For generous or moist toppings, test the toast with the actual portion and waiting time before choosing a base: a name such as ‘baguette’ doesn’t prove that the toast is thick or sturdy. Van der Meulen describes Melba toast as super-thin and light, so it’s mainly worth considering for light bites. If serving food unpackaged, also check the allergen information for both the toast you choose and the topping.
With heavy or moist toppings, what matters is how the toast holds up with the actual portion and waiting time. Test the combination before serving rather than assuming it will be sturdy based on the product name.
Van der Meulen lists 9.5 g of fibre per 100 g for Melba Crackers Volkoren. Compare the nutritional information on each pack; the manufacturer also describes this cracker as super-thin.
For an open display or self-service, information about any allergens present must be available to customers before purchase, according to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. Include both the toast and the topping.
Start with the topping and how you’ll serve it. Then compare the information on the exact pack: a wholegrain option, baguette toast and a super-thin Melba cracker don’t automatically serve the same purpose.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sturdiness with generous toppings | Test the toast and topping together using the planned portion and waiting time. Check whether the pack gives a specific thickness. | With generous or moist toppings, I want the toast to stay intact until serving. Sturdiness is said to be the main purchasing concern for around 42% of consumers. |
| Fibre, ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information per 100 g for each variant; assess a wholegrain claim separately from whether it suits the topping. | For a wholegrain lunch option, I want to be able to compare the nutritional information and give customers clear information about allergens. Around 33% of consumers are said to prioritise this product information. |
| Portions and serving | Compare the shape, number of pieces and storage instructions on the pack with the lunch snacks you’re planning. | If I’m serving a range of snacks, I want to choose shapes and portions that work for the way they’ll be served. Practicality is said to matter most to around 25% of consumers. |
‘Baguette’ or ‘crunchy’ doesn’t, by itself, tell you anything about thickness or how well the toast will hold up under your chosen topping. Haust describes its Baguette Toast as light in texture, while Van der Meulen calls Melba toast super-thin.
Ask for a specific product specification and try a pack with your own topping, portion and waiting time before choosing the toast for generous toppings.
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, information about any allergens present in unpackaged food must be available to customers before purchase.
Keep up-to-date information for every toast and topping combination available where food is served, and make sure staff know how customers can access it.
Van der Meulen’s wholegrain Melba cracker is super-thin. Its stated wholegrain base and fibre content don’t tell you whether it can hold generous toppings or meet a specific dietary requirement.
For each menu item, check the product shape, nutritional information, ingredients and allergens, as well as how it works with the planned topping.
Van der Meulen offers Melba toast, Melba crackers and rice toast in a range of varieties.
Haust offers Baguette Toast and other crunchy toast products.
JP by Jos Poell includes toast in its range; Jumbo lists products such as JP by Jos Poell Toast Naturel 100 g.
Don’t assume it is without testing it at serving time. Van der Meulen describes Melba toast as super-thin and light; try the exact toast with your planned topping and expected waiting time before serving it at lunchtime.
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, customers must be able to get information about any allergens present before they buy. Keep this information accessible where food is served for both the toast and the topping; for cereals containing gluten and nuts, you must also name the specific type.
No. Van der Meulen lists wheat, barley and rye among the ingredients in Melba Crackers Volkoren. If you need a gluten-free product, check for an explicit statement on the packaging of another variety rather than relying on the word ‘wholegrain’.
You can’t tell from the name ‘toast’. Check the ingredients on the exact pack before making any claims about iodised baker’s salt in a canteen menu.
