Host with several guests
You want to serve enough slices and need a plan for any leftovers. A whole loaf is especially practical if you can freeze the portions you don’t use.
Who is this guide for?
Small household
For coffee with one or two people, half a loaf or a pack of individual rolls may be a better choice than a whole loaf that could be left uneaten.
Shopper looking for wholemeal
You want to know whether the bread is genuinely wholemeal. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholegrain products contain more fibre and other nutrients than white products made with refined flour.
What should you look for?
Estimate how much bread your guests are likely to eat and whether you can store any leftovers. Then check the product description and consider the texture you’re looking for.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity for several guests | Estimate how many slices you’ll need and whether you can freeze any leftover bread in portions. | If several guests are joining me, I want to have enough bread ready without being left with an unusable amount. This is the main consideration for around 42% of consumers. |
| Wholemeal | Look for the description ‘wholemeal’ and check the ingredients and nutritional information on the packaging. | If wholemeal is a must for me, I don’t want to rely on the colour or a name such as ‘multigrain’. This is the main consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Smaller portions and texture | Consider whether half a loaf or individual rolls would be a better fit, and choose soft or crusty bread to suit your guests’ preferences. | For a small group, I want to serve a suitable amount with a texture my guests will enjoy. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Buying a whole loaf without a plan for leftovers
If only a few people are eating, bread may be left over and lose its quality. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal bread usually keeps for 2 to 4 days in a kitchen cupboard and 1 to 3 months in the freezer.
Work out how many slices you’ll need in advance. If necessary, choose half a loaf or freeze any unused slices in portions straight away.
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Assuming dark or multigrain bread is wholemeal
Colour, seeds and the description ‘multigrain’ do not, by themselves, confirm that bread is wholemeal. This distinction matters if you specifically want to choose a wholemeal product.
Check the product description, and read the current label if you have questions about specific ingredients or allergies.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn has an online bread range that includes wholemeal bread and baker’s bread.
- The online range includes different types of bread, so you can compare sizes and descriptions.
- Albert Heijn recommends checking the packaging, as ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change.
Jumbo
Jumbo has a dedicated online range of wholemeal bread, with delivery and collection options.
- The wholemeal range includes several own-brand loaves.
- Check which size and variety are available when you shop.
Lidl
Lidl offers both pre-packed bread and bread baked in store.
- The freshly baked range is worth considering if you want to pick up bread for the same coffee get-together.
- Check in store to see which types and sizes of bread are available at the time.
ALDI
ALDI describes a daily fresh bread range that includes white bread, wholemeal bread and hearth-baked loaves.
- The different types of bread offer a choice of descriptions and textures.
- If you have a specific dietary or ingredient requirement, check the information for the bread you choose.
PLUS
PLUS lists wholemeal loaves and rolls online, with delivery and collection options.
- Whole loaves and individual rolls make it easy to choose an amount that suits your group.
- PLUS notes that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information may change, so check the packaging.
Dirk
Dirk has a bread range that includes both whole and half loaves.
- These sizes are useful if you want to match the amount of bread to the number of guests.
- Check the size and product description of the loaf you actually choose.
Bread and bake-at-home products for coffee time
This selection includes round loaves, wholemeal flatbread and individual multigrain baguettes. When choosing, consider the quantity, how much preparation is needed and whether it’s described as wholemeal. Multigrain does not automatically mean wholemeal.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g
A round wholemeal loaf for coffee with several guests, or to portion up for later.
The loaf weighs 550 g. Check the baking instructions on the packaging before baking, and read the current label if you have any questions about allergens.
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Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P
Individual wholemeal flatbreads are a good option if you want to serve one to each guest instead of slicing a whole loaf.
The pack contains 6 pieces. Check the label for storage instructions after opening and allergen information.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 2 x 550 g
This pack is suitable for a larger group or if you plan to save some of the bread for later.
The pack contains 2 round loaves, each weighing 550 g. Make sure you have enough space to store and prepare them.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette 4 x 135 g
Four individual multigrain baguettes are a good fit if you want to bake the bread one piece at a time for coffee.
The pack contains 4 baguettes weighing 135 g each. Check the baking time on the packaging, and don’t assume it’s wholemeal just because it says ‘multigrain’ if wholemeal is what you’re looking for.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round 550 g
A round multigrain loaf to share if you can prepare it in advance for coffee time.
The loaf weighs 550 g. Check the baking instructions on the packaging, and don’t choose it based on the name alone if wholemeal is a requirement for you.
Frequently asked questions
When should I choose wholemeal bread for afternoon coffee?
Choose wholemeal bread if it’s an important product feature for you and the quantity and texture suit your guests. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholegrain products contain more fibre and other nutrients than white products made with refined flour. Check the description on the packaging rather than relying on the colour alone.
How should I store leftover wholemeal bread?
If you won’t eat the unused slices within a few days, freeze them in portions as soon as possible. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal bread usually keeps for 2 to 4 days in a kitchen cupboard and 1 to 3 months in the freezer. Don’t eat mouldy bread.
Is multigrain bread the same as wholemeal bread?
No. The name ‘multigrain’ does not, by itself, confirm that the bread is wholemeal. Look for the product description ‘wholemeal’ and check the ingredients if that distinction matters to you.