For small bites with just a little topping, Van der Meulen describes its Melba toast as super-thin. For a Mother’s Day brunch, if you want a base for generous or moist toppings, you could also consider regular toast, a toast cup or a cracker. However, the product name alone doesn’t prove that it’s thicker or sturdier. Compare the shape and ingredients of the specific product, and try your planned topping on one bite first.
If you want to pile on the toppings for a celebratory brunch or drinks, the shape of your base matters. A product name won’t tell you how much topping a piece of toast can hold, so try one bite with the topping you plan to serve.
Looking to serve small bites where the topping takes centre stage? Van der Meulen describes its plain Melba toast as super-thin, crunchy and light in texture.
If ingredients, allergens or nutritional values will influence your choice, compare the specific packs. Toast and crackers are different products, and their ingredients may differ too.
First, decide how much topping you want to serve and what kind. Melba toast is one option for a light base. For regular toast, toast cups and crackers, check whether the shape of each specific product suits your bite, rather than assuming it will be sturdy based on its category name.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| A base for generous toppings | Look at the shape and size; try generous or moist toppings on one bite first. | If I want to serve generous toppings at brunch, I’m looking for a base that will hold together. Sturdiness is the main concern for around 33% of consumers. |
| Light texture | Check the product description if you specifically want a thin, crunchy base. | For small bites, I’d rather let the topping take centre stage. A light base is the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and nutritional values | Compare the current ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for the products you’re considering. | When I’m making different bites for guests, I want to know what’s in the toast or crackers. Around 25% of consumers give checking the label the highest priority. |
| Pack size and availability | Check the pack size and, if you’re shopping in store, local availability. | For a planned brunch, I want to be able to make enough bites from a suitably sized pack. This practical consideration matters most to around 17% of consumers. |
A name such as party toast or crunchy toast doesn’t confirm how thick the toast is or how much topping it can hold.
Check the pack and the shape of the product. If you’re serving generous or moist toppings, try one bite first.
Van der Meulen describes its Melba toast as super-thin. Bolletje Bagel Crackers and seed crackers belong to a different product category and may contain different ingredients.
Choose the texture you want, then compare the labels of the products you’re considering.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers don’t always use baker’s salt. So you can’t tell whether a specific product contains iodine just from the fact that it’s toast.
If iodine is important to your choice, check the pack or ask the manufacturer.
A toast product shown online may not be available in your local shop when your brunch comes around.
Check local availability if you’re counting on a specific product.
A producer of products including Melba toast; its plain version is described as super-thin and crunchy.
Stocks AH Melba toast naturel, described as toasted slices of bread for toppings.
Stocks products including Jumbo Knapperige Toast in a 100 g pack.
Its range includes products such as party toast and other types of toast.
Stocks products including Sun Snacks Melba Toast Naturel and Toast Cups Naturel.
Stocks products including Bagel Crackers and seed crackers as alternatives to toast.
Check the shape and size of the specific piece of toast, and try your planned topping on one bite first. A description such as ‘thick cut’ or ‘party toast’ doesn’t prove on its own that it will hold the topping, especially if it’s moist.
Don’t assume that all toast contains iodine. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bakers don’t always use baker’s salt. For a specific product, check the pack or ask the manufacturer.
Read the current allergen information for every product you choose. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires allergens to be clearly listed on the label; don’t assume that toast and crackers contain the same ingredients.
Once opened, store AH Melba toast naturel in a sealed tin, as recommended by Albert Heijn for this product. For other varieties, follow the storage instructions on the pack.
