Who is this choice relevant to?

Parents packing a small portion

If you’d rather not put loose crackers in a lunchbox, consider Bolletje Ciabatta Crackers packed in pairs or Van der Meulen Ricetoast in two trays. This division does not mean each piece has its own wrapper.

Families looking for gluten-free options

Van der Meulen Ricetoast Natural is labelled gluten-free. You’ll also need to check the packaging you buy for other ingredients, allergens and may-contain warnings.

Families packing toast as an accompaniment

A small, crunchy portion can work well in a school lunch where toast isn’t the main item. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also recommends including wholegrains, vegetables and fruit when putting together a school lunch.

What should you look for when buying?

First decide how many pieces you’re happy to have packed together. Then check the allergens and decide whether the toast is an accompaniment or part of the main lunch.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Portions and packaging Check how many crackers are in each bag or tray. Packed in pairs is not the same as each piece having its own wrapper. I want to pack a small portion without putting loose crackers in the lunchbox, but each piece doesn’t need its own wrapper. For around 36% of consumers, portioning convenience comes first.
Gluten and other allergens Check the ingredients, allergens and any may-contain warnings on the current packaging. If gluten needs to be avoided, I want a product explicitly labelled gluten-free, and I also need to check for other relevant allergens. For around 29% of consumers, this is the top priority.
Its place in the lunch Decide whether the toast is an accompaniment or the main part of the lunch; if it’s the main part, check whether the product is labelled wholegrain. I’m looking for something crunchy, but I also want to consider the rest of the school lunch if toast is going to play a bigger role. Around 21% of consumers prioritise the overall make-up of the lunch.
Storing and portioning it yourself Check the pack size and storage instructions after opening, and whether you can use an airtight container at home. If I can make up portions myself, a larger pack fits my packing routine better than a factory-portioned pack. For around 14% of consumers, this is the most important factor.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming multipacks mean individually wrapped

    Bolletje says its crackers are packed in pairs; Albert Heijn describes Van der Meulen Ricetoast as coming in two trays. Neither means that every individual piece has its own packaging.

    Before choosing a set school portion, check how many pieces are in each inner bag or tray.

  • Ignoring other allergens when choosing gluten-free

    A gluten-free label doesn’t mean a product is free from other allergens too. Van der Meulen Ricetoast also requires you to check the information about sesame and soya.

    When buying, read both the ingredients and the allergen and may-contain information on the current packaging. If relevant, check the school’s policy before packing it.

  • Treating a large pack as a ready-to-go lunch portion

    For AH Melba toast Natural, Albert Heijn recommends storing it in a sealed container after opening. So you’ll need to portion and pack the amount you want for school yourself.

    Use a dry, airtight container to make portions at home; otherwise, choose packaging that divides the product into suitable portions.

  • Focusing only on the toast, not the rest of the lunch

    A small portion of toast as an accompaniment has a different role from the main item in a school lunch. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends including wholegrain foods, vegetables and fruit in school lunches, among other things.

    Decide what role the toast will play, and look beyond the cracker packaging when putting together the whole lunch.

Brands and shops to consider

Bolletje

Bolletje says its Ciabatta Snack Crackers Tomato & Herbs are packed in pairs: a practical option if two crackers make a suitable portion.

  • This variant is factory-packed in pairs.
  • This variant contains wheat and gluten-containing cereals; according to the product information, it may also contain other allergens.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn sells both AH Melba toast Natural, 240 g, and Van der Meulen Ricetoast Natural in two trays. These are different ways to put together a school portion.

  • Ricetoast is labelled gluten-free and comes divided between two trays.
  • AH recommends storing the melba toast in a sealed container after opening. For the Ricetoast, also check the other allergens and may-contain information.

Jumbo

Jumbo describes LiGA Cracotte 5 Grains as packed in two packs. It’s a toast-style cracker, not a product confirmed to be individually wrapped.

  • The two packs divide the product into portions.
  • This 5-grain variant contains wheat, oats and barley, among other ingredients, and is not gluten-free.

ALDI

ALDI stocks products including Sun Snacks Melba toast, 240 g, and Van Vlegelaar Crispy Wheat Toast, 250 g: options you can portion at home.

  • The pack sizes listed can help you decide whether to portion the product at home.
  • Don’t assume each piece has its own wrapper; check the packaging and in-store availability.

Lidl

Lidl lists 240 g packs of melba toast for in-store purchase, making them worth considering if you want to portion them yourself.

  • The listed pack size makes it clear that you can take a portion for lunch yourself.
  • Before packing the toast, check the current packaging for portioning and allergen information.

Crackers and rice toast on Joybuy

These products may suit a school lunch if you’re looking for rice toast or small crackers. Check the packaging if individually wrapped pieces, a resealable multipack or specific allergen information is essential.

Van Der Meulen Rice Toast Natural, 65 g

Van Der Meulen Rice Toast Natural 65 g

A rice toast to consider if you need a gluten-free lunch portion divided into smaller packs. The product information describes two packs with a combined weight of 65 g. Check that this portioning and the current allergen information, including details about sesame and soya, meet your requirements. Two packs do not mean that each piece of toast has its own wrapper.

View on Joybuy
LU Mini Cracker Natural, 250 g

LU Mini Cracker Natural 250 g

A cracker to consider if you want to make up a school portion yourself. Check whether the inner packs are individually sealed if you need to keep the crackers protected. This isn’t a gluten-free option; also read the current allergen information if wheat, barley or milk are relevant to you.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does packed in pairs mean each piece of toast has its own wrapper?

No. Bolletje describes its Ciabatta Snack Crackers as packed in pairs, while Albert Heijn says Van der Meulen Ricetoast comes in two trays. If each piece needs its own wrapper, check how many pieces are in each inner pack.

Which toast-style option can I consider if I need something gluten-free?

Albert Heijn labels Van der Meulen Ricetoast Natural as gluten-free. When buying, also check the current label for other allergens and traces, including information about sesame and soya.

Should I consider the school’s allergy arrangements when packing lunch?

Ask your school or after-school club what rules apply to food brought in from home. Also check the label of the product you want to pack: a gluten-free label doesn’t replace checking for other relevant allergens.

Does all toast contain iodine because baker’s salt is used?

You can’t assume that’s the case for all toast. If iodine matters when choosing a product, check the ingredients and nutritional information on the packaging rather than making assumptions based on the product category.