If you want the topping to take centre stage
With fish, cheese or spreads, you’ll want a thin, neutral base. Jumbo lists plain Melba toast from Van der Meulen, while Albert Heijn presents its plain variety as a base for toppings.
Which type of toast is right for you?
If you’re after more wholegrain flavour
If you’d like the toast itself to have more texture, a multigrain variety is worth comparing. Jumbo lists Van der Meulen Melba Multigrain as containing 45% wholemeal wheat flour and 7.5 g of fibre per 100 g. Check the allergens too.
If you’re buying for guests with allergies
Check the ingredients, allergens and any ‘may contain’ statement on the exact pack. Product information from Jumbo, Albert Heijn and Bolletje shows that these details vary between toasts and crackers.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether the topping or the base should provide most of the flavour. Then compare the quantity, nutritional information and allergens for the people you’re serving.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Neutral base | Choose a plain variety and check the size and ingredients if you want the topping to stand out. | When serving a strongly seasoned or delicate topping, I don’t want the toast to dominate the flavour. Around 27% of consumers prioritise a neutral base above all else. |
| Quantity and versatility | Compare the pack weight and number of individual packs with the number of guests and toppings you’re serving. | For several guests and a range of nibbles, I want enough toast that goes with lots of different toppings. This is the main priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Grain profile | Compare the proportion of wholemeal flour, fibre and salt per 100 g; read the ingredients list too. | When you’re serving simple toppings, the toast itself can bring more grain flavour and texture. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the allergen information and any ‘may contain’ statement on the exact pack; check any dietary claim you’re relying on separately. | When I’m buying for someone with an allergy or specific dietary preference, I need to know what’s in the product before serving it. Around 20% of consumers put this check ahead of the other considerations. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘multigrain’ means suitable for people with allergies
Van der Meulen Melba Multigrain, as described by Jumbo, contains wheat, oats, rye, sesame and soya, among other ingredients. The grain profile alone won’t tell you whether the toast is suitable for your guests’ allergies.
Before buying, read the full ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack.
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Choosing a seasoned base without considering the topping
A tomato and herb cracker adds flavour of its own. It can work well with simple toppings, but it’s a different choice from plain Melba toast under a subtle topping.
Decide which flavour should take centre stage before choosing plain toast or a seasoned variety.
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Assuming online listings reflect in-store availability
A product listing doesn’t automatically mean the variety you want is available at your local shop. Jumbo’s product page no longer lists the tomato and basil toast we looked at as available online.
Check the current range shortly before your evening if you particularly want to serve that flavour.
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Assuming all toast contains iodised baker’s salt
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds may be present in bakery products through the use of baker’s salt. This doesn’t mean that every variety of toast uses this salt.
Check the ingredients or ask the manufacturer if the use of iodised baker’s salt matters to your choice.
Brands to consider
Van der Meulen
Jumbo lists this brand’s Melba toast in plain, wholemeal, multigrain and sesame varieties, among others. This lets you compare a neutral base with a more distinctive grain variety within the same product range.
- Jumbo lists Van der Meulen Melba Multigrain as containing 7.5 g of fibre per 100 g.
- The multigrain variety contains wheat, oats, rye, sesame and soya, among other ingredients; check the exact pack for your guests.
Albert Heijn
The own-brand AH Melba Toast Plain is a neutral option for toppings, in a 240 g pack.
- According to Albert Heijn, the pack contains twelve packs of six pieces of toast.
- The product information lists cereals containing gluten and soya, as well as 1.93 g of salt per 100 g.
Jumbo
Jumbo has described a tomato and basil Melba toast for anyone who wants the base itself to be seasoned.
- The variety described contains tomato, basil, oregano, garlic and paprika, among other ingredients.
- Jumbo no longer lists this specific variety as available online; check the current range.
Bolletje
Bolletje Tomato & Herb Ciabatta Crackers are a seasoned cracker option, rather than classic Melba toast.
- The product information lists tomato, extra virgin olive oil and herbs; the crackers are packed in pairs.
- Bolletje lists cereals containing gluten and possible traces of other allergens. Check the pack if this is relevant to your guests.
Sun Snacks
ALDI describes Sun Snacks Plain Melba Toast as toasted plain toast in a 240 g pack.
- The pack weight makes it easy to compare with other larger packs.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the pack before choosing this variety for specific dietary requirements.
Toast and alternatives at Joybuy
These products include Melba toast as a base for toppings and two other options: a seasoned mini cracker and rice toast. Choose based on the product type and pack size, not just the flavour description.
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Crispy Melba Toast, 240 g
Melba toast to consider if you’re looking for a base to serve with a range of toppings; the pack contains 240 g.
Before buying, check the ingredients and allergens on the exact pack: the allergen statement provided doesn’t match the listed ingredients and possible traces.
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Delverde Classic Melba Toast, 100 g
Classic Melba toast to compare when you’re serving toppings; the pack contains 100 g.
If anyone has allergies, check the ingredients and possible traces on the pack and make sure there’s enough for your guests.
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Conimex Delverde Round Melba Toast, 100 g
Round Melba toast to compare if the size of the bites matters for your presentation; the pack contains 100 g.
If anyone has allergies, check the ingredients and possible traces on the exact pack.
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Lu Tomato Basil Mini Crackers, 3 x 250 g
A seasoned mini cracker for when you’d like the base itself to add tomato and basil flavour; this isn’t classic Melba toast.
The title states 3 x 250 g. If you’re serving a subtle topping, consider the herb flavour before choosing this option and check the allergens on the pack.
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Van Der Meulen Rice Toast Natural, 65 g
Rice toast to compare with classic Melba toast; the pack contains 65 g.
Check that the quantity is right for the number of guests you’re serving. For dietary or allergy requirements, don’t rely on the product name: check the full information on the exact pack.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘premium’ tell you anything useful about toast for a fakeaway night?
The word alone won’t help you choose between these types of toast. Compare whether you want a neutral or seasoned base, which size works with your toppings, and what the pack says about ingredients, allergens and nutritional value.
Why should I check allergens even for similar pieces of toast?
Ingredients vary between varieties. For example, Jumbo lists wheat, barley and soya in Van der Meulen Plain, while the multigrain variety also contains oats, rye and sesame. Always read the current information on the exact pack, including any ‘may contain’ statement.
How can I keep toast crisp until it’s time to serve?
Store the toast somewhere dry and seal an opened pack properly. For its plain Melba toast, Albert Heijn recommends using a sealed tin after opening. Add toppings just before serving if you want to stop them making the base soggy.
Does all toast contain iodised baker’s salt?
No, don’t assume so without checking the product information. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds may be present in bakery products through the use of baker’s salt; this doesn’t confirm which salt is used in a particular toast. Check the label or ask the manufacturer if this matters to your choice.