Hosts serving generously topped nibbles
If you want to halve the slices or cut them into bite-sized pieces, check that the slice and crust suit your toppings. Also check that the pack contains sliced bread.
Who should choose what?
Shoppers who also choose wholemeal bread for everyday use
If you want your bread for drinks and nibbles to double as your everyday loaf, look for an explicit wholemeal label. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain does not automatically mean that bread is wholemeal.
Shoppers who read labels carefully
If you need to check ingredients or allergens, read the information for the specific loaf. If the use of baker’s salt matters to you, check the label for that too.
What should you look for?
First decide how you want to serve the bread. Then compare the type and size of loaf, and check the label if specific ingredients or baker’s salt are important to your choice.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Slice and ease of handling | Check whether the bread is sliced, and consider whether the slice and crust suit your toppings and the bite size you want. | If I want to serve generously topped nibbles in small portions, the bread needs to be easy to divide. Around 36% of consumers prioritise ease of handling. |
| Type of bread | Look for the wholemeal label if that’s the type of bread you want; don’t treat multigrain as a synonym. | I want to be able to eat the bread for drinks and nibbles as my usual wholemeal bread too. This is a key consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Size and planning | Compare whole and half loaves, and check which size is available for your get-together. | For a small gathering, I don’t want to end up with too much leftover bread. Around 21% of consumers give top priority to finding the right size. |
| Label information | Read the ingredients and allergen information; check separately whether baker’s salt is listed if that matters to you. | If I need to avoid an ingredient or want to check for baker’s salt, the product information determines my choice. For around 14% of consumers, this check comes first. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking multigrain for wholemeal
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain refers to bread made with at least three types of grain. The name alone doesn’t mean that the whole grain has been used.
If you want wholemeal bread, look for the word “wholemeal” in the product name or on the packaging.
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Assuming all bread contains baker’s salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt is not compulsory when baking bread. So the type of bread or the shop’s name won’t tell you whether it has been used.
Check the ingredients on the packaging. For unwrapped bread, ask the baker or shop assistant which type of salt was used.
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Buying a whole loaf without considering how many guests you have
For a small get-together, you could end up with slices left over. Jumbo, PLUS, Dirk and ALDI, among others, also stock half loaves.
Choose a size that suits your gathering, or freeze any slices you don’t use.
Relevant brands and ranges
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s bread range includes sliced multigrain and spelt varieties.
- Sliced varieties are worth considering if you’re looking for bread to make into nibbles.
- Check the slice and ingredients for the specific loaf.
Jumbo
Jumbo stocks whole and half loaves, including wholemeal and multigrain options.
- A half loaf could be just the right size for a smaller gathering.
- Check how each product is sliced and which size is available locally.
Lidl
Lidl has a freshly baked bread range and publishes an ingredients and allergen overview for it.
- The overview helps you compare ingredients and allergens.
- Check the information for the bread you’re actually choosing, including how it’s sliced.
ALDI
ALDI’s fresh daily bread range includes white, wholemeal and half loaves.
- With whole and half loaves available, you can choose a size that suits your get-together.
- Check the slice you want and whether the specific loaf is available.
PLUS
PLUS stocks wholemeal bread and half loaves, among other options.
- A half loaf is worth considering if you need fewer slices.
- Check the individual product to make sure the bread is sliced the way you want.
Dirk
Dirk’s bread range includes white, wholemeal, multigrain and sourdough loaves, as well as half loaves.
- You can compare types of bread and loaf sizes separately.
- Check the slice and ingredients for the product you choose.
Choosing bread on Joybuy
This bread is one option to consider if you’re looking for bread to make into nibbles. Before buying, check the shape and slice if you specifically need medium-sliced bread.
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TastyBasics Rustic Bread, 5 pieces
The pack of 5 is worth considering if you’re looking for bread for a get-together. Check that the shape and slice suit your toppings. Also read the packaging if ingredients, allergens or baker’s salt are important to your choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread always wholemeal?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means that the bread contains at least three different types of grain. If you want wholemeal bread, also look for the wholemeal label.
Does bread in the Netherlands have to be baked with baker’s salt?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt is not compulsory when baking bread. Check the label of the loaf you’ve chosen if you want to know whether it has been used.
How much iodine is in bread made with baker’s salt?
It depends on the bread and the amount of baker’s salt used. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives almost 100 micrograms of iodine for four slices of bread made with 1.2% baker’s salt; you can’t apply this amount to every loaf.