Families on a tight weekly budget
If bread goes into a school lunchbox almost every day, the number of usable slices in a pack matters. So compare the pack size with how much your household actually eats.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Parents looking for a wholemeal staple
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends wholemeal and brown bread as suitable choices for children, highlighting their fibre content. Check that the bread is labelled wholemeal and that its format suits what your child likes to eat.
Households factoring in allergens or food waste
If you have a food allergy, check the latest product information for every loaf. If you won’t get through a whole loaf, a smaller size or freezing it in portions according to the product instructions may be more practical.
What should you look for in bread for school?
Start with the ingredients and any allergens that matter to your child. Then choose a type and quantity of bread that suits the school week.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly budget | Compare the pack weight and number of slices or pieces with what your household uses. | If I pack bread for school every day, I want to use as much of each pack as possible. Around 33% of consumers put their weekly budget first. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check whether the product is labelled wholemeal bread and, where stated, compare the fibre per 100 g. | I’m looking for a wholemeal lunch bread that my child will enjoy eating. Around 27% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact loaf; ask for allergen information when buying unpackaged bread. | If there’s a food allergy, I need to know whether the bread contains a relevant allergen or warns that it may be present. This is a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Stock and food waste | Choose a whole or half loaf to suit how much you use, and check the storage and freezing instructions. | If we won’t get through a whole loaf in time, I want to buy smaller quantities or freeze suitable portions. Around 20% of consumers give this top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming wholemeal means allergen-free
Standard wholemeal bread can contain gluten-containing grains. Other allergens may also be listed as ingredients or as possible traces.
If you have an allergy, check the latest information for the exact loaf. When buying unpackaged bread, ask about allergens before you buy.
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Choosing a whole loaf you won’t finish
A large loaf may not be the best fit if you’ll have slices left over before the end of its storage life.
Match the quantity to the number of school lunches you need. Albert Heijn and PLUS state that specific wholemeal loaves can be frozen on the day of purchase; follow the instructions for the product you choose.
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Looking only at the shape of the bread
A whole loaf, half a loaf and individual rolls won’t necessarily provide the same number of lunch portions.
Check the weight and, if stated, the number of slices or pieces. Think about how many your household will actually use.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn provides online product information for a range of breads, including wholemeal loaves.
- AH Vloerbrood volkoren heel lists a portion size of 35 g and 6.3 g of fibre per 100 g.
- The advice to freeze this bread on the day of purchase applies to this specific product. Check the storage instructions for any other loaf.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers a range of wholemeal breads, including Fijn Volkorenbrood and half loaves.
- The product information for Jumbo Fijn Volkorenbrood lists 7.6 g of fibre per 100 g.
- This bread contains wheat and barley, and may also contain other allergens. If you have an allergy, check the latest packaging.
Lidl
Lidl offers fresh-from-the-oven bread and a separate list of ingredients and allergens for this range.
- The range list can help you find information about a fresh-from-the-oven loaf.
- Check which listing applies to the bread at your store, especially if allergens are a concern.
Aldi
Aldi’s daily fresh range includes Fijn volkoren heel and Boeren tijger volkoren heel.
- There are several wholemeal loaves to compare by format and ingredients.
- Don’t assume the features of one variety apply to all Aldi breads; check the label of the one you choose.
Plus
PLUS Boeren volkoren heel is an 800 g loaf with online information about ingredients, allergens and storage.
- PLUS says this loaf can be frozen on the day of purchase.
- It contains wheat, barley and soya, among other ingredients, and may also contain other allergens.
Dirk
Dirk offers Bakker van der Akker wholemeal breads, including a whole loaf and a variety with extra fibre.
- The different varieties make it worth comparing the type of bread, weight and nutritional information.
- Don’t assume different varieties have the same nutritional values; check the information for the exact loaf.
Bread products on Joybuy
These products come in different formats for a school lunch: rye bread, wholemeal flatbread and round wholemeal bread. Choose a quantity you’ll use up, and check the ingredients, storage instructions and any preparation required for each product.
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TastyBasics Rye Bread, 9 pieces
The pack of nine may suit you if you like to portion out lunch one piece at a time.
Check the packaging for allergen information and instructions on how to store the bread once opened.
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Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, 6 pieces
This wholemeal flatbread offers a different option from sliced bread for a lunchbox.
The pack contains six pieces. Check the allergen information and storage instructions once opened.
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Bolletje Rye Bread Bun, 500 g
If you’re looking for rye bread for lunch, you could consider this 500 g product.
Check the format before buying: the product title says ‘bun’, while the description refers to sliced rye bread. If you have an allergy, also check the latest packaging.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
This 550 g round wholemeal loaf is a good fit for lunches where you want to cut your own portions.
Before planning your child’s school lunch, check whether the bread needs to be defrosted and baked. Also read the latest allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
Is wholemeal bread a sensible base for a school lunch?
Yes. For children without relevant dietary restrictions, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends wholemeal and brown bread as suitable choices and highlights their fibre content. Choose a format and quantity your child will actually eat, too.
Can a child with coeliac disease or a relevant food allergy eat standard wholemeal bread?
Don’t assume standard wholemeal bread is suitable: regular products may contain wheat, barley and other relevant allergens. Check the latest ingredients and warnings for the exact loaf, follow the individual advice for your child, and take the school’s arrangements into account.
What should I do if we won’t finish a whole loaf?
Choose a smaller quantity or freeze a suitable loaf in portions according to the product instructions. Albert Heijn and PLUS say that specific wholemeal loaves can be frozen on the day of purchase; don’t assume this applies to another product without checking.
How can I tell whether bread is made with baker’s salt?
Check the ingredients list for the specific loaf to see whether baker’s salt is listed. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre discusses bread made with baker’s salt in its information about iodine; the type of bread alone won’t tell you which ingredients have been used.