Stocking up for drinks and guests
You want one neutral toast base to go with different toppings, and you’re thinking about how to store the pack after opening.
Which type of toast is right for you?
Putting fibre first
You compare the fibre content per 100 g and check whether wholemeal flour is listed in the ingredients, even if that means choosing a less neutral type of toast.
Choosing toast for a special meal
You might be looking for sesame, herbs or an organic certification for the occasion, while also checking the salt content and allergens.
What should you look for when choosing?
For entertaining and special meals, first decide how you’ll use the toast most often. Then compare the packaging and nutritional information of the varieties that suit your plans.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Versatile cupboard staple | Compare the pack size in grams and the storage instructions after opening. | If I want to serve different toppings on different days, I mainly look for a neutral toast that suits those plans. Versatility is the top priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Fibre | Check the ingredients and compare both fibre and salt per 100 g. | When I’m choosing mainly on fibre content, I want to compare the nutritional information without overlooking the rest of the label. Around 30% of consumers give fibre top priority. |
| Flavour or organic certification | Check the certification or flavouring ingredients, as well as salt and allergens. | For a special meal, I may prefer sesame, herbs or an organic certification to a neutral base. This is the most important factor for around 20% of consumers. |
| Allergens and salt | Read the current label for ingredients, possible traces and salt per 100 g. Check baker’s salt separately if iodine matters to you. | If certain ingredients or the salt content determine my choice, I don’t want to rely on the front of the pack. For roughly 10% of consumers, checking the label comes first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming wholemeal or organic means you don’t need to check the salt
According to the product information on Jumbo, Van der Meulen Melba Wholemeal Toast contains 9.7 g of fibre and 1.9 g of salt per 100 g. The organic sesame variety lists 2.1 g of salt per 100 g. So one product feature doesn’t tell you what the label says about another.
Compare fibre and salt per 100 g, and read the ingredients and allergen information for the variety you choose.
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Planning to buy a flavoured variety without checking availability
Jumbo stated that Melba Toast Tomato & Basil was no longer part of its online range. A product page you viewed earlier doesn’t guarantee it’ll be available for your next weekly shop.
Check that the variety is available before planning a meal around it. If necessary, choose another toast that goes well with your toppings.
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Assuming all toast contains iodine or has the same allergens
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, iodine compounds may be present in bakery products only through baker’s salt, with a maximum of 65 mg of iodine per kg of salt. This doesn’t mean that all toast contains iodised baker’s salt; allergens also vary from product to product.
Check the current label of the toast you’re buying for both.
Brands and product ranges to consider
Van der Meulen
Melba toast available in varieties including plain, wholemeal and organic sesame.
- According to Jumbo’s product pages, the plain variety reviewed lists 3.9 g of fibre and 1.3 g of salt per 100 g; the wholemeal variety lists 9.7 g of fibre and 1.9 g of salt per 100 g.
- The organic sesame toast reviewed carries the EU organic logo and lists 2.1 g of salt per 100 g. These figures apply to the varieties mentioned, not the entire brand.
Albert Heijn
The AH Melba Toast Plain reviewed offers a neutral option in a 240 g pack containing twelve portions.
- Albert Heijn lists 3.9 g of fibre per 100 g for this variety.
- The same variety lists 1.93 g of salt per 100 g. Check the current ingredients and allergen information on the pack when buying.
Jumbo
The Jumbo Melba Toast Tomato & Basil reviewed is a flavoured variety.
- Jumbo lists tomato and basil among the ingredients in this variety.
- The product page consulted stated that this variety was no longer part of its online range. Check availability before choosing it as a regular weekly staple.
Toast options on Joybuy
This selection includes melba toast for toppings, as well as Danish toast and rice toast. Choose the type that suits your meal; a larger pack and a smaller portion don’t necessarily serve the same purpose.
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Crispy Melba Toast, 240 g
An option if you want to serve melba toast with different toppings on several occasions.
If you have allergies, check the physical label carefully: the ingredients and allergen information for this product contradict each other.
When comparing nutritional values, check whether the figures are per 100 g or per portion.
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Delverde Classic Melba Toast, 100 g
A smaller pack of melba toast to pair with a variety of toppings.
Check the current label for wheat and barley, and for possible traces of sesame, soya and mustard.
Only compare nutritional values once you know what quantity the figures refer to.
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Conimex Delverde Melba Toast Round, 100 g
Round melba toast is an option if the shape of small topped toasts is important for serving.
Check the current label for wheat and barley, and for the possible presence of sesame, soya and mustard.
Before comparing nutritional values, check whether the figures are given per 100 g or per portion.
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Thinmax Golden Danish Toast, 85 g × 4
For anyone looking for Danish toast rather than a neutral melba toast base.
The pack contains four 85 g portions. The product information advises using the contents within 24 hours of opening, so bear this in mind when planning your weekly shop.
If you have allergies, check the label for wheat, milk, egg, soya or sesame.
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Van Der Meulen Rice Toast Natural, 65 g
Rice toast for anyone looking for an alternative to melba toast; the total pack size is 65 g.
If you have allergies, don’t rely on just one label: the allergen information for this product is contradictory. Check the physical label before choosing it.
Frequently asked questions
Does all toast in the Netherlands contain iodised baker’s salt?
No. The Dutch rule doesn’t guarantee this for every toast product. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, iodine compounds may be present in bakery products only through baker’s salt, with a maximum of 65 mg of iodine per kg of salt. If iodine is a deciding factor for you, check the ingredients of the toast you choose.
How do I compare the fibre in plain and wholemeal toast?
Compare the grams of fibre per 100 g in the specific products, and read the ingredients too. Jumbo lists 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g for Van der Meulen Melba Wholemeal Toast, compared with 3.9 g for the plain variety from the same brand that was reviewed. Also check the salt content and allergens.
How should I store toast after opening?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack of toast you buy. For the plain melba toast reviewed, Albert Heijn recommends storing it in a sealed tin after opening. Choose a pack size that suits how much you’ll use during that period.
Can I choose flavoured toast as a regular weekly staple?
Yes, if the flavour goes with your planned toppings and you check availability first. For the Melba Toast Tomato & Basil reviewed, Jumbo stated that it was no longer part of its online range. So if you’re planning a meal, don’t rely solely on a product page you viewed earlier.