Who is this choice relevant to?

Buyers looking to offer wholemeal toast

They want a product clearly labelled as wholemeal and compare the fibre content per 100 g, rather than judging by its dark colour or multigrain appearance.

Buffet managers responsible for allergen information

They want to be able to state which allergens are present in every toast variant and topping combination, including when guests help themselves to unpackaged products.

Breakfast teams serving small topped portions

They want a handy, crisp base and consider how easy the toast is to portion, top and present.

What should you look for?

Start with the ‘wholemeal’ label and the nutritional information on the packaging. Then check whether the allergen information, product shape and current packaging for the exact variant are right for your buffet.

What to consider What to check when buying Who this matters most to
Wholemeal and fibre Check for the ‘wholemeal’ label and compare the stated fibre content per 100 g; colour or a fibre figure alone doesn’t confirm that the toast is wholemeal. If you want to add wholemeal toast to your breakfast selection, you’ll want to check what the packaging says. Around 33% of consumers prioritise wholemeal products and fibre.
Allergens on the buffet Check the ingredients and allergens for the exact variant, and make sure the information is available when it’s presented unpackaged. If guests choose their own toast and toppings, I want to be able to make clear in advance which allergens are present. This is the main concern for around 27% of consumers.
Size and toppings Try the intended combination of toast and toppings, and consider portioning and breakage when guests are helping themselves. For small topped portions, I want a size that guests can pick up easily; a cracker or crispbread creates a different presentation from toast. Around 27% of consumers prioritise this practical consideration.
Exact variant When placing an order, compare the current packaging, contents and ingredients with the variant selected for the buffet. If you’re planning a regular breakfast selection, you won’t want to switch to a different recipe without realising it. Around 13% of consumers prioritise certainty about the exact variant.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming dark or multigrain toast is wholemeal

    A dark colour or a mention of fibre doesn’t, by itself, mean that a product is wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the term ‘wholemeal’ can only be used for Melba toast and crackers if all the flour used is wholemeal.

    Look for an explicit ‘wholemeal’ label on the packaging of the variant you choose.

  • Checking allergens only when serving

    The Melba toast and crispbread variants examined included ingredients such as cereals containing gluten, sesame and soya. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says guests must be able to obtain information about allergens in unpackaged products.

    Record the allergen information for each variant and prevent cross-contact through shared tongs, serving dishes and toppings.

  • Assuming all toast contains iodine

    The toast category doesn’t tell you which type of salt was used in a specific variant.

    Is iodine relevant to your purchasing decision? Check the ingredients list on the exact packaging for a mention of iodised salt.

  • Relying on an old product listing as a fixed specification

    A repeat order still needs to match the ingredient and allergen information given to guests.

    Check the packaging of the delivered variant again before updating the buffet information.

Brands to consider

Van der Meulen Melba

The 120 g Melba wholemeal toast variant examined is a small, crisp toast that works well for topped portions.

  • Jumbo lists 9,7 g of fibre per 100 g for this variant.
  • The variant examined contains wheat, barley, rye, sesame and soya; Jumbo also lists 1,9 g of salt per 100 g.

Jos Poell

For the wholemeal toast variant examined, wholemeal wheat flour is first on the ingredients list and sesame isn’t listed as an ingredient.

  • Albert Heijn lists 10 g of fibre per 100 g for this variant.
  • The variant contains wheat and cereals containing gluten; the product information also warns that it may contain traces of egg, milk, soya and sesame.

Bolletje

The wholemeal crispbread and light cracker variants examined are crisp alternatives to toast, not like-for-like toast products.

  • Bolletje describes these variants as being made from 100% wholemeal grains.
  • The variants examined contain cereals containing gluten and sesame; check the exact packaging before adding them to the buffet.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products will appear soon.

Frequently asked questions

When is toast genuinely wholemeal?

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the term ‘wholemeal’ can only be used for Melba toast and crackers if all the flour used is wholemeal. Check for this label on the packaging; colour, ‘multigrain’ or a mention of fibre isn’t a substitute.

What allergen information does a hotel buffet need for unpackaged toast?

Guests must be able to get information about allergens before making their choice. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, information for unpackaged products can be provided in ways other than on a label. If it’s available verbally, guests must be clearly told that they can ask for it. Keep information about the toppings used available too.

How can I check whether toast contains iodised salt?

Check the ingredients list for the exact variant for a mention of iodised salt. Don’t rely on the word ‘toast’ alone if the type of salt used matters to your purchasing decision.

How should I store toast for breakfast?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging of the toast you choose. For the Jos Poell wholemeal toast variant examined, Albert Heijn recommends storing it in a cool, dry, dark place; also check the best-before date on each pack.