Hosts catering for different bread preferences
If some guests expect soft white bread while others prefer wholemeal, you can offer both without expecting one type to appeal to everyone.
Who is this bread mix useful for?
People keeping an eye on their fibre intake
If you’re specifically looking for wholemeal bread, the product label is a more reliable guide than its colour or whether it contains seeds. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour.
Planners who want to store bread for later
If the number of guests may change, you can freeze bread in portions ahead of time. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread as soon as you get home from shopping.
What should you look for when choosing?
Decide which bread preferences you want to cater for, then choose a shape and quantity to suit your barbecue menu.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Different tastes | Choose a soft white option alongside a loaf with ‘wholemeal’ in the product name. | If my guests don’t all like the same bread, I want to cater for both preferences; around 33% of consumers put this first when choosing for a group. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check for the ‘wholemeal’ label and, if needed, compare the fibre per 100 g on the packaging. | If you’re mainly looking for a clearly labelled wholemeal option, don’t rely on a dark colour or seeds; this is the main priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Bread shape and portions | Check whether the bread is a whole or half loaf, sliced, or sold as individual rolls. | If I’m serving burgers or sharing platters, I want to choose bread in a shape that suits the menu; around 25% of consumers put this first. |
| Storage and leftovers | Compare pack sizes and read the storage instructions if you’re buying bread in advance. | If the number of guests might change, I don’t want to be left with lots of uneaten bread; around 17% of consumers focus on this most. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming dark or multigrain bread is wholemeal
A dark colour or visible seeds don’t confirm that a loaf is made entirely from wholemeal flour. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour.
If you want to offer a wholemeal option, choose a product labelled ‘wholemeal’. Choose brown or multigrain bread only if its taste and texture suit your guests.
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Checking allergens only once the bread is on the table
The type of bread alone won’t tell you which allergens a specific product contains. If any guests need to avoid allergens, you’ll need this information before choosing the bread.
For packaged bread, read the label. For unpackaged bread, ask what allergen information is available before buying, and check for information about cross-contamination if necessary.
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Buying only whole loaves for a small group
If you’re unsure how many guests are coming or how much other food you’ll serve, you could end up with leftover bread.
Consider smaller packs or half loaves. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread in portions as soon as you buy it if you plan to use it later.
Bread brands and shops to explore
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s bread range includes options such as wholemeal bread.
- Its online range can help you identify a wholemeal option.
- Check the current product name, ingredients and nutritional information for the bread you choose.
Jumbo
Jumbo is a shop where you can compare different types of bread to suit a range of tastes.
- Compare the shape of each product and the wording on its packaging.
- ‘Brown’ and ‘multigrain’ don’t, on their own, confirm that a loaf is entirely wholemeal.
Lidl
Lidl describes both fresh and packaged bread in its range.
- Lidl says that its packaged loaves feature a fibre meter which can help you compare products.
- Also check the product description and allergen information for the bread you choose.
Aldi
Aldi’s bread range includes options such as white, wholemeal and multigrain bread.
- These types of bread give you a starting point for catering for different preferences.
- Compare the details of each product; a claim about one loaf doesn’t necessarily apply to the entire range.
Plus
Plus’s bread range includes fine wholemeal bread.
- Fine wholemeal bread is worth considering if you’re looking for a less coarse texture.
- Plus notes that product information can change. Check the current packaging before buying, particularly for allergen information.
Dirk
Dirk’s bread range includes options such as white, wholemeal, multigrain and sourdough bread.
- You can compare types of bread with different tastes and textures side by side.
- Check the exact product name and packaging before choosing a loaf as a wholemeal option.
Bread options at Joybuy
These two options are worth considering for a barbecue where you’d like to offer both white rolls and a loaf labelled Whole Wheat. If you’re specifically looking for fully wholemeal bread, check the Dutch product description for the second loaf.
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g'woon White Rolls, 4 stuks (300 g)
These white rolls can be an extra option for guests who prefer white bread.
The pack contains 4 rolls and weighs 300 g.
If you’d also like to offer a wholemeal option, choose a separate loaf labelled as such. Check the allergens on the packaging.
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Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, 6 stuks
This bread, labelled Whole Wheat, is an alternative to white rolls for your barbecue.
The product name states that it contains 6 pieces. If fully wholemeal bread is important to you, check the Dutch product description.
Read the allergen and storage information on the packaging before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Is brown bread the same as wholemeal bread?
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour, while brown bread is made with a combination of wholemeal flour and white flour. Look for ‘wholemeal’ in the product description if you want to offer this option at your barbecue.
Does all bread in the Netherlands contain iodine?
Don’t assume so. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds may be present in bread through bakers’ salt; this doesn’t mean that every individual loaf contains iodine. Check the ingredients information for the bread you’re planning to buy.
How do I check allergens in bread for a barbecue?
For packaged bread, read the allergen information on the label. For unpackaged bread, ask what information is available before buying, and don’t rely on the type of bread alone. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the importance of allergen information on food products.
Can I freeze bread for a barbecue in advance?
Yes, you can freeze bread in portions ahead of time. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends doing so as soon as you buy it, so you can take out just the amount you need later.