Shoppers planning several breakfasts
You want to know how many slices or crackers you’ll get through from one pack, and whether you can store the rest properly.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Fans of thin toast
You’re looking for melba toast or small slices to top with sweet or savoury ingredients, and want to choose the right size rather than treating all crackers as the same product.
Shoppers who check the label
You compare grains or ingredients, or need to check which allergens are listed for your chosen variety before buying.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide which product type goes best with your toppings. Then choose a pack size you can use up, and check the ingredients for that specific variety.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size | Check the pack contents and storage instructions; choose an amount you can use after opening. | If I want one pack to last for several breakfasts, I also need to be able to store the rest properly. This is the main consideration for around 42% of consumers. |
| Size for toppings | Choose between thin melba toast, mini crackers and larger breakfast crackers. | I want a slice that feels just the right size for my toppings. This is the most important requirement for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information for the variety you’ve chosen. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, the label matters more than the product name or pack size. Checking this is a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all toast and crackers are the same type of product
Thin melba toast, mini crackers and larger breakfast crackers can all work differently with your toppings and the portion size you have in mind.
First choose the size you want for your weekend breakfast, then compare packs within that category.
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Judging allergens by the variety name
A name such as multiseed doesn’t tell you which allergens you can rule out. For its Multiseed Breakfast Crackers, Bolletje lists wheat, barley, oats and sesame, among other ingredients.
If you have an allergy, always check the current allergen information for the specific product.
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Assuming all toast contains baker’s salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So you can’t tell whether a product contains it from its category alone.
Check the ingredients list if this distinction matters to your choice.
Brands to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo lists Mini Crackers Natural among its products, in a 250 g pack.
- An option to consider if you’re looking for small crackers to enjoy on several occasions.
- Check the contents, ingredients and storage instructions for each variety.
Van der Meulen
Its melba toast range includes natural, wholemeal, sesame and multigrain varieties in 120 g packs, as listed by Jumbo.
- You can compare flavours and types of grain within the same pack size.
- A variety name is no substitute for checking the ingredients and allergens.
Albert Heijn
Its range includes AH Melba Toast Natural, an own-brand variety.
- A familiar melba toast option if you’re specifically looking for thin slices.
- Check the current pack for product and nutritional information, as this can change.
Bolletje
Multiseed Breakfast Crackers are breakfast crackers, not melba toast.
- Another type of product to consider if you’re looking for larger crackers with seeds.
- Bolletje lists cereals containing gluten and sesame; check the pack if you have allergies.
ALDI / Goud Gebakken
ALDI lists several types of toast and crackers, including breakfast and thin crackers from Goud Gebakken.
- Gives you several product types to consider for breakfast.
- Check which variety and pack you’re choosing for each item.
Lidl
Lidl lists, among other products, 240 g packs of melba toast and rye breakfast crackers.
- The listed melba toast pack could suit you if you want enough slices for more than one breakfast.
- Lidl notes that these items are available in store only.
Toast and crackers at Joybuy
This selection includes melba toast and mini crackers, as well as crispbread and crackers as other breakfast options. Choose the type you want to eat, then pick a pack size to match.
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Crispy Melba Toast 240 g
A pack of melba toast for anyone who wants thin slices to enjoy at several breakfasts or snack times.
The product information lists wheat and barley as ingredients, but its allergen information is inconsistent. If you have an allergy, check the pack before buying.
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g'woon wholemeal crispbread 375 g
For anyone who’d prefer crispbread with toppings at the weekend breakfast rather than thin melba toast.
This is a 375 g pack. Check the current ingredients and allergen information if you need to avoid certain substances.
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LU Mini Cracker Natural 250 g
An option if you want to serve small crackers with toppings instead of larger breakfast crackers.
The pack contains 250 g. If you have allergies, check the current pack.
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Wasa High-Fibre Crackers 300 g
For anyone considering a cracker as an alternative to melba toast at breakfast.
The pack contains 300 g. Check the ingredients and allergens on the current pack.
Frequently asked questions
Are melba toast and breakfast crackers the same?
No, they’re different types of product. Choose melba toast if you want thin slices; look for breakfast crackers or crispbread if you want a larger cracker to top with your favourite ingredients.
How do I check allergens in toast and crackers?
Read the allergen information on the specific pack before buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be listed on the label of pre-packed foods. Don’t assume a product is suitable based on a name such as natural or multiseed.
Does all toast contain iodised baker’s salt?
No, you can’t assume that all toast does. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt; check the ingredients list if this matters to your choice.
How should I store an opened pack of melba toast?
Follow the storage instructions for your chosen product and seal the pack well after opening. Albert Heijn recommends storing AH Melba Toast Natural in a sealed tin.