingredients

You’re serving toast to several people and want to check which allergens and warnings about possible cross-contamination appear on the exact pack before buying.

What should you look for when choosing?

For Friday afternoon drinks, start by comparing similar types of toast per 100 g. Then decide which other feature matters most for your sharing board.

What to consider What to check Who is this most important for?
Total sugars Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g across similar types of toast. Check any statement about added sugars as well, not instead. If I want less sugar, I need to know what’s in the toast itself, whatever the wording on the front of the pack. This would be the first consideration for around 33% of consumers.
Salt Compare the salt values per 100 g and bear in mind the toppings you plan to serve. When I’m putting together a savoury sharing board, I don’t want to choose based on sugar alone. Salt would be the main priority for around 27% of consumers.
Allergens and ingredients Check the allergen information and any warnings about possible cross-contamination on the exact pack. If guests need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know whether this variety is suitable for them. This would be the main consideration for around 20% of consumers.
Size and fibre Check the pack weight, the shape of the toast and the fibre value per 100 g, if these matter to your choice. I want the toast to suit what I’m serving, and I also compare the fibre values. This would be the most important practical consideration for around 20% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘no added sugars’ means ‘sugar-free’

    A statement about added sugars doesn’t automatically tell you the total sugar content of the toast.

    Use ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g to compare products, and check the ingredients list as well.

  • Comparing sugar values alone

    Toast with similar sugar values can differ in salt. The toppings are also part of what you’re serving.

    Compare sugar and salt on the same basis, and factor in the toppings you’re planning to serve.

  • Relying on the type name to check for allergens

    The name ‘multigrain’ or ‘wholemeal’ doesn’t tell you which ingredients and allergens are in the exact product.

    Before buying, check the allergen information and any warning about possible cross-contamination on that pack.

Brands compared

The values listed apply to specific toast products, not a brand’s entire range. Compare the pack you’re actually choosing.

Albert Heijn

AH Melba toast naturel and AH Borreltoast offer two different types of toast to compare for a sharing board.

  • Albert Heijn lists 3.2 g of sugars and 1.93 g of salt per 100 g for AH Melba toast naturel. AH Borreltoast zeezout lists 3.1 g of sugars and 2.0 g of salt per 100 g.
  • For the variety you choose, check the ingredients and allergens too; don’t compare sugar values alone.

Van der Meulen Melba Toast

The multigrain and wholemeal varieties are worth considering if you want to compare fibre and salt as well as sugar.

  • According to Jumbo’s product information, both Meergranen and Volkoren list 3.2 g of sugars per 100 g; their fibre values are 7.5 g and 9.7 g per 100 g respectively.
  • The salt content differs too: Jumbo lists 1.5 g per 100 g for Meergranen and 1.9 g for Volkoren. Check the allergens on the pack you choose as well.

JP by Jos Poell

Krokant toast is another type to consider when comparing ingredients in toast for drinks.

  • Albert Heijn lists sugar in the ingredients of JP by Jos Poell Krokant toast.
  • The presence of sugar as an ingredient doesn’t, by itself, tell you how the total sugar content compares with another type of toast; compare the nutrition values per 100 g.

Sun Snacks

ALDI lists Sun Snacks Toast Cups Naturel in a 100 g pack. The cup shape may make this variety worth considering for your sharing board.

  • The product name and pack weight help you identify the right variety.
  • To compare sugars, salt and allergens, check the pack label.

Toast at Joybuy

This rice toast is an option if you’re looking for toast for Friday afternoon drinks. Before buying, compare the nutrition information on the pack with that of other types of toast you’re considering.

Van Der Meulen Rice Toast Natural, 65 g

Van Der Meulen Rice Toast Natural, 65 g

A 65 g pack of rice toast for anyone who wants to add toast to their sharing board. Check the sugars and salt per 100 g, as well as the ingredients and allergens, on the exact pack.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How do I compare toast if I want less sugar?

For similar types of toast, compare the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends comparing products per 100 g; also check the ingredients list and salt value.

Does ‘no added sugars’ mean that toast contains no sugar?

No. A statement about added sugars isn’t the same as the total amount of sugars shown in the nutrition table. If you’re choosing based on sugar, check both.

Why should I compare the salt in toast for drinks too?

Salt content can vary between types of toast that list similar sugar values. Jumbo lists 1.5 g of salt per 100 g for Van der Meulen Melba Meergranen Toast, while Albert Heijn lists 2.0 g per 100 g for AH Borreltoast zeezout. Also consider what you’ll serve on the toast.

What should I check if a guest has an allergy?

Read the label on the exact variety of toast you plan to serve, including the allergen information and any warning about possible cross-contamination. Don’t rely solely on the brand name, product photo or information for another variety.