Hosting a group
You want to put enough bread on the table without buying more than the menu calls for. A whole loaf is a good starting point; compare the weight and the amount you actually want to serve.
Who are you buying bread for?
Hosting and planning to serve warm bread
If you’re serving dips or a sharing dish, you may want to bake the bread just before the meal. Remember to factor in the time and oven space you’ll also need for the rest of dinner.
Hosting a guest who needs to avoid certain bread
If a guest has coeliac disease, it’s important to choose clearly labelled gluten-free bread and prevent it from coming into contact with ordinary bread crumbs. If they have a wheat allergy, ask which ingredients they need to avoid; a gluten-free label alone won’t answer that question.
What matters when choosing?
First, work out how much bread you’ll need alongside the other dishes. Then choose how you want to serve it and check any dietary requirements before comparing packs.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| How much you need for the group | Compare loaves of the same type by pack size or weight, and take into account what else will be on the table. | When I’m feeding a group, I want enough bread without unnecessary leftovers. For around 38% of consumers, the amount needed for the group would be their first concern. |
| Serving and presentation | Check whether the bread needs baking and whether the oven will be free when you want to serve it. | If I’m serving dips or a sharing dish, I want to put warm bread on the table without getting in the way of the main course; around 31% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Type of bread and fibre | Look specifically for ‘wholemeal’ if that’s the type of bread you want, and compare the fibre listed per 100 g. | When bread makes up a larger part of the meal, I choose carefully which type to serve. This would be the most important factor for around 23% of consumers. |
| Suitable for a guest | For coeliac disease, check for a gluten-free label and prevent contact with ordinary bread; for a wheat allergy, ask which ingredients need to be avoided. | If a guest can’t eat certain types of bread, there needs to be a suitable option just for them. For around 8% of consumers, this would be their first purchasing priority. |
Common mistakes
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Counting packs instead of comparing what’s inside
A whole loaf and a pack of small rolls won’t necessarily provide the same amount of bread. Jumbo lists both the pack size and weight for some loaves, making it easier to compare pack sizes.
Check the weight and number of pieces, then work out how much bread you want to serve to the whole group.
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Assuming multigrain means wholemeal
Multigrain refers to different types of grain; it doesn’t automatically mean the bread is made entirely from wholegrain flour. This distinction matters if you specifically want to serve wholemeal bread.
Check the product name and ingredients rather than relying on the ‘multigrain’ label.
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Putting gluten-free bread in the same basket
According to the Voedingscentrum, even a small amount of gluten can cause symptoms for someone with coeliac disease. A shared knife, a board with crumbs on it or the same bread basket could all be a problem.
Keep gluten-free bread separate and use clean, separate serving utensils.
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Buying lots of extra fresh bread just in case
If bread is only a side, you may end up with several extra types that go uneaten.
Choose an amount that suits the other dishes and check the storage or freezing instructions for the bread you buy.
If you want to keep leftover loaves, you’ll also need space for them in the freezer.
Brands and shops to explore
Albert Heijn
An online range where you can browse standard whole loaves and separate gluten-free options.
- Albert Heijn lists wholemeal loaves and gluten-free bread, among other options.
- Check the pack size and ingredients for each product; appearing in the same bread category doesn’t mean it’s suitable for a particular guest.
Jumbo
An online range that includes whole loaves, rolls and bake-at-home products.
- For several types of bread, Jumbo lists information per item as well as per kilogram.
- Remember to compare the type of bread and pack size when looking at two packs side by side.
Lidl
A shop to visit for fresh bread and packaged loaves with a fibre indicator.
- Lidl describes a fibre indicator on its packaged bread.
- Check the packaging and what’s available in store if you’re looking for a particular type of bread.
Aldi
A range of whole loaves and bake-at-home products for different ways of serving bread.
- ALDI offers baguettes, ciabatta, focaccia and flatbreads for baking at home, among other options.
- Plan the baking around the rest of dinner and check how much bread is in the pack.
PLUS
An online ordering option with wholemeal loaves among its range.
- PLUS gives storage and freezing instructions for the wholemeal loaves featured in its range.
- Read the instructions for your chosen loaf if you’re buying it before the day of the dinner party.
Dirk
An in-store range of whole loaves, rolls and bake-at-home baguettes.
- Dirk offers standard loaves as well as baguettes and bake-at-home varieties.
- Check the weight of the pack you choose before working out how much you’ll need for the group.
Bread options on Joybuy
These breads offer different ways to serve bread at the table: flatbread for sharing, a whole loaf as a starting point and baguettes as an accompaniment. Compare the pack size with the number of guests; the type of bread alone won’t tell you which option is right for your dinner.
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Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, 6 pieces
Flatbread is a handy option to serve alongside dips or sharing dishes. The product name lists six pieces; choose the number of packs to suit what else you’re serving.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
A whole loaf is a good option to slice and share with several guests. The product name lists 550 g; plan when to serve it around the other dishes and follow the preparation instructions on the pack.
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g'woon Popular Multigrain Baguettes, 2 pieces, 300 g
Two baguettes can make a handy addition when you’re already serving other dishes. The product name gives a total pack weight of 300 g; don’t assume ‘multigrain’ means wholemeal without checking the label.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 4 × 135 g
Four individual baguettes give you the option of serving one per person. Factor in the defrosting and baking time, and check the ingredients on the pack if you have an allergy.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 550 g
Serve this round loaf whole and slice it as needed. The product name lists 550 g; check the pack for preparation instructions and ingredients, even if ‘multigrain’ is one of the reasons you’re considering it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose bread for a guest with coeliac disease?
Choose bread clearly labelled as gluten-free and keep it separate from ordinary bread. According to the Voedingscentrum, even a small amount of gluten can cause symptoms for someone with coeliac disease, so use separate, clean knives, boards and serving dishes. If a guest has a wheat allergy, also ask which ingredients they need to avoid.
Can I buy the bread before the dinner party?
Yes, as long as the storage instructions for your chosen bread work with your plans. PLUS says that the wholemeal loaves featured in its range can be frozen on the day of purchase. For other bread, follow the instructions on the pack, especially if it needs defrosting or baking before serving.
Is multigrain bread the same as wholemeal bread?
No. A multigrain label doesn’t in itself mean that the bread is made entirely from wholegrain flour. Check the product name and ingredients if you’re specifically looking for wholemeal bread.
How can I check whether bread is made with iodised baker’s salt?
Check the ingredients list for the specific bread rather than assuming every loaf contains iodised baker’s salt. Brood.net points out that the type of salt used can vary, particularly in imported and organic products.