Which toast is right for you?

BBQ hosts who want the toppings to take centre stage

If you’re serving a variety of fish, meat, vegetables or spreads, thin, plain Melba toast makes a good base that adds little of its own flavour.

Hosts putting together a more flavourful sharing platter

If you want the base to stand out, you could choose the grains in multigrain Melba toast, sesame on Melba toast or the distinctive flavour of a truffle cracker. Match your toppings to your choice.

Shoppers who put the label first

If you have an allergy or a specific preference for ingredients, salt content or organic certification, the information on the packaging matters more than the appearance of the toast.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide how much flavour you want the toast to add alongside the toppings. Then check the packaging for ingredients, nutritional information and quantity.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Toppings and crispness Choose a neutral base for a range of toppings; check how to store the product once opened. When I’m serving a variety of BBQ bites, I want the toppings to determine the flavour and the toast to stay crisp. Around 30% of consumers prioritise this combination.
Flavour of the base Compare plain with multigrain or sesame, and consider whether a truffle cracker will go with your planned toppings. If the toppings are simple, I’m happy for the base itself to add more flavour. Around 30% of consumers are expected to give this their highest priority.
Label information Read the ingredients and allergen information; compare the salt content per 100 g on the current packaging. I want to know which ingredients and allergens are in my chosen variety before serving it. For around 30% of consumers, this check is the most important factor.
Quantity and packaging Compare the net weight and check whether you can open the pack in sections. When catering for a larger group, I want to have enough toast ready without opening more packs than necessary. Around 10% of consumers prioritise this consideration.

Common mistakes when choosing

  • Assuming a stronger flavour is always a better choice

    Sesame, grains or truffle can add something to simple toppings, but they can also compete with the flavour of a carefully put-together topping.

    Choose plain Melba toast for a platter with a variety of toppings. Pick a more flavourful base if you’re deliberately keeping the toppings simple.

  • Judging by the front of the packaging alone

    An organic label doesn’t tell you which allergens a particular type of toast contains. Warnings about possible traces may also be relevant.

    Read the current ingredients list and allergen information for the variety you’re buying, and check it again before serving.

  • Looking at the salt content of the toast separately from the toppings

    Cheese, cold meats, dips and sauces can also contain salt. Comparing the toast labels alone therefore won’t give you the full picture of the sharing platter.

    Compare toast varieties by their salt content per 100 g, and take your chosen toppings into account when putting the bites together.

  • Opening more than you need for the BBQ

    You may have some toast left over after opening a large pack. Exposure to moisture can affect its crispness.

    Choose an amount that suits your guests and follow the storage instructions on the packaging for opened toast.

Brands to consider

Van der Meulen

Plain and multigrain Melba toast varieties for toppings or dips.

  • For its Multigrain Toast, Jumbo lists 45% wholemeal wheat flour and sesame seeds in the ingredients.
  • Ingredients vary by variety; check the packaging for grains and other allergens.

Albert Heijn

Own-brand plain Melba toast and an organic sesame variety.

  • Albert Heijn’s product information lists 7% sesame seeds and the EU organic logo for its organic Melba toast.
  • Organic certification alone doesn’t tell you about the salt content or whether a product is suitable for someone with an allergy.

Jumbo

Product information on, among other things, Van der Meulen plain and multigrain Melba toast.

  • The product information makes it easy to check the ingredients in those two varieties separately.
  • A previously listed tomato and basil variety is no longer part of Jumbo’s online range.

Bolletje

A brand to consider if you’re looking at crackers for your sharing platter as well as Melba toast.

  • Bolletje offers several cracker ranges.
  • A cracker isn’t necessarily comparable to thin Melba toast as a base for the same toppings.

Melba toast for toppings on Joybuy

These Melba toast products are options for BBQ bites when you want the toppings to take centre stage. Compare the shape and pack size, and check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens.

Delverde Classic Melba Toast, 100 g

Delverde Classic Melba Toast – 100 g

For BBQ bites with a variety of toppings when you’re looking for a neutral base. Joybuy’s product information describes it as having a neutral flavour; the pack contains 100 g.

Check the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging before serving.

View on Joybuy
Conimex Delverde Melba Toast Round, 100 g

Conimex Delverde Melba Toast Round – 100 g

For a platter with a variety of toppings if you’d like to use round Melba toast. The pack contains 100 g.

Before use, read the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does toast in the Netherlands always have to contain iodine?

No, not all toast has to contain iodine. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds may be present in bakery products. If the type of salt used matters to you, check the ingredients for the specific toast or ask the manufacturer.

Which allergens should I check in Melba toast?

This varies by variety. For Van der Meulen Melba Multigrain Toast, Jumbo lists wheat and sesame seeds, among other ingredients. Always check the current allergen information and any warning about possible traces on the toast you’re serving.

How do I compare the salt content of different types of toast?

Compare the amount of salt per 100 g in the nutritional information for each variety. Then consider how much toast you’re serving and which dips or other toppings you’ll be adding; the toast’s salt content alone doesn’t describe the whole meal.

How can I keep opened toast crisp?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and seal opened toast tightly. For a BBQ, also consider how many packs you open at once so you can keep the rest sealed.