Regular bread buyer
You buy bread regularly and want to compare whole and half loaves without overlooking differences in bread type or weight.
Who is this guide for?
Wholemeal bread buyer
You prefer wholemeal bread and want to check the ingredients and nutritional values for the exact product on its label.
Small household
You don’t always use a whole loaf at once, so you want to match the amount to what you eat or freeze the bread in portions.
What should you look for?
Start with the type and size of the bread. Then check the nutritional information and consider how much you can use or store.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Comparable size | Compare the same type of bread and check the weight of a whole, half or differently shaped loaf. | If I buy bread every day, I want to know how much bread I get in each size. Around 33% of consumers prioritise a fair comparison of sizes. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check the wholemeal description, ingredients and fibre per 100 g for the exact product. | I want to choose wholemeal bread without relying solely on the name or wording on the packaging; around 27% of consumers prioritise this nutritional information. |
| Freshness and convenience | Check which bread is available at your local store and whether it needs to be finished in the oven at home. | If I want to use the bread quickly, the amount of preparation it needs also matters. Around 20% of consumers prioritise freshness and convenience. |
| Quantity and storage | Choose a whole or half loaf to suit how much you use, and follow the product’s storage instructions. | In a small household, I want to avoid having bread left over; around 20% of consumers are primarily concerned with reducing waste. |
Common mistakes
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Treating a half loaf and a whole loaf as the same size
Even similar loaves can differ in quantity. The words ‘whole’ and ‘half’ also don’t tell you on their own how many grams are in the pack.
Check the type of bread and its weight before comparing two packs.
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Assuming multigrain means wholemeal
Multigrain and wholemeal don’t mean the same thing. The name alone won’t tell you which ingredients or fibre content the product contains.
Look for an explicit wholemeal description and check the ingredients and nutritional information on the packaging.
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Buying more bread than you can use
A whole loaf won’t suit everyone’s needs. Albert Heijn and PLUS give freezing instructions for specific wholemeal breads, advising you to freeze them on the day of purchase.
Choose an amount you can eat, or follow the freezing instructions for the bread you buy.
Bread brands and shops to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn has online product pages for bread, including AH Wholemeal Whole Loaf.
- AH Wholemeal Whole Loaf comes with freezing advice.
- Check the details for the exact product and pack you choose.
Jumbo
Jumbo shows a range of wholemeal breads online, including Fine Wholemeal Bread.
- The product description helps you distinguish fine wholemeal bread from other varieties.
- Check that your preferred product is available; the online range may change.
Lidl
Lidl offers freshly baked bread and pre-packed loaves.
- Lidl lists fibre categories for pre-packed breads.
- Check the nutritional information for the specific loaf instead of treating the fibre category as complete product information.
ALDI
ALDI lists fresh daily bread, including Fine Wholemeal in whole and half sizes.
- The two sizes let you choose according to how much bread you use.
- When comparing, check the exact product and its weight.
PLUS
PLUS provides product information and freezing instructions for PLUS Farmer’s Wholemeal Whole Loaf.
- The product information lists 6,7 g of fibre per 100 g for this variety.
- Check the label on the exact pack when you buy it, as the recipe may change.
Dirk
Dirk shows a range of breads online, including Wholemeal Round Loaf and Wholemeal Batard.
- The product names distinguish between the bread shapes listed.
- Compare the weight and nutritional information of the exact loaves; a different shape doesn’t automatically mean the same ingredients.
Bread products on Joybuy
These products show a range of bread types and pack sizes. Choose a size that suits how much you use, and check the nutritional and storage information for the exact product.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal wheat bread, 550 g
An option if you want one round wholemeal wheat loaf. The pack contains 550 g; check the nutritional information and preparation instructions for the exact product.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal wheat bread, 2 × 550 g
An option if you want to use or store two loaves at once. The pack contains two round wholemeal wheat loaves, each weighing 550 g; make sure this amount suits how much you use and the storage space you have available.
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Souq Lebanese wholemeal bread, 6 pieces
An option if you want to use Lebanese bread in individual pieces rather than buying a standard whole or half loaf. The pack contains six pieces; check the ingredients and storage instructions on the packaging.
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Bolletje rye bread product, 500 g
An option if you’re looking for a 500 g rye bread product. Before buying, check the type of bread and read the nutritional information on the exact pack.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare a whole loaf with a half loaf?
First compare loaves of the same type, then check the weight of both packs. Next, choose an amount you can use or store according to the packaging instructions.
Can I freeze wholemeal bread?
AH Wholemeal Whole Loaf and PLUS Farmer’s Wholemeal Whole Loaf both come with instructions to freeze the bread on the day of purchase. For other breads, follow the storage instructions on the exact pack.
Where can I check the allergens in bread?
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging for the exact product. Don’t rely on the type of bread or product name alone, even if you’ve bought a similar loaf before.