Choose toast labelled ‘wholemeal’ if you want to serve wholegrain products at a work meeting. Then check whether the size and packaging suit the number of attendees and the toppings. For each product you consider, compare the fibre, salt and allergens listed on the current label.
You want to serve wholemeal toast and look beyond the front of the packet, checking the fibre per 100 g as well as how much you’ll actually put out. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre provides nutritional values for wholemeal toast per piece, but the label on the specific pack remains the definitive source.
You’re looking for small toast bites to hand out or top in advance. Check how many pieces are in a pack and whether the size suits the toppings and the way you plan to serve them.
If allergens are relevant to your attendees, check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety you’ve chosen. Keep a suitable alternative separate if one type of toast isn’t suitable for everyone.
First, choose the type of toast you want to serve. Then compare the nutritional information per 100 g and plan for the number of pieces you actually need.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it’s most relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ and compare the fibre per 100 g. Also consider how much toast you plan to serve. | I want to serve toast that is clearly labelled wholemeal and know how much fibre is in the portion I’ve chosen. This is the main priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Size and portions | Count the toast bites and any individual packs, and make sure the size suits the toppings. | When I’m handing out topped bites, I want to prepare enough small portions without having to keep opening new packs during the meeting. This is the main consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check both ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ on the current pack. See whether you need an alternative. | When allergens are relevant to the group, I want to know in advance which toast I need to keep separate or replace. Around 25% of consumers put this check first. |
The colour of a toast bite and the presence of several types of grain don’t mean it’s wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, toast bites can only be labelled ‘wholemeal’ if they are made entirely from wholemeal flour.
Check the wording on the packaging, then read the ingredients list.
Nutritional values and ingredients vary from product to product. Albert Heijn lists 9.7 g of fibre and 1.9 g of salt per 100 g for Van der Meulen Melba Wholemeal Toast; for Jos Poell Wholemeal Toast, it lists 10 g of fibre and 1.64 g of salt per 100 g.
Compare products on the same basis, per 100 g, and also check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you buy.
Values per piece aren’t directly comparable if the toast bites weigh different amounts. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre uses a 6 g wholemeal toast bite for its nutritional example.
Use the values per 100 g to compare products, then work out how many pieces you want to serve to your attendees.
A product page doesn’t confirm that a variety of toast is available to order. Albert Heijn and Jumbo mark the listed Jos Poell Wholemeal Toast as no longer available in their online ranges.
Check current availability before finalising the range for your meeting, and choose a different wholemeal variety if needed.
The listed 120 g pack of Melba Wholemeal Toast contains small toast bites for topped snacks.
The listed 90 g pack of Wholemeal Toast is an option to compare if you’re looking for small wholemeal toast bites.
Bolletje Wholemeal Crispbread is a different format for anyone who doesn’t necessarily want to serve small toast bites.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a toast bite can be called ‘wholemeal’ if it is made entirely from wholemeal flour. ‘Brown’, ‘multigrain’ or simply ‘with wholemeal flour’ don’t mean the same thing. Check the wording and ingredients on the pack.
First compare the fibre per 100 g, then check the weight of the portion you want to serve. As a general guide, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives an average of 0.5 g of fibre for one 6 g wholemeal toast bite. For a specific brand, use the nutritional information on the packaging.
No. Ingredients and possible cross-contamination vary between varieties. For Van der Meulen Melba Wholemeal Toast, Albert Heijn lists wheat, barley, rye, sesame and soya, among other ingredients. For Jos Poell Wholemeal Toast, it lists wheat and gluten, and says egg, milk, soya and sesame may be present. Check the current pack label before serving.
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you’ve chosen. For the listed Jos Poell Wholemeal Toast, the instructions say to store it in a cool, dry, dark place. Check the instructions again if you choose a different variety.
