For anyone making bites with generous toppings
If fish, cheese, cold meats or spreads are the star of the show, look for a thin base with little flavour of its own. Van der Meulen describes its plain Melba toast as a base for topped canapés.
Who is each type of toast suitable for?
For anyone who wants flavour in the base
A tomato and herb cracker can work well for a bite with just a simple topping. Bear in mind that its flavour will also influence how it pairs with the topping.
For anyone catering for dietary requirements
If guests have allergies or need to follow a strict gluten-free diet, always refer to the information on the exact packaging. For guests with coeliac disease, contact with crumbs from regular toast also matters, according to the Voedingscentrum.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether the topping or the toast itself should provide the flavour. Then consider serving outdoors, your guests’ dietary requirements and the nutritional information for the variety you choose.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour with toppings | Choose plain toast for a range of toppings; if you’re considering a seasoned cracker, check that its flavour will work with the topping. | When I’m making a range of bites, I want the toppings to provide the flavour. For around 33% of consumers, this combination comes first. |
| Serving outdoors | Check the portion sizes and storage instructions; only open what you’re ready to serve. | I want to take toast with me without opening the whole pack too early. For around 25% of consumers, practical serving is the main consideration. |
| Allergens and gluten | Read the allergen information for the exact variety and, if needed, look for a clear gluten-free label. | If a guest needs to eat strictly gluten-free, I also need to prevent contact with crumbs from regular toast. For around 25% of consumers, suitability for dietary requirements is the most important factor. |
| Nutritional information | Compare fibre and salt per 100 g on the packaging; check the ingredients if iodised baker’s salt is relevant to you. | If I want to compare varieties by nutritional value, I look at the figures for the product I’m buying. For around 17% of consumers, this is the top priority. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Treating a seasoned cracker as a neutral base
The tomato and herbs in the cracker influence the flavour of the whole bite. That means not every carefully chosen topping will automatically work with it.
Choose a seasoned cracker if you want the base to stand out; opt for plain Melba toast when you want a range of toppings to shine.
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Overlooking allergens in multigrain and sesame toast
The 7-grain variety reviewed lists wheat, oats, sesame, barley, rye and soya, among other ingredients. A different mix of grains does not automatically make toast suitable for someone with an allergy.
Read the allergen information on the packaging you’re serving. If someone needs a strictly gluten-free option, choose a product clearly labelled gluten-free and keep it separate from regular toast when serving.
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Opening all the toast well in advance
When you’re preparing bites outdoors, you need to be able to keep opened toast dry and sealed until you’re ready to use it.
Open portions as you assemble the bites, and follow the packaging instructions for storing any leftovers.
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Assuming the product type tells you its iodine content
The fact that a product is toast does not tell you whether iodised baker’s salt was used in that particular variety.
Check the ingredient information or ask the manufacturer about the ingredients if this is relevant to your choice.
Brands to consider
Van der Meulen
Makes plain Melba toast, wholemeal varieties and Rice toast, among other products.
- Van der Meulen describes its plain Melba toast as a base for topped canapés and its Rice toast varieties as certified gluten-free.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for each variety; the features of one type of toast do not automatically apply to another.
Albert Heijn
Offers its own plain Melba toast, which is worth considering if you want to serve in stages.
- For the 240 g pack reviewed, Albert Heijn lists twelve packets of six pieces of toast.
- This variety lists wheat, barley and soya; check the current packaging before buying.
Jumbo
Offers a range of toast and crackers, making it easy to compare shapes and flavours.
- The range includes both Melba toast and other crisp bases for drinks-party bites.
- Check that the specific variety you want is available; ingredients vary from product to product.
Lidl
An in-store option if you want to pick up Melba toast with the rest of your shopping.
- The product page reviewed describes a 240 g pack of Melba toast.
- Lidl states that this product is only sold in store; check what’s available at your local branch.
ALDI / Sun Snacks
An in-store option for Sun Snacks Melba Toast Naturel.
- For the plain variety reviewed, ALDI lists a 240 g pack.
- Check what’s available in store and read the product information on the pack you find.
Bolletje
An alternative to classic Melba toast when you want the cracker itself to add flavour.
- Bolletje describes its Ciabatta Snack Crackers Tomaat & Kruiden as individually wrapped in pairs.
- The tomato and herbs make this cracker less neutral as a base for a range of toppings; check the allergen information too.
Toast options on Joybuy
These options include Melba toast for topped canapés and Rice toast for anyone looking for a gluten-free variety. Focus on the shape, packaging information and allergens, and consider your guests and how you’ll be serving outdoors.
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Conimex Delverde Melba Toast Round, 100 g
A round Melba toast to consider if you want to make individual topped bites. Check that the size and number of pieces suit your serving plans; if you have allergies, check the current packaging.
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Delverde Classic Melba Toast, 100 g
A classic Melba toast to consider when you want a range of toppings to provide the flavour. Check the size and portioning if you plan to assemble the bites outdoors in stages. The product information lists gluten from wheat and barley, so do not use this toast as a gluten-free option.
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Van Der Meulen Rice Toast Natural, 65 g
A rice toast to consider if you’re looking for a gluten-free option for a guest. Van der Meulen describes its plain Rice toast as certified gluten-free; check the packaging and serve it separately from regular toast. The product information lists two packs totalling 65 g; if you have allergies, also check the sesame and soya information.
Frequently asked questions
Is Melba toast handy for a street food festival?
Yes, as long as you can keep the toast dry and assemble the bites shortly before serving. Plain Melba toast works with a range of toppings; once opened, follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
Which toast should I choose for toppings such as fish, cheese or cold meats?
Choose plain Melba toast if you want the toppings to provide the flavour. If you’d prefer a base with more flavour of its own, consider a wholemeal, sesame or seasoned variety, and check that it works with your toppings and your guests’ dietary requirements.
Can I serve regular Melba toast to someone with coeliac disease?
Do not use regular Melba toast containing gluten-bearing grains as a gluten-free option. Choose a product clearly labelled gluten-free and prevent contact with crumbs from regular toast; according to the Voedingscentrum, even a small amount of gluten can cause symptoms in people with coeliac disease.
Does the rule about iodine mean all toast contains iodine?
No. The product category does not tell you whether a particular toast was made with iodised baker’s salt. Check the ingredient information or ask the manufacturer about the ingredients if this matters to your choice.
What packaging information should I check just before buying?
Read the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for the exact variety you’re buying. If you’re serving outdoors, also check the portion sizes and the storage instructions for after opening.