Which type of toast is right for you?

If you want to stock up on plain toast quickly

You’re looking for one type of toast to go with both sweet and savoury toppings. Jumbo describes the JP by Jos Poell Toast Naturel reviewed here as suitable for both types of topping.

If you’re looking for toast for topped sandwiches

You don’t want to accidentally pick up thin melba toast. ALDI Nederland describes the Van Vlegelaar toast reviewed here as rectangular toast for topped sandwiches, while Van der Meulen describes melba toast as being made from thin slices.

If you need to check ingredients and allergens

You compare the current labels before choosing. The products reviewed here differ in their ingredients and warnings about the possible presence of allergens. A brand name or type of toast won’t tell you everything about the pack you’re buying.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide what you want to top your toast with and whether you’re looking for thin or rectangular slices. Then compare the labels of the products that fit the bill.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Versatile toppings Check whether the plain variety is described as suitable for both sweet and savoury toppings. If I want to stock up on one type of toast quickly, it needs to go with the sweet and savoury toppings I have planned. This versatility is the top priority for around 40% of consumers.
Shape and thickness Check the shape and any thickness information on the pack; don’t assume that rectangular toast has a standard slice thickness. For topped sandwiches, I want to be able to check in advance that the toast has the shape I’m looking for, rather than automatically choosing thin melba toast. Shape is the main consideration for around 20% of consumers.
Allergens and gluten Read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging, including warnings about possible cross-contamination. If I need to avoid certain ingredients, the information on the specific pack I choose needs to meet my needs. Around 30% of consumers prioritise this check.
Ingredients and nutritional information If you wish, compare the salt per 100 g and, if you have a question about iodine, look for baker’s salt or iodised salt in the ingredients list. I want to be able to compare the ingredients and stated salt content without assuming anything about iodine from the type of toast. For around 10% of consumers, clear labelling is their main concern.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking melba toast for medium-thick toast

    Van der Meulen describes melba toast as bread cut into thin slices and then toasted. It’s a different choice from toast selected for its shape for topped sandwiches.

    If that’s what you’re after, check the shape on the packaging. Choose melba toast deliberately if you specifically want thin slices.

  • Assuming all toast contains iodine from baker’s salt

    According to Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So the toast category won’t tell you whether a specific product is made with it.

    If this distinction matters to you, check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt.

  • Relying on the brand name alone when checking allergens

    The toast varieties reviewed here differ in their ingredients and warnings about the possible presence of allergens. A product you’ve bought before is no substitute for checking the label on the pack you’re choosing now.

    Read both the ingredients and the allergen information on the current packaging.

  • Confusing a short ingredients list with general suitability

    For the Hollandia toast reviewed here, Jumbo lists wheat flour and water. This short list doesn’t change the fact that it contains wheat, and it tells you nothing about the toast’s thickness.

    Use the ingredients list as a point of comparison, and check allergens, nutritional information and shape separately.

Brands to consider

JP by Jos Poell

Jumbo describes the 100 g Toast Naturel reviewed here as suitable for sweet and savoury toppings.

  • Ingredients and nutritional values are listed for this variety.
  • This variety contains wheat, may contain egg, milk and sesame, and lists 1,60 g of salt per 100 g.

Van der Meulen

The 120 g Melba Toast Naturel reviewed here is an option if you’re specifically looking for thin toast.

  • Jumbo explains that the bread for this melba toast is cut into thin slices and toasted.
  • This variety contains wheat, barley and soya, and may contain sesame; thinly sliced melba toast isn’t medium-thick toast.

Hollandia

For the 100 g 100% Natural Toast reviewed here, you can compare the listed ingredients and nutritional information.

  • Jumbo lists wheat flour and water as the ingredients for this variety, with 0,005 g of salt per 100 g.
  • This variety contains wheat. The product name doesn’t confirm a particular toast thickness, so check the current label.

Van Vlegelaar

ALDI Nederland describes the 250 g Krokante Tarwe Toast reviewed here as rectangular, oven-baked toast for topped sandwiches.

  • The stated shape and intended use can help you choose toast for toppings.
  • Check the actual size, ingredients and allergens on the packaging before choosing.

Sun Snacks

ALDI Nederland lists the Melba Toast Naturel reviewed here as a 240 g pack.

  • The product description makes clear that this is plain melba toast.
  • Melba is the thin-toast option; check the pack itself for ingredients and allergens.

Toast products at Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is ‘medium sliced’ a standard size for toast?

Don’t assume a standard thickness based on that description alone. ALDI Nederland describes the rectangular toast reviewed here as intended for topped sandwiches, while Van der Meulen describes its melba toast as thinly sliced. Check the pack to find the size you’re looking for.

Does Dutch toast always contain iodine from baker’s salt?

No, you can’t tell from the type of toast. According to Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list if you want to know whether it’s been used in your toast.

What should I look for when checking allergens in toast?

Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current pack, even if you recognise the brand name. The standard toast varieties reviewed here contain wheat; some also list other ingredients or warn of the possible presence of allergens.

How should I store toast after opening?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging you buy. For the AH BASIC Melba Toast reviewed here, Albert Heijn recommends storing it in a sealed tin after opening; this advice doesn’t automatically apply to every type of toast.