Who is this choice relevant to?

Smaller groups looking to avoid leftovers

For two to four people, you can buy loose rolls to match the number of guests. If you choose a pack of part-baked rolls, think ahead about how you’ll store any that are left over.

Barbecue guests who want to fill their rolls

If you’re serving vegetables, a burger or another filling, your choice of white, multigrain or sourdough rolls may depend on your taste and what you’re putting in them. With part-baked rolls, also check whether you’ll have time to prepare them.

Shoppers comparing ingredients and nutritional information

If you’re keeping an eye on fibre, salt or allergens, the nutritional information for the exact product is more useful than labels such as ‘multigrain’, ‘spelt’ or ‘sourdough’ alone. If iodine is a consideration, check whether the label lists iodised salt.

What should you look for when buying?

First, decide how many rolls you need and whether you want to keep any leftovers. Then compare the fillings, preparation instructions and ingredients of the products you’re considering for your barbecue.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is this most important for?
Quantity and leftovers Whether the rolls are sold loose or how many come in a pack; storage instructions for rolls you won’t use straight away. For a barbecue for two to four people, I don’t want to have more bread left over than necessary. Around 42% of consumers would say avoiding leftovers is their main concern when shopping.
Fillings and preparation The size of the roll and, for part-baked rolls, the preparation instructions on the pack. If I want to fill the rolls generously, the size needs to be right and I want to know when to bake them. Around 33% of consumers would say this matters most to them.
Ingredients and nutritional information Fibre per 100 g, ingredients and allergens; check for iodised salt if it matters to your choice. When choosing between different grains, I want to see what’s actually in the roll. Around 25% of consumers would say this product information is their top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘multigrain’, ‘spelt’ and ‘sourdough’ mean the same thing

    These words don’t tell you how much fibre a roll contains or which allergens it includes. PLUS lists 56% wholemeal wheat flour and 7 g of fibre per 100 g for its multigrain rolls; these figures apply to that variety, not all multigrain rolls.

    Compare the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for the exact roll. Don’t assume a spelt roll is gluten-free.

  • Assuming every roll contains iodised salt

    According to the Voedingscentrum, using baker’s salt is not compulsory. So you can’t tell which salt has been used just from the name of a roll.

    If it matters to your choice, look for ‘iodised salt’ or ‘baker’s salt’ in the ingredients. For a loose roll, ask for product information if needed.

  • Buying a pack of four without a plan for the leftover rolls

    If there are two of you, you may have rolls left over. How you can store them depends in part on the packaging and whether it has been opened.

    Buy loose rolls if you want to match the quantity exactly, or follow the pack’s storage instructions for any you won’t use straight away.

  • Using the same oven setting for every type of part-baked roll

    Baking times and temperatures vary by product. Jumbo gives a baking time of 10–12 minutes at 200 °C for its multiseed rolls; don’t automatically use those instructions for another product.

    Read the instructions on your pack before the barbecue and bear in mind how much oven space you’ll need for other side dishes.

Brands to compare

These brands offer different ways to buy rolls and different varieties. Always compare the specific product and the information on its packaging.

Albert Heijn

For anyone wanting to buy fresh rolls loose to suit a smaller group.

  • Albert Heijn offers a range including loose white, wholemeal and sourdough rolls.
  • The fresh varieties shown are listed as available in store only; check the selection and label in store.

Jumbo

For anyone looking for part-baked rolls in a pack of four.

  • Jumbo offers white and multiseed rolls in packs of four, with 300 g per pack.
  • Compare the fibre content and baking instructions for your chosen variety; the product name alone won’t tell you how they differ.

Lidl

For anyone looking for a loose white roll in store.

  • Lidl describes its white roll as a white wheat roll.
  • The product is listed as available in store only; check the ingredients and allergens there too.

ALDI

For anyone looking to buy a loose white roll.

  • ALDI offers white rolls individually.
  • Check the information for the roll you buy to find out about its ingredients and nutritional value.

PLUS

For anyone wanting to compare part-baked rolls in different grain and sourdough varieties.

  • PLUS offers a range including white, multigrain and spelt rolls, with product information on ingredients and preparation.
  • Ingredients and nutritional information vary by variety; check the current label on the pack you choose.

Dirk

For anyone wanting to compare loose rolls with a pack of four.

  • Dirk offers 80 g brown wheat rolls individually, as well as rustic multigrain part-baked rolls in packs of four, with 300 g per pack.
  • Check the packaging for full nutritional information and allergen details for your chosen variety.

Rolls at Joybuy

This pack of four is a good option for a small group looking for white sourdough rolls. Before the barbecue, check the packaging to see whether the rolls need baking.

g'woon white rustic rolls, 4 pack

g'woon white rustic rolls, 4 pack

A pack of four for anyone wanting to plan the number of rolls for a small barbecue.

Joybuy lists ingredients including wheat flour, 8% sourdough with wheat and spelt, and iodised salt.

Check the packaging for preparation and storage instructions, and nutritional information per 100 g or per serving.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is ‘half loaf’ a standard size for rolls?

No, don’t use that term to work out how many rolls to buy. The Voedingscentrum classifies small rolls as small bread; the supermarket products shown are sold loose and in packs of four. Choose based on the number of people eating and what you’ll do with any leftovers.

Does every roll contain iodised salt?

No, you can’t assume that: according to the Voedingscentrum, baker’s salt is not compulsory in bread. Check the ingredients for the specific product to see whether it lists ‘iodised salt’ or ‘baker’s salt’.

Is a spelt roll gluten-free?

No, spelt is not a gluten-free alternative. PLUS’s sourdough spelt rolls list wheat and spelt as ingredients; check the allergen information on the packaging for each product.

How should I store leftover part-baked rolls?

Once opened, follow the instructions on the packaging first. For opened part-baked rolls, the Voedingscentrum gives general storage guidance of 2–4 days in the fridge or 1–3 months in the freezer. Also check the date on your product: ‘best before’ relates to quality, while ‘use by’ relates to safety.

How long should I bake part-baked rolls for?

Follow the time and temperature on the packaging for your rolls. For example, Jumbo gives a baking time of 10–12 minutes at 200 °C for its multiseed rolls; those settings won’t necessarily apply to other varieties.