If you’re putting together a bread basket for guests
A whole rustic loaf makes a lovely bread to share at the table. Check its size, whether it’s already sliced and where you can buy it in time for your meal.
Which choice is right for you?
If you want to bake the bread just before eating
Bake-at-home bread needs oven space at the right time. Check the preparation and storage instructions before planning the rest of your meal.
If you need to choose ingredients carefully
Check the wholemeal labelling, ingredients, salt and allergens for each loaf. According to the Voedingscentrum, wheat and spelt are among the grains that contain gluten; sourdough or multigrain doesn’t automatically mean gluten-free.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want a whole loaf to share or individual loaves to serve warm. Then check what suits your guests and whether you can get your chosen bread in time.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour and presentation | Look at the type of bread, crust and size, and check whether it’s whole or sliced. | If the bread will be on display alongside the meat and side dishes, I want a loaf that’s easy to share and serve. Around 36% of consumers prioritise flavour and presentation. |
| When you’ll serve it | Check whether the bread needs baking and how much oven space and preparation time it requires. | I want to serve the bread warm, but I also need the oven for the meal. Around 29% of consumers prioritise when the bread will be served. |
| Nutritional information and ingredients | If needed, look for an explicit wholemeal or gluten-free label, and read the ingredients and allergen information. | If I’m considering what my guests can or want to eat, the product information matters more than its rustic appearance. Ingredients and nutritional information are the main concern for around 21% of consumers. |
| Availability | Check whether the bread can be ordered or is only available in a shop with an in-store bakery. | If I don’t want to visit several shops on the day, I need to know where I can get the bread. Around 14% of consumers prioritise availability. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming every loaf contains iodised salt
The use of iodised baker’s salt varies from one loaf to another, according to Brood.net Professionals. The type of bread or the shop’s name for it won’t tell you whether it contains iodised salt.
For packaged bread, check the ingredients list for terms such as baker’s salt or iodised salt. For unpackaged bread, ask which ingredients have been used.
-
Assuming sourdough, spelt or multigrain means gluten-free
According to the Voedingscentrum, wheat and spelt are among the grains that contain gluten. So a name such as sourdough doesn’t mean the bread is gluten-free.
If you need a gluten-free option, check that the specific product is explicitly labelled as such and read its allergen information.
-
Choosing an in-store loaf without checking how it’s sold
Jumbo states that its rustic sourdough loaves are only available in store. Lidl’s fresh range can vary by branch, while ALDI limits its oven-fresh range to shops with an in-store bakery.
Before your meal, check which shop sells the bread you want and whether you can order it in advance.
Choosing a loaf that’s only available in store could mean an extra trip or having to pick a different bread at the last minute.
-
Forgetting to factor bake-at-home bread into your oven plans
Bake-at-home bread has its own preparation instructions, and you may also need the oven for other dishes for your Sunday roast.
Check the time, temperature and any defrosting instructions on the packaging in advance, and plan when the oven will be free.
Brands to explore
Albert Heijn
The Liefde & Passie OerDesem range includes rustic loaves for anyone who wants to put a whole loaf on the table.
- Albert Heijn describes its OerDesem Spelt boekweit as a 550 g sliced loaf, baked on a stone oven floor.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on each pack; the name spelt boekweit doesn’t mean this bread is gluten-free.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers a range of rustic sourdough loaves for anyone looking to choose a loaf for the table in store.
- Jumbo describes several flavour varieties made with fresh sourdough starter and a proving time of more than 24 hours.
- According to Jumbo, these rustic sourdough loaves are only available in store.
Lidl
The oven-fresh range is an option if you want to pick up bread in store.
- Lidl provides an overview of ingredients and allergens for its bread range.
- Lidl says its fresh range can vary by branch, so check what’s currently available in store.
ALDI
Bakkersgoud Rustiek includes several hearth-baked loaves for anyone looking to serve a whole loaf.
- ALDI lists white, wholemeal, spelt and multiseed varieties in this range.
- According to ALDI, the oven-fresh range is available in shops with an in-store bakery.
PLUS
Korenlanders sourdough and rustic bread varieties offer a choice of loaves for the table or to serve with a meal.
- For individual products, PLUS lists ingredients, allergens and, where applicable, bake-at-home instructions.
- Follow the preparation instructions for the product you choose; they aren’t interchangeable between types of bread.
Dirk
Dirk stocks rustic bake-at-home baguettes, among other options, to serve with a meal.
- The rustic white bake-at-home baguette described by Dirk weighs 250 g.
- Check that the type and weight of bread, and its preparation method, suit the number of guests and your oven plans.
Bread options on Joybuy
These breads offer a range of options for your roast table: round loaves to share, baguettes and individual ciabattas. If you choose bread that needs baking, always check the instructions on the packaging.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij round multigrain country loaf 550 g
A round loaf for anyone who wants to share one loaf at the table.
550 g multigrain loaf. Check the instructions on the packaging before baking.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal country loaf 550 g
A round loaf to share if you’re specifically looking for a wholemeal option.
550 g loaf. Check the ingredients, allergens and bake-at-home instructions on the packaging.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Natural Rustic Baguette 4 × 135 g
Four baguettes for anyone who wants to serve individual portions with the meal.
Four baguettes, each weighing 135 g. Leave room in the oven and follow the bake-at-home instructions on the packaging.
Image unavailable
G'woon rustic white baguette 250 g
A rustic white baguette to serve alongside the main course.
250 g baguette. Check the packaging to see whether it needs baking before serving.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Natural Rustic Ciabatta 4 × 135 g
Four individual ciabattas for anyone who wants to serve one to each guest.
Four ciabattas, each weighing 135 g. Allow for oven space and follow the packaging instructions for baking.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell whether bread contains iodised salt?
Check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt, or ask which ingredients have been used if the bread is unpackaged. According to Brood.net Professionals, iodised baker’s salt isn’t used in every loaf, so recognising the type of bread alone isn’t enough.
Is sourdough or spelt bread automatically gluten-free?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, spelt contains gluten, as do other grains such as wheat, rye and barley. If you need a gluten-free option, check that the bread is explicitly labelled as such and read its allergen information.
Which bread should I serve alongside meat and gravy?
A whole rustic loaf is a good choice if you want to share one loaf; a baguette or individual rolls offer a different way to serve bread with the meal. Choose based on the number of guests, the type of bread you’d like and whether you have oven space just before eating.
When should I bake bread for a Sunday roast?
Plan to bake it when the oven is free and the bread can be served soon afterwards. Check the temperature, timing and any defrosting instructions for the specific product in advance; these can vary from one type of bread to another.