If you want to decide how thick the slices are for your autumn half-term snacks, choose a whole loaf that you can slice yourself. Pre-sliced wholemeal bread takes less preparation, but check that the slices are suitable for your toppings. Always compare the information for the specific loaf to check its nutritional value and allergens.
If you’re making topped slices or a bread snack to share, you’ll want to choose a slice thickness that suits how you’re preparing it. A whole loaf gives you that choice; assess how sturdy the particular bread is separately.
Pre-sliced wholemeal bread can be a practical option for snacks you want to make without any slicing. Just check that the slices are suitable for the toppings you plan to use.
If fibre, salt or allergens are important to your choice, compare the nutritional information per 100 g and read the current ingredients list. This information applies to the specific loaf, not to that type of bread in general.
First decide whether you want to slice thick pieces yourself or use pre-sliced bread for a quick snack. Then compare the product information that matters for your snack occasion.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Slice thickness and firmness | Check whether the loaf is whole or pre-sliced, and whether the slices will hold your toppings. | For generous or moist toppings, I want to choose the slice thickness myself and check that the bread can handle the preparation. This combination of slice thickness and firmness is the top priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Wholemeal, fibre and salt | Check the type of bread and compare the fibre and salt per 100 g on the current packaging. | When I buy bread for different snacks, I want to be able to compare the nutritional value of the products. Around 33% of consumers give this nutritional information the highest priority. |
| Convenience and storage | Choose the slice format you prefer and read the product’s storage and freezing instructions. | For quick snack occasions, I want to do as little slicing as possible and be able to store the bread appropriately. This is the main consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
‘Rustic’ or ‘stone-baked’ won’t tell you how thick the pre-sliced pieces are or how firm the crumb of a particular loaf is.
If you want to choose the thickness yourself, pick a whole loaf. For pre-sliced bread, check the slices in store or look at the product information.
Fibre and salt levels vary from product to product. PLUS lists Grof volkoren heel as containing 6.8 g of fibre and 1.01 g of salt per 100 g; Albert Heijn lists AH Extra lang lekker volkoren heel as containing 6.8 g of fibre and 0.9 g of salt per 100 g.
Compare the current nutritional information per 100 g. Only consider claims such as ‘more fibre’ in relation to the product and the basis of comparison stated.
Bread you don’t use in time can go to waste. Storage and freezing instructions may vary from product to product.
Choose an amount that suits your snack occasions. Albert Heijn advises freezing AH Extra lang lekker volkoren heel on the day of purchase; for other loaves, follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
A place to compare whole and sliced loaves, along with their product information.
Offers an online range of different types of bread and bake-at-home bread.
A shop to consider if you want to choose a whole loaf and slice it yourself for a snack.
Offers, among other options, a sliced fine wholemeal loaf and a separate whole extra-high-fibre wholemeal loaf.
PLUS Grof volkoren heel is an option if you want to slice the bread to your preferred thickness.
Its range includes several wholemeal loaves, such as round loaves and stone-baked bread.
These loaves are suited to snack occasions when you want to do the slicing yourself. The round loaves and multigrain baguettes need some preparation, so check whether the slices will work with the toppings you plan to use.
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For anyone who wants to slice a round wholemeal loaf themselves. Allow time to defrost, bake and cool the bread before slicing it; once prepared, check how firm it is if you’re using heavy or juicy toppings.
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A round wholemeal loaf for anyone who wants to slice a single loaf to their preferred thickness. Defrost, bake and cool it before slicing, then check that the crumb is suitable for your toppings.
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For snack slices you want to cut yourself from a round multigrain loaf. Defrost, bake and cool the bread first. ‘Multigrain’ doesn’t mean the bread is wholemeal, so check the current allergen information too.
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A round multigrain loaf for anyone who wants to decide how it’s sliced. Allow time to defrost, bake and cool it, and check that the crumb is suitable for generous toppings. Check the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.
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For a snack occasion featuring multigrain baguettes that you slice after baking. The product description recommends defrosting for around 4 hours and baking for 5–7 minutes at 220 °C. Check the slice thickness and suitability for generous toppings separately, and refer to the current allergen information.
Check the slices of the specific loaf, as the name alone won’t tell you how thick or firm they are. With a whole loaf, you can choose the thickness yourself; if the bread is pre-sliced, check the slices before choosing it for generous or moist toppings.
No, don’t assume that’s the case for every individual loaf. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre identifies bread as an important source of iodine, but check the current ingredients list to find out what’s in the bread you choose.
You can, provided the instructions for your chosen loaf allow it. Albert Heijn advises freezing AH Extra lang lekker volkoren heel on the day of purchase; for another product, check its own storage and freezing instructions.
Read the current allergen information for the loaf you’re buying; the type of bread alone isn’t enough. PLUS lists cereals containing gluten and soya among the allergens in Grof volkoren heel, but you shouldn’t assume the same information applies to other loaves.
