If you want to eat toast with a hearty or moist topping while you’re on the go, don’t choose it based on the name ‘melba’ alone: Jumbo describes the wholemeal and multigrain versions of Van der Meulen that it stocks as super-thin. For other toast, check whether its thickness is specified and try it with your topping and travel packaging before you set off to see if it stays intact. If smaller portions matter more than a thick toast base, compare the multipacks and read the label for each version.
You’re looking for a base that stays intact with your topping and in your travel packaging. Jumbo describes Van der Meulen’s wholemeal and multigrain melba toast as super-thin; a different shape alone doesn’t prove that the toast is thick or sturdy.
You want to be able to open small packs while you’re on the go, rather than one large pack. Bolletje says its Ciabatta Snack Crackers Tomato & Herbs come in packs of two; they’re crackers, not melba toast.
You want to check the fibre, salt and allergens in the exact version before you set off. Supermarket information about melba toast shows that these details vary between versions.
First decide what topping you’re taking and how you’ll transport the toast. Then compare the multipack and the nutritional information for the exact version.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sturdiness with toppings | Look for an explicit thickness specification. Otherwise, try the toast at home with your topping and travel packaging to see if it stays intact. | With a hearty or moist topping, I don’t want the base to break while I’m carrying it. That’s why sturdiness comes first for around 40% of consumers. |
| Portions and packaging | Check how many individual packs there are and whether you can carry them safely. Bolletje says its Ciabatta Snack Crackers come in packs of two. | If we snack at different times, I don’t want to keep opening a large pack. Convenient portions are the main concern for around 30% of consumers. |
| Fibre and salt | Compare the nutritional information per 100 g as well as the amount you’ll actually eat; fibre content doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are. | When I’m packing toast for several stops, I want to be able to compare the nutritional value of the version I’ve chosen. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current label for the exact version, including allergens and warnings about possible traces. | If someone travelling with me needs to avoid an ingredient, I want to know what’s in this particular pack. For around 10% of consumers, checking the label is the main priority. |
Jumbo describes Van der Meulen’s wholemeal and multigrain melba toast as super-thin. The type of grain doesn’t tell you whether a piece of toast can support your topping.
Check for an explicit thickness specification, or try the combination of toast, topping and travel packaging before you set off.
Fibre, salt and allergens vary between toast versions. A brand name is no substitute for the nutritional information and ingredients list on the pack you’re buying.
Compare values per 100 g and check the current allergen information every time you buy.
The fact that dry toast can be taken along says nothing about the temperature at which perishable toppings need to be stored.
Keep the toast and topping separate, and follow the topping’s storage instructions. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends using a cool bag in very hot weather or on a long journey.
The Dutch agreement on baker’s salt encourages the use of iodised salt; it doesn’t make it a general requirement for all toast. According to the NBC’s explanation, using iodised baker’s salt is not a legal requirement.
If iodine is relevant to your choice of product, check the ingredients information for the exact toast or ask the manufacturer to confirm.
Melba toast available in plain, wholemeal and multigrain versions, among others.
Ciabatta Snack Crackers Tomato & Herbs are a seasoned cracker option for travelling, not plain melba toast.
AH Melba Toast Plain is a multipack of melba toast.
ALDI Netherlands describes Sun Snacks Plain Melba Toast as crisp, toasted melba toast.
ALDI Netherlands describes this wheat toast as rectangular and oven-baked.
No, there’s no general requirement to use iodised baker’s salt in all toast. The agreement published in the Government Gazette in 2008 encourages the use of iodised salt in bread and bread substitutes; the NBC explains that using iodised baker’s salt is not a legal requirement. Check the current ingredients information for a specific type of toast.
Check the current ingredients list and allergen information for each specific type of toast or cracker. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be listed on the label; the products discussed here include ingredients or warnings relating to wheat, barley, soya and sesame, among others.
Follow the storage instructions for the topping; the packaging for dry toast doesn’t tell you how to store perishable toppings. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends using a cool bag if it’s very warm or the journey is long. Pack the toast separately so you can add the topping just before eating.
