If you want to control how thick the slices are for filled conference snacks, choose a whole loaf and try a slice with your intended filling before placing your order. Pre-sliced bread saves you the effort of cutting, but check that the slices are the right size. For a buffet, also check the nutritional information, allergens and storage instructions for each loaf.
If you want to serve filled slices, a whole loaf lets you choose the size and thickness yourself. Try a slice with your filling in advance to make sure it’s easy to handle. Jumbo uses thickly sliced bread that you cut yourself in a recipe for a filled bread dish.
Pre-sliced bread saves time on cutting during preparation. Try a sample loaf to see how many slices are suitable for your snack size.
If you want to offer wholemeal bread, check the product description rather than relying on the word ‘multigrain’. When unpackaged bread and fillings are served, guests need to be given information about any allergens present, as the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority advises.
First decide whether you want to choose the slice thickness yourself or mainly save time on cutting. Then assess the bread you’ve chosen alongside the fillings, portions and information guests need at the buffet.
Choose this if: you want to decide the thickness and size of your filled slices yourself.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to make a test slice, have cutting equipment to hand and allow time to prepare even portions.
Choose this if: saving time on cutting during set-up matters more than choosing the slice thickness yourself.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to check that the slices work with your chosen fillings and snack size.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Slice thickness and size | Cut a test slice from a whole loaf and try it with your intended filling. Count how many usable slices you get from each loaf. | If filled slices need to be easy to handle, I want to choose their size and thickness myself. For around 33% of consumers, this is the top priority. |
| Set-up time and portions | For pre-sliced bread, check the size and number of usable slices with a sample loaf. | When set-up time is short, I want to be able to fill the bread without having to slice it all first; around 27% of consumers prioritise this preparation time. |
| Wholemeal and nutritional value | Check that the bread is specifically described as wholemeal; multigrain does not automatically mean wholemeal. | If I want to offer wholemeal bread as a buffet staple, the product description needs to match. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Allergens and planning | Check the latest allergen information for the bread and fillings. If buying in advance, follow the storage instructions for each product. | If I’m serving unpackaged snacks or buying bread in advance, I want to be able to inform guests and store the stock properly; this is the main priority for around 20% of consumers. |
The word ‘sliced’ doesn’t tell you whether the slices are the right size for your filled snacks.
Try a loaf with your intended filling. If you want to choose the thickness yourself, buy a whole loaf and cut a test slice.
Multigrain bread isn’t automatically wholemeal. It may therefore not suit your plans if you want to offer wholemeal bread as a buffet staple.
Check that the product is specifically described as wholemeal.
When bread and filled slices are served unpackaged, guests must be able to get information about any allergens present. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires providers of unpackaged food to do this.
Keep up-to-date information for each type of bread and snack available where you’re serving the products.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt, so the ingredients can vary from loaf to loaf.
Check the ingredients list or, for unpackaged bread, ask the supplier which type of salt was used.
Albert Heijn offers a range that includes sliced bread and whole, sliced OerDesem dark multigrain bread.
Jumbo offers a range of bread types, including wholemeal and multigrain.
Lidl’s range includes a whole tiger wholemeal loaf.
ALDI’s range includes sliced fine wholemeal bread.
PLUS offers a range that includes wholemeal bread, rustic loaves and sourdough varieties.
Dirk’s range includes whole wholemeal loaves, rustic loaves and wholemeal rolls.
These Joybuy products are round loaves for anyone who wants to choose the slice thickness themselves. Try a slice with your intended filling before deciding how many loaves to order for your catering; the product names don’t confirm a set slice thickness or how well the slices will hold together.
Image unavailable
For a buffet where you want to slice your own wholemeal bread. The product name specifies two round loaves weighing 550 g each; try the slices with your filling and check the pack instructions before preparing them.
Image unavailable
For anyone who wants to slice a round wholemeal loaf into portions themselves. The product name specifies 550 g; cut a test slice to see how many slices are suitable for your snacks, and follow the preparation instructions on the packaging.
Image unavailable
For a buffet where you want to slice your own multigrain bread. The product name specifies two round loaves weighing 550 g each; if you’re looking for wholemeal bread, don’t rely on the word ‘multigrain’ alone—check the latest product information.
Image unavailable
For anyone who wants to slice a round multigrain loaf themselves. The product name specifies 550 g; try the slice size you want and check the latest ingredients and allergen information before serving it at the buffet.
Choose a whole loaf if you want to decide the slice thickness yourself, and try a slice with your intended filling. Jumbo also uses thickly sliced bread in a recipe for a filled bread dish. For pre-sliced bread, you can use a sample loaf to check whether the size and number of slices work for you.
When unpackaged bread and filled slices are served, guests must be able to get information about any allergens present. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists 14 allergens that food providers must tell customers about. For cereals containing gluten and nuts, the specific types must also be clear. Keep the latest information available where you’re serving the snacks.
No, don’t assume that every loaf contains iodised baker’s salt. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list for packaged bread, and ask the supplier which type of salt was used for unpackaged bread.
Yes, as long as you follow the date and storage instructions for the bread you choose. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises freezing bread in portions as soon as you buy it and taking out only what you need; bread can gradually become drier in the freezer.
