Barbecue hosts comparing sugars
You’re looking for toast to serve with drinks and want to compare products by ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g, rather than relying on a term such as ‘light’.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Shoppers who also check fibre
You want toast to serve with savoury toppings and, when sugar levels are similar, you also compare the fibre content. Jumbo lists 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g for Van der Meulen Melba Wholemeal Toast.
Hosts who need to check salt and allergens
You’re serving toast to several guests and want to check the declared allergens and salt content of each variety.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the nutritional information per 100 g, so different pack sizes don’t skew your comparison. Then consider whether the ingredients and toppings are suitable for your guests.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Total sugars | Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g across similar types of toast; check dips and toppings separately. | If I want toast that’s low in sugars, I want to compare the figures without pack size influencing my choice. Around 29% of consumers prioritise comparing sugar content. |
| Allergens and ingredients | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging, including for different varieties from the same brand. | When putting together a sharing platter, I want to know which toast I can serve to my guests. Allergens and ingredients are a top priority for around 24% of consumers. |
| Fibre | Compare fibre and sugars per 100 g, and check the ingredients of wholemeal varieties. | When sugar levels are similar, I’d also prefer to check the fibre content of the toast. This is the main consideration for around 18% of consumers. |
| Salt | Check the salt content per 100 g and take your toppings into account when choosing. | If I’m serving toast with savoury toppings, I want to know how much salt the toast itself contains. That’s why around 17% of consumers prioritise salt. |
| Packaging and storage | Check the pack weight and storage instructions, both before and after opening. | When serving a group, I want to have enough toast ready and be able to store an opened pack properly. Pack size and storage are the most important factors for around 12% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘reduced sugar’ means low in sugars
‘Reduced sugar’ refers to a comparison with a similar product, while ‘low sugar’ describes the amount of sugars in the product itself. Voedingscentrum sets a limit of no more than 5 g of sugars per 100 g for a ‘low sugar’ claim on solid foods.
Check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and, if a reduced-sugar claim is made, see what comparison it refers to.
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Comparing the toast on its own
Choosing toast based on the toast alone doesn’t tell you how much sugar the toppings contain. This can make a difference to the finished bite, particularly with dips, chutneys and other toppings.
Before choosing combinations for your sharing platter, also compare the nutritional information for the toppings per 100 g.
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Overlooking salt and allergens
The Van der Meulen varieties listed by Jumbo in this comparison range from 1.3 g to 2.1 g of salt per 100 g. Declared allergens also vary between varieties.
Check the current packaging and keep toast containing relevant allergens separate when serving several guests.
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Assuming all toast contains iodised baker’s salt
The RIVM describes the addition of iodine to baker’s salt, but also notes that not all bread is made with iodised salt. So the product category alone doesn’t tell you which type of salt has been used in a particular toast.
If you want to know which type of salt has been used, check the packaging or ask the manufacturer.
Brands and retailers to consider
Van der Meulen
Makes melba toast in a range of varieties, including plain, wholemeal and organic sesame.
- Jumbo lists 2.8 g of sugars per 100 g for the organic sesame variety and 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g for the wholemeal variety.
- Compare salt and allergens for each variety; values and ingredients aren’t the same across all Van der Meulen toasts.
Albert Heijn
Offers AH Melba Toast Natural in a 240 g pack.
- The product information lists 3.2 g of total sugars and 0 g of added sugars per 100 g.
- The claim of 0 g added sugars doesn’t mean the toast contains no sugars; check the allergens on the pack too.
Jumbo
A retailer of various Van der Meulen melba toasts and its own toast varieties.
- The product information for Van der Meulen Natural, Wholemeal and Organic Sesame makes it easy to compare the different varieties.
- The retailer’s name doesn’t tell you anything about the nutritional value of a particular toast; always read the relevant label.
Sun Snacks (ALDI)
The product listed by ALDI, Melba Toast Natural, comes in a 240 g pack.
- A plain melba toast to consider as a base for toppings.
- Check the sugars, salt and allergens on the packaging before comparing it with other varieties.
Bolletje
Offers crackers and crispbread, among other products, if you’d like to consider alternatives to melba toast as a base for toppings.
- The range includes other types of products to consider for your sharing platter.
- Crispbread and crackers aren’t necessarily interchangeable with melba toast; compare the nutritional information for the specific product.
Toast on Joybuy
This rice toast is an option if you’re looking for a base for savoury toppings. To compare sugar content and cater for guests with allergies, check the nutritional information and ingredients on the current packaging.
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Van der Meulen Rice Toast Natural 65 g
Rice toast to consider as a base for savoury toppings.
Pack size: 65 g. Check the current packaging for sugars per 100 g and for sesame and soya information before serving the toast to guests with allergies.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between ‘low sugar’ and ‘reduced sugar’ on toast?
‘Low sugar’ refers to the absolute amount of sugars; for solid foods, Voedingscentrum sets a limit of no more than 5 g per 100 g. ‘Reduced sugar’ requires a comparison with a similar product. So check both the nutritional information and the explanation accompanying the claim.
Which of the melba toasts compared lists the least sugar?
Of the product pages compared here, Van der Meulen Melba Organic Sesame Toast lists the lowest amount: 2.8 g of sugars per 100 g, according to Jumbo. According to Albert Heijn, AH Melba Toast Natural contains 3.2 g per 100 g; Jumbo lists the same sugar content for Van der Meulen Melba Wholemeal Toast. This is a comparison of these products, not of every toast available.
How should I store toast until the barbecue?
Store toast according to the instructions on the packaging. For its Krokante Melba Toast, Joybuy recommends storing it in a cool, dry place, away from moisture, heat and direct sunlight, and resealing the pack securely after opening.
Does Dutch toast always contain iodine from baker’s salt?
No, don’t assume this is the case for every type of toast. The RIVM explains that iodine is added to baker’s salt, but also notes that not all bread is made with iodised salt. For a specific product, check the packaging or ask the manufacturer which type of salt has been used.
Can I rely on an online product description for allergen information?
Always check the current packaging of your chosen toast before serving it. Ingredients and allergens can vary between varieties; use the product description to narrow down your options, not as a substitute for the label on the pack.