Parents putting together an occasional plate of toast
You're looking for small pieces of toast and want to choose a pack size that suits the number of children, so you don't end up with lots left over.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Parents choosing a regular snack
You're wondering whether plain Melba toast is suitable for a regular snack, or whether wholemeal bread or wholemeal crispbread is a better fit with the examples given by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
Parents who need to consider allergen requirements
You want to know which ingredients are listed on the pack and what rules the school or after-school club follows before you pack the toast.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether the toast is for a one-off occasion or a regular snack. Then choose a pack size that suits the number of children and check the label.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it's important for |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size | Compare the weight with the amount of toast you want to serve. | I'm putting together a small plate and don't want to be left with a large pack. Around 42% of consumers prioritise a suitable quantity. |
| Regular use | Compare the product type and check the fibre and salt values per 100 g. | If this snack comes up often, I don't want to automatically reach for plain Melba toast. Around 33% of consumers give this everyday product choice top priority. |
| Allergens and requirements | Check the current ingredients and allergen information; if necessary, ask about the school's or after-school club's rules. | For a packed lunch, I need to know whether the toast meets the class requirements. Around 25% of consumers consider this check the most important factor. |
Common mistakes
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Using plain toast as a regular substitute for wholemeal bread
A small piece of toast is handy for serving a topping, but the Netherlands Nutrition Centre also lists wholemeal bread and wholemeal crispbread as snack options for children.
Save Melba toast for an occasional plate. For a regular snack, make a considered choice about which bread or crispbread to serve.
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Only checking the fibre in wholemeal toast
Van der Meulen Melba Wholemeal Toast, as listed by Jumbo, contains 9.7 g of fibre and 1.9 g of salt per 100 g. Its ingredients include sesame, wheat, rye, barley and soya.
Check both the nutrition information and allergen details on the current pack, especially if there are rules about ingredients at home, at school or at the after-school club.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists AH plain Melba toast in a 240 g pack, divided into 12 portions of 20 g.
- The label lists 3.9 g of fibre and 1.93 g of salt per 100 g.
- The ingredients include wheat, barley and soya. Also check the current pack for information about possible traces.
Van der Meulen
Van der Meulen makes plain and wholemeal Melba toast. These are different varieties, so compare their label information separately.
- According to Jumbo's product information, the plain variety contains 3.9 g of fibre per 100 g, while the wholemeal variety contains 9.7 g per 100 g.
- Jumbo also lists 1.9 g of salt per 100 g for the wholemeal variety, with ingredients including sesame, wheat, rye, barley and soya.
Jumbo
Jumbo listed a tomato and basil-flavoured Melba toast alongside its plain toast.
- The pack listed contains 5 packs of 6 pieces of toast, making 100 g in total.
- The product information lists wheat, barley and soya. Check the current pack if this flavour needs to meet any allergen requirements.
Toast and crispbread on Joybuy
The two types of Melba toast are suitable for an occasional plate at kids' tea time. Wholemeal crispbread is a different product to consider if you're choosing a regular snack; it isn't a small piece of toast.
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Delverde Classic Melba Toast 100 g
A pack of Melba toast for an occasional plate. If you need to meet allergen requirements, check the ingredients and allergen information on the current pack.
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Crispy Melba Toast 240 g
Melba toast in a larger pack for an occasional serving. If there are requirements at school or at the after-school club, check the current ingredients and allergen information before packing the toast.
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g'woon wholemeal crispbread 375 g
A wholemeal alternative if you're considering a regular snack, rather than small pieces of Melba toast for a plate. Before serving it at school or at the after-school club, check the current label and local requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is Melba toast suitable as a daily snack for a child?
Don't automatically make Melba toast a regular everyday choice. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists options such as a wholemeal sandwich and wholemeal crispbread as snacks for children. Save small pieces of Melba toast for an occasional kids' tea time, for example.
Which allergens should I check in Melba toast?
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you plan to use. Albert Heijn and Jumbo's product information lists wheat, barley and soya for the plain varieties discussed here; Jumbo also lists sesame for Van der Meulen Melba Wholemeal Toast. Check for any warnings about possible traces too.
Can I pack toast for school if there are allergen requirements?
First ask what requirements the school or after-school club follows for the class or group. Then check the current pack, including its ingredients and warnings about possible traces, before packing the toast.