For weekday breakfasts, choose bread labelled ‘wholemeal’ if you want to be sure it is made from 100% wholemeal flour. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, this label means bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour. Then consider which slice suits the way you like to top or toast your bread, and compare fibre and salt per 100 g, as well as the ingredients on the current label. ‘Fine’ and ‘sliced’ don’t tell you how thick each slice is.
If you want to make a sandwich, take it with you or toast some bread quickly on a weekday, compare sliced bread by looking at the actual slice. The label ‘fine’ on its own doesn’t tell you whether the slice is the thickness you prefer.
If you pay attention to the grain and nutritional information for your everyday breakfast, start by looking for the ‘wholemeal’ label, then compare fibre per 100 g. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour, while brown bread may also contain white flour.
If you need to avoid certain grains or allergens, or want to know which type of salt has been used, check the ingredients and allergen information for the specific bread. Always check the current label when you buy it.
When choosing sliced bread for a weekday breakfast, it helps to start with your main priority: the wholemeal label, a slice that suits you or the information on the label.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label and compare fibre per 100 g, rather than looking only at the amount per slice. | If wholemeal bread is my priority for everyday breakfasts, I want to be able to check the label on the bread. Around 42% of consumers prioritise wholemeal bread and fibre. |
| Slice thickness and convenience | Look at the slice itself or the stated weight per slice. ‘Fine’, ‘sliced’, ‘half’ and ‘whole’ don’t all answer the same question. | On a busy morning, I want a slice that suits the way I top or toast my bread. This practical preference is the deciding factor for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | Read the current allergen information, compare salt per 100 g and check the ingredients if iodised salt is important to your choice. | If I need to check ingredients or potential allergens, I want to be able to assess the specific bread before buying it. This label information is the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
The colour and name don’t mean the same thing as the ‘wholemeal’ label. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, brown bread can be made from a mixture of wholemeal flour and white flour.
If you want bread made from 100% wholemeal flour, look for the ‘wholemeal’ label on the bread, then compare the fibre per 100 g.
Products may also be described as ‘fine’, ‘sliced’, ‘half’ or ‘whole’. These terms don’t all tell you how thick each individual slice is.
It’s best to look at the slice itself. The stated weight per slice can help you compare portions, but it doesn’t indicate thickness.
Not all bread automatically contains iodised baker’s salt. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use it.
If the type of salt used matters to you, check the ingredients list or ask about it when buying unpackaged bread.
Ingredients and nutritional information can change. This is particularly important if you’re checking for an allergen or a specific ingredient.
Use the product page to compare breads, then check the label on the loaf you buy.
Jumbo Fijn Volkorenbrood is an example to compare if you’re looking for finely sliced wholemeal bread.
AH Liefde & Passie Petit volkoren gesneden is a sliced wheat and rye bread made with sourdough and seeds.
PLUS Rond fijn volkoren heel is an example of a fine wholemeal loaf to compare with other sliced breads.
Dirk offers a range of wholemeal breads, including varieties described as half, whole or casino-style.
No. Not all bread has to contain iodised baker’s salt: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use it. For packaged bread, check the ingredients list; for unpackaged bread, ask which type of salt has been used.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour, while brown bread can be made from a mixture of wholemeal flour and white flour. Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label if this is important to your choice.
If you can, look at an individual slice in the shop. The stated weight per slice can help you compare portions: for example, Jumbo states that Fijn Volkorenbrood has 35 g per slice. Don’t assume this tells you the slice thickness.
It depends on the storage instructions for the bread. Albert Heijn states that AH Liefde & Passie Petit volkoren gesneden can be frozen at home on the day of purchase and should be used within one month. Check the instructions on the bread you buy.
