Fans of generous toppings
If you’re serving toast topped with plenty of cream cheese, egg mayonnaise or fish, consider the surface area and shape of each piece. Check how sturdy your chosen variety is before making a large batch of bites.
Which toast is right for you?
Serving small teatime bites?
Melba toast or party toast could be a good choice for lots of small bites with light toppings. Compare the size shown on the pack with the portions you plan to make.
Careful label readers
If ingredients, allergens or salt content matter to your choice, check the packaging of the exact variety you’re buying. The product name alone won’t give you the full picture.
What to look for in teatime toast
First decide how much topping each piece needs to hold. Then check the packaging for ingredients, nutritional information and a pack size that suits your needs.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Support for generous toppings | Check the shape and size shown on the pack. If you’re unsure, try one pack first; a name suggesting a larger size or a heavier pack doesn’t prove the toast is sturdy. | If I want to serve generous toppings, each piece needs enough surface area without breaking under the weight. Around 36% of consumers say support for toppings is their top priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information for your chosen variety. If you follow a gluten-free diet, look for an explicit gluten-free label rather than relying on the product type. | If I have a wheat allergy or follow a gluten-free diet, I want to know whether my chosen toast suits the way I eat. For around 29% of consumers, checking ingredients and allergens matters most. |
| Salt and nutritional information | Compare the salt content per 100 g and per planned portion; for savoury bites, include the topping too. | With savoury toppings, I want to know how much salt the toast and topping contain together. Around 21% of consumers put nutritional information first. |
| Pack size | Compare the weight in grams with the number of bites you plan to serve, and check the storage instructions on the pack. | If I’m making several teatime bites, I want a pack that suits the number of portions. For around 14% of consumers, pack size is the most important consideration. |
Common mistakes when choosing toast
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Assuming ‘grande’ or ‘thick cut’ means it can hold more
A larger-sounding name or bigger pack doesn’t tell you how much topping each piece can hold.
Check the size and shape on the pack. If you’re making lots of bites with heavy toppings, try one pack first.
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Assuming all toast contains iodised baker’s salt
The word ‘toast’ doesn’t tell you which type of salt was used in the product.
Check the ingredients list if iodine is relevant to your choice.
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Comparing only the salt content of the toast
Savoury toppings also contribute to the salt content of the finished bite.
Check the nutritional information for both the toast and the topping, based on the portion you plan to serve.
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Assuming online product information never changes
Ingredients and nutritional information can vary between varieties or pack sizes.
Check the packaging of the product you’re actually using, especially if allergens are a concern.
Brands and ranges to explore
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s online range includes several types of toast, including borreltoast, Melba toast and Scrocchi.
- The range of shapes makes it easier to look for the size you want.
- Check the chosen pack for size, ingredients and allergens; the product type doesn’t prove how sturdy it is.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s toast range includes crisp toast, mini crackers and fornaccini.
- The different product types give you a starting point for comparing toast for smaller or larger bites.
- A product name or pack size doesn’t tell you how sturdy each piece of toast is.
Van der Meulen (Melba Toast)
Van der Meulen offers Melba Toast in several varieties, including plain, wholemeal, sesame and multigrain.
- The different varieties give you options for smaller teatime bites.
- Check the label for the exact variety; ‘Melba Toast’ doesn’t tell you how thick it is or whether it’s suitable for generous toppings.
Lidl
Lidl lists party toast and Melba toast as separate product types.
- The distinction between party toast and Melba toast can help you find a size for smaller bites.
- Check the information on your chosen pack before making assumptions about its ingredients or size.
Bolletje
Bolletje offers crackers and other crisp grain products.
- Crackers could be another option if you’re not specifically looking for toast.
- Don’t automatically treat a cracker as the same type of product or as a proven sturdy alternative to toast.
Melba toast for small teatime bites at Joybuy
This Melba toast is suited to small teatime bites with light toppings. For generous toppings, it’s still important to check that the size and sturdiness work for what you plan to serve.
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Delverde Classic Melba Toast 100 g
An option for small teatime bites with light toppings. The pack contains 100 g of Melba toast; if you’re serving generous toppings, check that the size and sturdiness work for what you plan to add.
If you have dietary requirements or allergies, read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Can I assume toast contains iodised baker’s salt?
No. The word ‘toast’ doesn’t tell you which type of salt was used. Check the ingredients list on your chosen pack if iodine is relevant to your choice.
What should I look for in toast if I need to avoid gluten or wheat?
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging for the exact variety. If you follow a gluten-free diet, rely only on an explicit gluten-free label and check any warnings on the label too.
How should I store opened toast for another teatime?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack of your chosen toast. Seal an opened pack carefully.
How do I compare the salt content of teatime bites?
Compare the toast’s nutritional information per 100 g and per planned portion, and check the salt content of any savoury toppings too. This helps you assess the whole bite, rather than just the toast.