For an Easter lunch with a range of preferences, serve plain toast alongside a separate wholemeal option rather than choosing one type for everyone. Multigrain offers a different flavour, but it does not automatically mean wholemeal; compare the fibre, salt and allergen information on each product’s packaging.
You want to offer something for guests who prefer mild-tasting toast and those who would rather have wholemeal. Putting out two clearly different types makes it easier for everyone to choose than presenting one multigrain option as a solution for both preferences.
You’re specifically looking for wholemeal toast or want to compare fibre and salt across different types. The description on the packaging and the nutritional values per 100 g can help you tell the options apart.
You’re also choosing for someone who needs to avoid gluten or other allergens. In that case, check the information on the packaging of the exact toast variety, rather than relying on the brand name or type of toast alone.
First decide whether you want to offer a range of flavours, or whether wholemeal or a specific dietary need will guide your choice. Then check the labels of the types you plan to serve together.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| A range of flavours | Choose a plain option, then decide whether a second type of toast will suit the toppings and your guests’ preferences. | When I’m hosting guests with different tastes, I don’t want to serve everyone the same toast. For around 45% of consumers, having that choice is the top priority. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the term ‘wholemeal’ if you want a fully wholemeal product; compare both fibre and salt per 100 g. | Anyone specifically looking for wholemeal toast won’t want to mistake multigrain for the same thing. For around 33% of consumers, wholemeal or comparing fibre is the first priority. |
| Gluten and allergens | Check the ingredients, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ warnings for the exact variety; check for a gluten-free label if needed. | If I need to cater for a guest who avoids certain ingredients, I check each pack individually. Checking the label is the top priority for around 22% of consumers. |
According to the Voedingscentrum, a product labelled ‘wholemeal’ is made entirely from wholemeal flour. The ingredients in Van der Meulen Melba Meergranen Toast include both 45% wholemeal wheat flour and wheat flour.
If you specifically want wholemeal toast, look for that description on the packaging. Choose multigrain as a separate flavour option, not as an automatic equivalent.
The values listed by Jumbo for Van der Meulen Melba Meergranen Toast are 7.5 g of fibre and 1.5 g of salt per 100 g; for Melba Toast Naturel, they are 3.9 g of fibre and 1.3 g of salt per 100 g. So a difference in fibre doesn’t tell the whole story.
When comparing similar types of toast, check both fibre and salt per 100 g.
Wheat, soya and sesame appear in the ingredients and allergen information for the toast varieties mentioned. Rice toast and other varieties from the same brand have their own labels.
If a guest has an allergy or needs to eat gluten-free, check the current packaging of the product you’ve chosen. Keep a suitable separate type of toast apart when serving to avoid any mix-ups.
The word ‘toast’ doesn’t tell you which type of salt is used in the pack you’ve chosen.
If this matters to you, read the ingredients list for the exact variety rather than relying on the product category.
The range featured by Jumbo includes Melba Toast Naturel, Melba Toast Volkoren, Melba Meergranen Toast and Rice Toast.
JP by Jos Poell Toast Naturel is a plain option if you want the toppings to take centre stage.
Albert Heijn’s toast range includes AH Melba toast naturel and AH Biologisch Melba toast met sesamzaadjes.
Jumbo Knapperige Toast is a flavoured variety with black olives and sun-dried tomatoes.
These products mainly offer toast options for a mild base at your Easter lunch, alongside a separate rice toast. If you’d also like to serve fully wholemeal toast, choose one based on the description on the packaging.
Image unavailable
A round melba toast to consider if you’re looking for a mild base for a range of toppings.
100 g pack. Check the packaging separately if you also want to offer wholemeal toast or need to take allergens into account.
Image unavailable
A classic melba toast to consider for guests who prefer a plain option.
100 g pack. If you have allergies, check the current label and separately make sure you have a second, wholemeal option if needed.
Image unavailable
A melba toast to consider if you want to serve a simple base alongside a range of toppings.
240 g pack. If someone has an allergy, carefully check the current label before serving this toast.
Image unavailable
A separate rice toast to consider if a guest needs a different option from the rest of the table.
65 g pack. If someone needs to eat gluten-free or has an allergy, check the current labelling, ingredients and ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging.
No: multigrain and wholemeal don’t mean the same thing. According to the Voedingscentrum, a product labelled ‘wholemeal’ is made entirely from wholemeal flour; Van der Meulen Melba Meergranen Toast, as listed by Jumbo, contains both wholemeal wheat flour and wheat flour.
Compare both values per 100 g on the packaging of similar products. Among the Van der Meulen varieties listed by Jumbo, Melba Meergranen Toast contains 7.5 g of fibre and 1.5 g of salt per 100 g, compared with 3.9 g of fibre and 1.3 g of salt per 100 g for Melba Toast Naturel.
Choose a separate product whose current packaging confirms that it’s gluten-free, and check that the other ingredients and warnings are suitable for your guest. Jumbo labels Van der Meulen Rice Toast Original as gluten-free; keep any gluten-free toast you choose separate from wheat toast when serving.
No, don’t assume which type of salt has been used just from the word ‘toast’. If iodised salt matters to your choice, read the ingredients list on the exact pack.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging of the toast you choose. The toast varieties described by Jumbo should be stored in a dry place; reseal an opened pack according to the instructions on the label.
