For a generously topped bite, choose a type of toast with plenty of surface area, such as rectangular wheat toast, and check the dimensions and thickness of the exact pack. Melba toast and small toasts are better suited to modest bites with a range of toppings; none of these product names guarantees thick slices or that the toast will hold heavy, moist toppings.
If you want to serve each guest a piece of toast with a visible topping and garnish, start by considering its shape and available surface area. ALDI describes Van Vlegelaar Krokante Tarwe Toast as rectangular toasts for topped sandwiches. Check separately whether the dimensions and thickness suit your toppings.
For a selection of modest bites with coffee, Melba toast, round toast and toast cups are all shapes worth comparing. Look at their dimensions and how you plan to add the topping, rather than relying on the word ‘toast’ alone.
If you’re catering for guests’ dietary needs, read the label on both the exact toast product and the topping. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, allergens are clearly highlighted in the ingredients list; the nutrition table lets you compare products per 100 g.
First decide whether you want to serve generously topped bites or smaller pieces of toast. Then check each product’s shape, packaging information and ingredients that may be relevant to your guests.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Room for generous toppings | Compare the shape and dimensions; check the thickness and number of pieces on the pack if these will affect your choice. | I want enough room on each piece of toast for toppings and a garnish, without assuming that a rectangular shape means the toast is sturdy. For around 40% of consumers, space for toppings comes first. |
| Small bites | Compare Melba toast, round toast and toast cups by shape and pack size. | If I want to serve a selection of modest bites with coffee, I’m looking for a shape that suits them. Small portions are the first consideration for around 30% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | Check the ingredients list, allergen information and nutritional values per 100 g for the exact product; check the toppings too. | When serving guests with specific dietary needs, I want to know what’s in the complete snack before choosing a type of toast. For around 30% of consumers, these checks take priority. |
Melba toast, toast cups and rectangular wheat toast come in different serving styles. The category name won’t tell you how thick a slice is or how much topping it can hold.
Check the product description and look at the dimensions and thickness on the exact pack if these are important for your bites.
The shape of a piece of toast won’t tell you how long it will stay crisp once you’ve added a moist topping.
Prepare the toppings in advance if you like, but add them to the toast shortly before serving. Try one piece first with your planned topping.
Baker’s salt is iodised table salt, but the fact that a product is toast doesn’t mean it contains baker’s salt.
Check the product’s ingredients list if the type of salt used is important to your choice.
A claim on the front of the pack doesn’t replace the ingredients list and nutrition table. The topping you choose is also part of the snack you serve.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g for the exact toast product, and check the topping’s ingredients separately.
Albert Heijn includes AH Melba Toast Naturel in its range.
Jumbo’s toast range includes, among other products, crisp toast and Melba toast.
Lidl lists fornaccini toast and Melba toast as separate products.
ALDI describes Van Vlegelaar Krokante Tarwe Toast as rectangular toasts for topped sandwiches, and also lists toast cups.
Jumbo lists Van der Meulen Melba Toast Naturel and Melba Toast Sesam.
Bolletje describes snack crackers, including ciabatta snack crackers and tortilla crackers.
No, you can’t tell from the word ‘toast’ whether baker’s salt has been used. The Food Commodities Decree on the Addition of Micronutrients to Food defines baker’s salt as iodised table salt for bread and other baked goods. Check the ingredients list for the exact toast product if the type of salt used is important to your choice.
Read the ingredients list and allergen information for the exact toast product, and check every topping too. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, allergens are clearly highlighted in the ingredients list. Don’t rely on the name or appearance of a piece of toast alone.
If you want to stop the toast going soft too soon, add moist toppings shortly before serving. Try one bite with the topping you plan to use: a larger or rectangular shape alone won’t tell you how long the toast will stay crisp.
