Snack makers looking for a sturdy base
If you want to pile generous toppings onto a slice of bread, check that you’re buying toast bread in the size you want. Van der Meulen describes its Melba toast as being made from thinly sliced bread.
Which type of toast is right for you?
Stocking up for drinks and snacks
Packaged Melba toast or party toast can be handy to keep in the cupboard for smaller toppings. Check how many portions you’ll open and how the toast should be stored afterwards, according to the packaging.
Shoppers comparing labels
If fibre, salt or allergens influence your choice, compare the nutritional information per 100 g and the ingredients for the specific variety. These details can vary between types of Melba toast, too.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want a thick slice of bread for generous toppings or small pieces of toast for nibbles. Then compare the packaging and nutritional information of products suited to that use.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sturdiness for toppings | Check the slice thickness, dimensions or a clear indication of the toast bread size. | If I want to add generous toppings, I look for a slice of bread in the size I want rather than a small piece of toast; this is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Convenience for keeping in stock | Check the pack size, number of individually wrapped portions and storage advice after opening. | For an impromptu get-together, I want to be able to open a pack without having lots left over. Convenience when stocking up is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Fibre | Compare the ingredients and stated fibre content per 100 g for similar types of toast. | When choosing between white and wholemeal Melba toast, I want to know how much fibre each variety contains; this comparison is the deciding factor for around 21% of consumers. |
| Salt and allergens | Read the current allergen information and compare the salt content per 100 g and per portion eaten. | If certain ingredients or the amount of salt matter to me, I read the label before choosing a variety. This check is the most important consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking Melba toast for thick-sliced toast bread
Van der Meulen describes its Melba toast as being made from thin slices. The word ‘toast’ alone doesn’t tell you whether a product is the thick slice of bread you’re looking for to hold generous toppings.
Check the size or slice thickness on the packaging; choose small pieces of toast if they suit your toppings.
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Assuming baker’s salt contains iodine
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, not all bread is baked with baker’s salt. So the product category alone won’t tell you which type of salt was used in your toast.
Check the ingredients, or ask which type of salt was used if you’re buying unpackaged bread.
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Choosing based only on whether it’s wholemeal or looks light
A variety with a higher stated fibre content may also contain ingredients you’ll want to check. Product information published by Albert Heijn states that Van der Meulen Melba toast volkoren contains 9,7 g of fibre and 1,9 g of salt per 100 g.
Compare fibre and salt on the same basis, and check the full allergen information as well.
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Opening more toast than you’ll use
If you won’t finish a pack in one go, pay attention to the storage instructions for after opening. Albert Heijn advises storing its Melba toast naturel in a sealed tin after opening.
Choose a pack that suits how much you’ll use, and follow the storage and best-before information on the label.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
AH Melba toast naturel is a packaged Melba toast for smaller toppings.
- Albert Heijn lists this variety as 240 g, divided into 12 packs of 6 pieces of toast.
- The product information doesn’t confirm a thick slice; for generous toppings, look for a toast bread product with clearly stated dimensions.
Van der Meulen
The wholemeal Melba toast reviewed here is intended as a small, crisp piece of toast.
- Product information published by Albert Heijn lists 9,7 g of fibre per 100 g for this variety.
- Van der Meulen describes the slices as thin; according to the product information, the variety contains ingredients including wheat, barley, rye, sesame and soya.
Jos Poell
The Krokant toast reviewed here is a party toast for toppings, not a confirmed thick slice of bread.
- Product information published by Albert Heijn lists 1,6 g of salt and 2,9 g of fibre per 100 g.
- No slice thickness is specified for this variety; also check the packaging for information about possible allergens.
Bolletje
Bolletje offers rusks and crackers, among other alternatives, as bases for toppings.
- These categories offer a different option if you don’t need a slice of bread.
- Rusks and crackers aren’t proof that a product is thick-sliced toast bread; check the product format separately.
Joybuy products
Matching products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Does toast bread always contain baker’s salt with added iodine?
No, don’t assume that all toast bread is made with baker’s salt. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, not all bread is baked with it. Check the ingredients on packaged products, and ask if you’re buying unpackaged bread.
How do I check for allergens in toast?
Read the allergen information on the current packaging for the variety you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly listed on the labels of prepacked foods; also check for any warnings about ingredients the product may contain.
How should I store toast after opening?
Follow the storage advice on the packaging and seal the toast properly after opening. For example, Albert Heijn advises storing its Melba toast naturel in a sealed tin after opening; don’t assume the same storage instructions apply to ordinary bread or other types of toast.
What should I look for when comparing the salt content of toast?
Compare the salt content per 100 g and consider how much toast you actually eat, especially if you’re also adding savoury toppings. Product information published by Albert Heijn lists between 1,6 and 1,93 g of salt per 100 g for the toast varieties discussed here; check the value on the packaging for your variety.