If you’re sharing bread with soup, salad or dips
A standard baguette or a twin pack of baguettes is a good option if you want a simple side. Think about how much bread you’ll need for two, so the pack size works with the rest of your dinner.
Which bread is right for you?
If you want to finish baking the bread just before eating
Ciabatta, focaccia and part-baked baguettes offer different ways to serve bread warm. Allow for the preparation time and check what equipment the pack instructions recommend.
If the ingredients determine your choice
If you prefer wholemeal bread, compare the product name with the nutritional information. If allergens are relevant, also read the ingredients list and allergen information for the specific bread.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide what you want the bread to do at dinner: be a simple side, arrive warm at the table or meet a particular ingredient preference. Then check that the quantity is right for two people.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Bread within your dinner budget | Check the type of bread and pack weight; consider whether you’re simply looking for an uncomplicated side. | If the bread is going with soup, salad or dips, I’d prefer a simple option rather than one that takes over the meal. For around 31% of consumers, choosing bread that fits the dinner budget comes first. |
| When you’ll serve it | Check whether the bread is ready to serve or needs to be finished in the oven, and read the preparation instructions. | I want to serve the bread warm just before dinner and can plan the preparation around that. Around 31% of consumers give this serving time the highest priority. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | If you prefer wholemeal bread, look for the ‘wholemeal’ label; if needed, check the fibre per 100 g and the allergen information. | When I’m specifically looking for wholemeal bread or need to avoid an ingredient, I read the label rather than relying on the name. For around 23% of consumers, this product information matters most. |
| Quantity for two | Compare the number of pieces and total weight with what you want to serve and store. | If we only need some of the bread, I want to know whether the rest will keep. Around 15% of consumers prioritise choosing the right quantity. |
Common mistakes
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Choosing part-baked bread without allowing time to prepare it
Part-baked bread needs an extra step. If you want to eat straight away, bread that’s ready to serve may be more practical.
Before buying, read the instructions for the product you’ve chosen and check that you have the recommended equipment.
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Assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘wholemeal’
A name such as multigrain, sourdough or rustic doesn’t confirm that the bread is wholemeal. The name alone also won’t tell you which allergens it contains.
If you prefer wholemeal bread, specifically look for ‘wholemeal’ and read the ingredients, nutritional information and allergen details on the pack.
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Buying more bread than you need for two
A large pack can leave you with leftovers that go stale before you use them.
Choose a size that suits your dinner, and freeze any bread you plan to eat later while it’s still fresh.
Storing leftovers takes space and a plan for using them later.
Brands to compare
These supermarket examples show the different types of bread you can compare. Check the details of the specific product you choose.
Albert Heijn
Offers white baguette, among other options, if you’re looking for a simple side.
- Albert Heijn lists AH Stokbrood wit as weighing 400 g and containing iodised salt.
- Albert Heijn marks this baguette as ‘in-store only’; check the current label in store.
Jumbo
Offers baguettes and other types of bread that can be served as a side.
- Jumbo lists a pack of two white baguettes with a combined weight of 300 g.
- Compare the weight and preparation instructions for each pack; not every baguette can be served in the same way.
Lidl
White baguette is an option to look for in store.
- Lidl describes its Stokbrood wit as a white wheat baguette.
- Lidl marks it as ‘in-store only’; check the product information for ingredients and allergens.
ALDI
Offers various types of part-baked bread for dinner at home.
- ALDI’s part-baked range includes white baguettes, ciabatta, focaccia and stone-baked baguettes.
- Check the quantity and preparation instructions on each pack.
PLUS
A place to compare wholemeal baguettes and other options.
- PLUS lists a Korenlanders wholemeal baguette with preparation information.
- If you’re choosing based on ingredients, nutritional information or allergens, read the label on the current pack.
Dirk
Offers white baguette that can be served as a simple side.
- Dirk lists a white baguette weighing 220 g.
- Compare this size with the amount you want to serve to two people.
Bread options on Joybuy
These bread options suit different parts of a dinner for two: bread to serve with dips, a white baguette and loaves to finish baking. Compare the pack size with what you want to serve, and read the instructions on the pack for part-baked bread.
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Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, 6 stuks
An option if you want to serve bread with dips and wholemeal matters to you. The pack contains six pieces; check the ingredients and allergens on the label.
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g'woon White Baguette, 220 g
A white baguette to serve as a side with dinner. Check the pack to see whether you need to finish baking it, and read the allergen information.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 4 × 135 g
Four individual baguettes if you want to serve several loaves with dinner. Allow time to defrost and finish baking them as directed on the pack; ‘multigrain’ doesn’t automatically mean wholemeal.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
A round wholemeal loaf if that’s the type of bread you’re looking for with dinner. It weighs 550 g; allow time to defrost and finish baking it, and follow the instructions on the pack.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Natural Rustic Ciabatta, 4 × 135 g
Four ciabattas if you want to finish baking individual loaves for dinner. Allow time to defrost and prepare them, and check the instructions and allergen information on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
Is a multigrain baguette the same as a wholemeal baguette?
No. ‘Multigrain’ doesn’t tell you that a loaf is wholemeal. If you specifically want wholemeal bread, look for the ‘wholemeal’ label and check the ingredients of the product you’ve chosen.
How can I check whether a baguette contains gluten?
Read the ingredients and allergen information for the specific baguette. For example, Albert Heijn lists wheat and cereals containing gluten for AH Stokbrood wit; don’t make assumptions based on the bread’s shape or a name such as ‘sourdough’.
What should I do with leftover baguette after dinner?
Freeze any portions you plan to use later while they’re still fresh. The Voedingscentrum’s storage guide recommends keeping opened white baguette in a kitchen cupboard for 2–4 days or in the freezer for 1–3 months; its quality may deteriorate during storage.
How can I tell whether bread contains iodised salt?
Check the ingredients list on the bread you buy. For example, Albert Heijn lists ‘iodised salt’ for AH Stokbrood wit; don’t assume the same applies to every loaf.