Everyday bread buyer on a budget
You want to keep a regular expense under control and are happy to compare loaves of the same type by weight and price per kilo.
Who is this comparison for?
Buyer who checks wholemeal and nutritional information
You want to know whether bread is wholemeal and compare the fibre, other nutritional values and ingredients of products within your budget.
Small household looking to use up its bread
You’re shopping for one or two people. A half loaf or freezing portions may be a better fit for the amount you actually eat.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide which type of bread and how much you’ll actually use. Then compare like-for-like products and check the label for the features that matter to you.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Regular expense | For the same type of bread, compare the weight and price per kilo. Keep special offers separate from regular prices. | If I buy bread often, I want to know whether a good-value offer will suit me next time too. For around 36% of consumers, this regular expense comes first. |
| Wholemeal and nutritional value | Check that it’s labelled wholemeal, compare fibre and salt per 100 g, and check the allergen information on the label. | I want to choose bread within my budget whose ingredients and nutritional value I can assess. For around 29% of consumers, wholemeal and nutritional information are the top priority. |
| Quantity and food waste | Compare whole and half loaves, and read the storage instructions if you want to freeze portions. | In a small household, I don’t want to buy more than we’ll use. That’s why around 21% of consumers give the most weight to choosing the right amount. |
| Availability and labelling | Check availability at your shop and read the ingredients and allergen information. If needed, check whether baker’s salt is listed. | I want to be able to shop at my usual store and see what’s in the bread before I buy it. For around 14% of consumers, this combination is the first priority. |
Common mistakes
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Comparing only the price per loaf
A whole loaf and a half loaf contain different amounts. You can’t always compare different types of bread by the price per loaf, either.
Compare the same type of bread by weight and price per kilo, and check whether the price shown is a temporary offer.
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Assuming all bread is made with baker’s salt
According to the Voedingscentrum, using baker’s salt when baking bread isn’t compulsory. Whether it’s included therefore varies by product.
If baker’s salt is relevant to your diet, check the label or ask the baker about the ingredients in that particular loaf.
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Buying a whole loaf you won’t use up
A good price per kilo is less of a saving if some of the bread ends up in the bin.
Consider buying a half loaf, or follow the storage instructions for a whole loaf if you want to freeze portions. PLUS says its Boeren volkoren whole loaf can be frozen on the day of purchase and should be used within one month.
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Assuming wholemeal tells you everything about a loaf
The term wholemeal tells you something about the flour used, but not whether all wholemeal breads have the same nutritional value, allergens or other ingredients.
Also read the nutritional information and allergen details on the packaging of the bread you want to buy.
Supermarkets to consider
These supermarkets offer different ways to compare everyday bread. A product or feature mentioned here doesn’t, on its own, tell you which shop offers the best value for your basket.
Albert Heijn
An option if you want to browse types of bread and special offers online.
- The online range includes AH Tijger wholemeal whole loaves and sourdough options.
- Assess special offers separately from the regular price, and check the loaf size and availability at your local shop.
Jumbo
An option for comparing different own-brand loaves online.
- The range includes Fijn Volkoren whole and half loaves.
- Compare the sizes by weight: the price per pack doesn’t tell you which size is better value.
Lidl
An option if you shop for bread in store and want to compare the fibre content of packaged loaves.
- Lidl displays a fibre meter on packaged loaves. Knip volkoren is a sliced 800 g loaf.
- Knip volkoren is listed as available in store only; check the latest product information there.
ALDI
An option for looking at standard wholemeal bread in different sizes in store.
- The bread range includes Fijn volkoren in whole and half loaves.
- A specific claim that one wholemeal bread is extra high in fibre doesn’t automatically apply to other ALDI loaves.
PLUS
An option if you want to check product details and storage instructions online.
- PLUS Boeren volkoren whole loaf is listed as an 800 g loaf, with instructions for freezing.
- Check the packaging when you buy: product information may change, and details at local shops may differ.
Dirk
An option for browsing different types of bread as part of your everyday shop.
- The range includes Bakker van der Akker Boeren volkoren whole loaf.
- Check the weight of the loaf you choose before comparing it with products from other shops.
Bread products on Joybuy
These round wholemeal loaves are a good fit for a comparison that takes both bread type and quantity into account. If you’re shopping on a budget, also check the current price and product information for the pack you want.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal loaf 550 g
For anyone looking to compare a round wholemeal loaf by type and size.
One 550 g loaf. Check the preparation instructions on the packaging.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal loaves 2 × 550 g
For anyone who can use two loaves at once and wants to take the quantity per pack into account.
Two loaves, each weighing 550 g. Make sure you’ll use them in time, and follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Is bread in the Netherlands always made with baker’s salt?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, using baker’s salt when baking bread isn’t compulsory. Check the label on the particular loaf if you want to know whether it’s been used.
What does the term wholemeal mean on bread?
According to the Voedingscentrum, bread labelled wholemeal is made with 100% wholemeal flour. Also compare the nutritional information, ingredients, weight and price of the loaves you’re choosing between.
When is a half loaf a better choice than a whole loaf?
A half loaf may be a better fit if you won’t use up a whole loaf in time. If you want to freeze a whole loaf in portions, follow the product’s instructions. PLUS says its Boeren volkoren whole loaf should be frozen on the day of purchase and used within one month.
Can the online price of bread differ from the price when you buy it?
Yes. PLUS says local differences and changes made between updates may occur. So check the price at your shop or in your order summary before comparing loaves.