Fussy eaters who prefer soft bread
A light texture is the deciding factor. Fine wholemeal bread or white bread with added fibre is worth comparing, as long as the taste and texture appeal too.
Who is this choice for?
People who only eat bread late occasionally
A half loaf or slices frozen straight away can help avoid having lots of bread left over.
People who want to compare labels
The wholemeal description, fibre per 100 g, ingredients and allergens are more useful guides than the colour of the bread.
What should you look for?
First, choose a bread texture that will actually be eaten. Then compare the wholemeal description and fibre per 100 g, and choose a pack size that suits how many slices you use.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Soft texture | Check the type of bread and the ingredients; for white bread with added fibre, compare the nutritional information too. | If I only enjoy a light slice of bread, I don’t want to buy wholemeal bread that gets left uneaten. Around 31% of consumers prioritise texture when making this choice. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the wholemeal description and compare fibre per 100 g, not just the colour. | For my late-night slice, a wholemeal base matters more than a completely white texture. This is the priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Right-sized pack | Check whether a half loaf is available and whether you can freeze individual slices. | If I only have a slice now and then, I don’t want to be left with lots of bread. For around 23% of consumers, pack size is the main consideration. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current label for allergen information and, where relevant, check whether it mentions iodised salt or baker’s salt. | I need to know what ingredients are in this particular loaf before choosing it. This is the most important consideration for around 15% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking brown or multigrain bread for wholemeal
A dark colour, seeds or several types of grain don’t confirm that a loaf is wholemeal.
Look for the wholemeal description, then compare the fibre per 100 g.
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Assuming white bread with added fibre is the same as wholemeal
Adding fibre doesn’t automatically make bread made with wheat flour wholemeal.
Read the product description and ingredients, and choose based on both the type of bread and the nutritional information.
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Buying a whole loaf for the occasional late-night snack
If you only use a few slices, a lot could be left over. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists bread among the foods that are often wasted.
Choose a half loaf where possible, or freeze individual slices soon after buying.
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Assuming you know the ingredients from the type of bread
The name white or wholemeal doesn’t tell you which allergens or type of salt are listed for that particular product.
Check the latest ingredients and allergen information on the packaging or in the bakery section.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
The AH Rond range lets you compare a half wholemeal loaf with a half white loaf.
- Albert Heijn lists 6.9 g of fibre per 100 g for AH Rond half wholemeal and 2.7 g per 100 g for AH Rond half white.
- These values apply to the products named, not all Albert Heijn bread. Check the latest label.
Jumbo
The range includes whole and half loaves in a variety of types.
- Jumbo’s White Bread with Added Fibre – Half shows the product information you can compare for a white option.
- Jumbo states that this particular bread is no longer available in its online range.
Lidl
Lidl uses a fibre indicator on packaged bread, and its range also includes wholemeal sourdough bread.
- The fibre indicator helps you check the fibre per 100 g.
- Check whether the option you want is available when you shop.
ALDI
ALDI’s bread range includes options such as white bread and fine wholemeal bread.
- According to ALDI, the fresh wholemeal breads described are made with 100% wholemeal flour.
- Check the information for the specific loaf and see what your local store stocks.
PLUS
PLUS offers a range of wholemeal breads to compare by size and nutritional information.
- PLUS lists 6.7 g of fibre per 100 g for its whole Boeren wholemeal loaf, with baker’s salt in the ingredients.
- Before buying, check the latest ingredients and allergen information for the loaf you’ve chosen.
Dirk
The bread range includes options such as white, wholemeal, multigrain and sourdough loaves.
- Half and whole loaves are available to compare by size.
- Dirk doesn’t list a delivery service; check the selection in store.
Bread options on Joybuy
These bread options for a late-night snack include Lebanese wholemeal flatbread, a rye option and a round wholemeal loaf. Choose based on the type of bread and how much you need; soft white bread with added fibre is a different option.
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Souq Lebanese wholemeal flatbread, 6 pieces
A flatbread option if you’d rather have one bread from a pack of six for an individual late-night snack than take slices from a whole loaf. Check the packaging for texture and allergen information if these affect your choice.
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Bolletje rye bread, 500 g
A rye option for anyone who enjoys this type of bread with a late-night snack. Compare nutritional values using the same basis, and check the packaging to make sure the texture and allergen information suit you.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal country loaf, 550 g
A round wholemeal loaf for anyone who can plan ahead for a snack: this loaf needs to be defrosted and baked. Follow the latest preparation instructions on the packaging, and check the ingredients if they’re important to your choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is wholemeal bread always the right choice for a late-night snack?
Not if its texture means the bread gets left uneaten. If wholemeal matters to you, try fine or soft wholemeal bread. If you need a white texture, compare the ingredients and fibre per 100 g in white bread with added fibre against standard white bread.
How can I avoid having bread left over when I only have a late-night snack occasionally?
Choose a half loaf if one is available, or freeze individual slices soon after buying. Check the label of your chosen product for storage guidance.
Does all bread in the Netherlands contain iodised salt?
You can’t assume that it does. Albert Heijn lists iodised salt in AH Rond half wholemeal and AH Rond half white; check the ingredients of the bread you choose.
Where can I check the allergens in bread?
Check the latest allergen information on the packaging or in the bakery section. The name or colour of the bread isn’t a substitute; according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the most common allergens must be listed.