Putting together a platter of topped nibbles
You’re looking for a type of toast that works with small bites and lets the flavour of cheese, fish, spread or salad shine through.
Which toast is right for you?
Fans of simple nibbles with drinks
You want sesame, herbs, olives or wholegrains to add flavour to the toast, so you can keep the toppings simple.
Guests and hosts who check labels
You take ingredients, allergens and salt content into account, choosing based on the exact product variant rather than just the brand or product name.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide what the toast should do on your sharing platter: carry a topping or add its own flavour. Then compare the packaging of the options that fit the bill.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| A base for toppings | Choose a neutral flavour and check whether the shape suits the amount of topping you want to add to each bite. | If cheese, fish or spread is taking centre stage, I want the toast to complement it. A suitable base matters most to around 33% of consumers. |
| Flavour and variety | Compare the flavours and ingredients with the toppings you plan to serve. | For simple nibbles, the toast itself can add flavour, as long as it doesn’t clash with the topping. Flavour or variety comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
| Allergens and nutritional information | Read the allergen information and compare the salt per 100 g on the exact products you’re considering. | If I need to take an allergy into account or compare salt content, I need the label for the specific option I’ve chosen. This check is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Packaging and availability | Check the pack weight, storage instructions after opening and whether the option you want is available where you shop. | For a small get-together, I don’t want to open more packs than necessary; for a larger group, the pack size needs to be practical. Around 17% of consumers prioritise this. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘sea salt’, ‘organic’ or ‘wholegrain’ answers every question about the label
Those words alone don’t tell you how much salt the toast contains or which allergens it includes. For example, Albert Heijn lists 2 g of salt per 100 g for AH Borreltoast sea salt.
Compare the salt per 100 g and read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact option you’re serving.
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Relying only on an online product page
Ingredients and nutritional information can vary between products or change over time. This is especially important when you need to check an allergen for a guest.
Before buying and serving, read the packaging of the product you’ll actually be using.
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Assuming all toast contains iodised baker’s salt
You can’t tell what type of salt has been used just from the product category.
If this matters to your choice, check the ingredients list for the specific toast.
Brands and labels to consider
Van der Meulen
Melba toast for sharing platters where the toppings take centre stage; Albert Heijn lists plain and wholegrain options, among others.
- Albert Heijn presents its wholegrain Melba toast as a base for toppings.
- The ingredients for this option include cereals containing gluten, sesame and soya. Check the label of the option you choose.
Albert Heijn
Own-label options in a range of flavours, including sesame Melba toast and sea salt toast for drinks.
- The individual product labels let you compare ingredients and nutritional information for each option.
- A flavour name or organic certification doesn’t replace checking the allergens and salt content on the exact packaging.
Jumbo
Own-label toast alongside other types in the range, including plain options and toast with olive and basil.
- Different shapes and flavours can help you put together a sharing platter.
- Toast, mini crackers and snack cups are different products; check the shape and label for each option you choose.
Sun Snacks
An ALDI label with options including Melba Toast Naturel and Toast Cups Naturel.
- ALDI lists a 240 g pack of Sun Snacks Melba Toast Naturel.
- Don’t assume a product is suitable for someone with an allergy based on the brand name or packaging; check the product label.
JOS POELL
Baguette toast offers a different shape from Melba toast for topped nibbles.
- ALDI lists JOS POELL Baguette Toast in a 100 g pack.
- Check the packaging to make sure the ingredients, allergens and size suit your guests and toppings.
Toast for your sharing platter at Joybuy
These products are Melba and rice toast for nibbles with drinks. First, choose between a base for toppings and toast with its own flavour; if anyone has an allergy, always check the packaging.
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Conimex Delverde Melba Toast Round, 100 g
Round Melba toast to consider when you’re making small topped nibbles. The pack contains 100 g; check the packaging for the dimensions and allergen information.
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Delverde Classic Melba Toast, 100 g
Classic Melba toast for a sharing platter where you want the toppings to shine. The pack contains 100 g; check the size and allergen information before choosing it for your guests.
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Crispy Melba Toast, 240 g
The 240 g pack may suit you if you’re making topped nibbles for several people. The product information is contradictory about allergens: it says that the main allergens are absent, but also lists wheat, barley and soya. If you have an allergy, only choose this product after checking the exact packaging.
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Van Der Meulen Rice Toast Natural, 65 g
Rice toast to consider if you’d like to serve a different type of toast on your sharing platter; the pack contains 65 g. The product information is unclear about sesame and soya. If you have an allergy or need a gluten-free option, check the information on the exact packaging rather than relying on the product name.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check allergens in toast for guests?
Read the ingredients list on the exact packaging before serving the toast. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergens in prepacked foods must be clearly identified in the ingredients list; for toast, these may include cereals containing gluten, sesame and soya.
Is sesame or wholegrain toast suitable for every guest?
No. The name of the option doesn’t tell you which allergens matter to a particular guest. For Van der Meulen wholegrain Melba toast, Albert Heijn lists wheat, barley, rye, sesame and soya, among other ingredients; always check the packaging of the product you choose.
How do I compare the salt content of two types of toast?
Compare the ‘salt per 100 g’ information on both packs, rather than relying on words such as ‘sea salt’. For example, Albert Heijn lists 2 g of salt per 100 g for AH Borreltoast sea salt; also consider the toppings when putting together your sharing platter.
How should I store toast after opening?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging you bought. These can vary between options, including how to reseal an opened pack.
Does toast always contain iodised baker’s salt?
Don’t assume that toast contains iodised baker’s salt. If the type of salt used matters to your choice, read the ingredients list for the specific product.