A whole loaf is a good choice for a holiday home if you’re planning several breakfasts and lunches and can freeze any portions you don’t use. For a small or changing group, a half loaf or individual rolls may be a better fit for what you’ll actually eat. Part-baked bread is another option if you have the right equipment and are happy to spend time preparing it.
You’re looking for bread for several breakfasts and lunches and want to match the pack size to the number of people eating. A whole loaf is most practical if you’ll finish it during your stay or can freeze some of it.
You eat bread regularly during your stay and want to know whether it’s genuinely wholemeal. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal bread contains more fibre than bread made with refined flour. The word ‘wholemeal’ on the label is a more reliable guide than the colour.
You’re staying for a short time, don’t eat the same amount of bread every day or only want a few rolls per meal. A half loaf, frozen portions or rolls you bake as needed may fit your plans better.
Estimate how much bread you’re likely to eat and whether you can freeze any leftovers. Then choose between a whole or half loaf, individual rolls and bread to bake at home.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| How much bread | Compare whole and half loaves with the number of planned meals and people eating. | If I’m buying bread for several days, I want to avoid leaving part of a large pack uneaten; around 33% of consumers put getting the right quantity first. |
| Type of bread and nutritional value | For wholemeal bread, look for the word ‘wholemeal’ and, if needed, compare the fibre per 100 g on the label. | If bread is a regular part of my meals, I want to make an informed choice between wholemeal and other types. Around 27% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
| Storage and leftovers | Check the storage instructions and whether there’s freezer space for portions you won’t eat straight away. | On a short stay, I can’t always predict how many slices we’ll get through; around 20% of consumers say reducing leftovers matters most. |
| Flexible mealtimes | Check how many rolls are in a pack and, for part-baked products, what equipment you’ll need and how to prepare them. | If everyone doesn’t eat at the same time, I want to be able to prepare the right amount for each meal. Around 20% of consumers put this flexibility first. |
Brown bread and wholemeal bread aren’t the same. According to the Voedingscentrum, brown bread is made from a mixture of wholemeal flour and refined flour.
If you’re specifically looking for wholemeal bread, check for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging rather than relying on the colour or crust.
A whole loaf can be impractical if a small group is only eating together a few times. According to the Voedingscentrum, opened wholemeal bread keeps for 2–4 days in a kitchen cupboard and 1–3 months in the freezer.
Consider buying a half loaf or freezing any unused portions in good time. Part-baked rolls are only suitable if you have the necessary equipment.
The Voedingscentrum states that baker’s salt is not compulsory in bread. Ingredients can therefore vary from one product to another.
If it matters to you, check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt.
Albert Heijn displays a range of breads online, including freshly baked bread and AH Tijger wholemeal whole loaf.
Jumbo’s bread range includes whole and half loaves, wholemeal bread and rolls.
Lidl lists freshly baked bread and pre-packed loaves.
ALDI lists bread baked fresh daily, whole and half loaves, rolls and products to bake at home.
PLUS lists products including wholemeal bread and wholemeal schnitt rolls to bake at home.
Dirk lists whole and half loaves, including wholemeal bread from the Bakker van der Akker range.
This selection includes packaged bread, flatbread and rolls for different mealtimes at your holiday home. Choose an amount to suit your group. If you’re buying a product to bake at home, check that the holiday home has the oven you need.
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A pack for anyone who wants rye bread for several mealtimes. The product name states 500 g; check the storage instructions when planning your stay.
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Lebanese flatbread for anyone who prefers to plan meals around individual breads rather than sliced bread. The product name states six pieces; check that this type of bread suits what you want to prepare.
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A round loaf for anyone who wants to bake bread at their holiday home. The product name states 550 g. Check the preparation instructions, the oven available at your holiday home and the label if you’re specifically looking for 100% wholemeal bread.
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Four multigrain rolls for a meal with a small group. Multigrain doesn’t automatically mean wholemeal, so check the type of bread and any allergens listed on the label.
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Four Kaiser rolls for anyone who wants to bring a set number of rolls. The product name states 200 g; choose another type of bread if you specifically need wholemeal, and check the label if you have allergies.
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, bread does not have to be made with baker’s salt. If this matters to you, check the ingredients list on the bread you choose.
According to the Voedingscentrum, opened wholemeal bread keeps for 2–4 days in a kitchen cupboard and 1–3 months in the freezer. Also check the instructions and best-before date on your bread’s packaging.
No. The Voedingscentrum describes brown bread as a mixture of wholemeal flour and refined flour. If you want wholemeal bread, look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging.
Check that your holiday home has the necessary equipment and read the preparation instructions for the product you’ve chosen. Choose a number of rolls to suit your planned meals; preparation methods vary by product.
