For a wholemeal toast base for dinner for two, first check that the packaging says ‘wholemeal’, then compare the fibre, salt and allergen information on the label. Thin Melba toast is ideal for small bites with modest toppings; for generous or moist toppings, consider a wholemeal cracker or crispbread instead, bearing in mind that the size and texture will be different.
You want to serve small pieces of toast and are looking for a product labelled as wholemeal. You can then compare the fibre content per 100 g across similar products using the nutritional information.
You want to make bites topped with, for example, vegetables, cheese or a spread. The size of the toast and the amount of topping will determine which base is easiest to portion.
Before serving, you want to check the ingredients, allergens present, any ‘may contain’ warnings and the salt content of the products you’ve chosen.
First decide whether wholemeal is essential for you; then match the size to the toppings and check the label for both diners.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label and compare fibre per 100 g across similar products. | If fibre matters to me, I want to choose a clearly wholemeal base for the bites. Around 42% of consumers prioritise wholemeal products and fibre. |
| Size and toppings | Consider the size and thickness of the base in relation to the amount and moisture of the topping. | For generous or creamy toppings, I want to serve bites that are easy to pick up. Around 33% of consumers prioritise the combination of toppings and presentation. |
| Ingredients and salt | Read the allergen declaration, any ‘may contain’ warnings and the salt content per 100 g on the current packaging. | If either of us needs to watch what we eat, I want to know what’s in both the toast and the toppings before serving. For around 25% of consumers, this label information is the top priority. |
A fibre claim or brown colour doesn’t mean the same as the ‘wholemeal’ label. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, toast and crackers can only be labelled ‘wholemeal’ if they’re made entirely from wholemeal flour.
Check the product description, then compare the fibre per 100 g on the label.
A thin piece of toast for a small bite is different in size and texture from a cracker or crispbread. You may notice the difference when serving, especially with moist or generous toppings.
Choose a base to suit the portions you have in mind and, if you like, try one topped bite in advance.
The toast itself may also contain relevant allergens. Jumbo lists barley, rye, sesame, soya and wheat, among other allergens, for Van der Meulen Melba Toast Wholemeal.
Read the current labels for both the toast and all the toppings, including any warnings about cross-contamination.
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds may be present in baked goods through baker’s salt, within the applicable limit. This doesn’t mean that every toast product contains them.
Check the ingredients of the specific product if the presence of baker’s salt affects your choice.
Melba Toast Wholemeal 120 g is a good example of small wholemeal toast for topped bites.
AH Melba Toast Original is an option if the Melba shape matters more to you than a wholemeal label.
Bolletje Wholemeal Crispbread is a different type of crunchy base from Melba toast.
Tastino Luxury Wholemeal Crackers are another cracker option to consider alongside toast.
ALDI lists wholemeal toast varieties and also sells Goud Gebakken Wholemeal Crispbread.
Check whether the packaging says ‘wholemeal’. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, toast and crackers can only be labelled ‘wholemeal’ if they’re made entirely from wholemeal flour. Then compare the fibre, salt and allergen information on the label.
Check the allergens in the specific product as well as those in the toppings. For Van der Meulen Melba Toast Wholemeal, Jumbo lists barley, rye, sesame, soya and wheat; also check the current packaging for any cross-contamination warnings.
No, you can’t assume this for every product. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, iodine compounds may be present in bread, bread substitutes and other baked goods through baker’s salt, up to a maximum of 65 mg of iodine per kg of salt. Check the label on the toast you choose.
Consider a wholemeal cracker or crispbread if you’d like a larger base for your toppings, and check that the size suits your bites. With thin Melba toast, you can add moist toppings just before serving to reduce how long they sit on the toast.
