Stock-up shoppers who compare unit prices
You buy several packs and want to compare quantities fairly, without assuming that different product shapes are interchangeable.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Shoppers buying Melba toast for toppings
You’re specifically looking for thin Melba toast to serve with toppings and don’t want to confuse it with mini crackers.
Stock-up shoppers who compare labels
Before you buy, you want to check the ingredients, allergens, nutritional information, best-before date and storage instructions for your chosen variety.
What should you look for when stocking up?
First decide which type of toast you’ll actually use. Then compare packs that serve the same purpose, and check whether you can store and use up your stock in good time.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Price per kilo | Compare the unit price and net weight of products in a shape that works for your needs. | If I buy several packs, I don’t want to judge by the price of one pack when the contents vary. Around 40% of consumers prioritise a comparable price per kilo. |
| Stock planning | Check the weight per pack, best-before date and storage instructions on the packaging. | I only want to buy a larger quantity if it fits in my cupboard and I can use the packs in time. Pack size and storage are the most important factors for around 30% of consumers. |
| Ingredients | Read the ingredients list and check the allergens clearly stated for your chosen variety. | If I have a food allergy or a particular ingredient preference, I need to know what’s in the pack before buying several. Ingredients are the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Product shape | Decide whether you need Melba toast, mini crackers or toast cups for the way you plan to use them. | For topped bites, I want to choose a shape that works for serving, even if another product is cheaper per kilo. The shape they want is the top priority for around 10% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Looking only at the price of one pack
A smaller pack may cost less without being cheaper per kilo. And a low unit price doesn’t necessarily mean the product shape suits your needs.
Compare the price per kilo first, then consider the shape and contents.
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Assuming Melba toast and mini crackers are the same
They may be on the same shelf, but they’re different shapes and aren’t interchangeable for every topping or serving occasion.
Choose the shape you need before comparing packs.
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Buying several packs without reading the label
The best-before date, storage instructions and ingredients determine whether a product is right for your needs. If you have a food allergy, it’s important to check the allergen information for the specific variety.
Check these details on the packs you’re actually buying, even if you’ve had the product before.
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Assuming all toast contains iodised baker’s salt
Brood.net Professionals describes the use of iodised baker’s salt as part of an industry agreement. That doesn’t mean you can assume it’s an ingredient in every type of toast without checking the product information.
Check the ingredients list if the type of salt used matters to you.
Brands and own-label options to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s range of toast for drinks and nibbles includes AH Melba toast naturel, in a 240 g pack.
- A specific Melba toast option to compare by shape and pack weight.
- The wider range of toast for drinks and nibbles also includes other shapes and brands.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists Mini Crackers Naturel, in a 250 g pack, alongside other toast products.
- An option if mini crackers suit the way you plan to use them.
- Mini crackers aren’t a substitute for Melba toast in every situation.
ALDI / Sun Snacks
ALDI lists Sun Snacks Melba Toast Naturel in a 240 g pack and Toast Cups Naturel in a 100 g pack.
- Two different shapes to consider based on how you plan to serve them.
- Don’t compare the cups as if they were the same product shape as Melba toast.
Lidl
Lidl lists 240 g packs of Melba toast as a store product.
- Worth considering if you want to pick up Melba toast while shopping.
- Lidl directs customers to its stores for current food prices, so check the shelf price at your local branch.
Van der Meulen
The retailers surveyed stock Van der Meulen Melba toast varieties, including plain, wholemeal, sesame and multigrain.
- The varieties offer different ingredient options.
- Check the weight and label for each variety; the brand name alone doesn’t tell you enough.
Bolletje
Bolletje is relevant here as a cracker brand if you don’t specifically need toast.
- A cracker alternative to consider if that shape suits your needs.
- The Bolletje Protein & Low Carb Crackers surveyed aren’t Melba toast; according to Bolletje, they contain ingredients including wheat and sesame.
Toast and a cracker alternative at Joybuy
These products represent two different options for stocking up: Melba toast and mini crackers. Compare them based on the shape you need, and check the latest product information before choosing several packs.
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Crispy Melba Toast, 240 g
An option if you’re specifically looking for Melba toast to stock up on. Compare the price per kilo with other Melba toast for the same purpose, and check the best-before date on the pack.
Check the ingredients and allergen information especially carefully: the available product information contains conflicting details.
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LU Mini Cracker Natural, 250 g
An alternative if mini crackers suit the way you plan to use them; they aren’t the same product shape as Melba toast. Compare the unit price within the shape you want, and check the best-before date on the pack before stocking up.
Frequently asked questions
How can I compare toast fairly when buying several packs?
Compare the price per kilo of products that are similar enough for the way you plan to use them. Weight lets you compare pack quantities, but mini crackers, Melba toast and toast cups aren’t automatically interchangeable.
What should I check on the label before stocking up?
Check the ingredients, allergens, net contents, best-before date and any storage instructions for your chosen variety. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists this label information as important for prepacked foods.
Can I assume all toast contains iodised baker’s salt?
No. Don’t make assumptions about a specific type of toast based on the product category alone. Brood.net Professionals describes the use of iodised baker’s salt as part of an industry agreement; check the ingredients list on the pack if the type of salt matters to you.
How can I compare Lidl Melba toast with other packs?
Check the product shape and the 240 g weight, then look at the current shelf price at the Lidl branch where you shop. Lidl says current food prices are available in stores, rather than in a general online price list.