Households who’ll eat bread after the celebrations too
A whole loaf could be a good choice if you’ll use the rest for breakfast or lunch. Check the pack size and follow the storage instructions if you won’t eat it all straight away.
Which option works best for you?
Shoppers looking for wholemeal bread
Check the product description and ingredients list rather than judging by colour. Compare the nutritional information for the loaves you’re considering.
Hosts planning a small celebration spread
Rolls or a rustic loaf could work well with the way you’re serving toppings and snacks. Decide in advance how many people will eat bread, so it complements the rest of the spread.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how much bread you’ll want to eat on St Nicholas Eve and afterwards. Then choose the type of bread and check the ingredients, nutritional information and storage instructions on each pack.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Amount you’ll use | Compare the weight and choose a whole or half loaf based on the meals you’ve planned. | If I’ll be eating bread after the celebrations too, I want to buy enough without ending up with unnecessary extra packs. Around 36% of shoppers put having the right amount first. |
| Wholemeal and nutritional information | Check the wholemeal description, ingredients and the fibre and salt values per 100 g. | I want to choose wholemeal bread and see what’s in it according to the packaging. Around 29% of shoppers put this first. |
| Portions for the table | Check the number of rolls or flatbreads and whether the shape works with the toppings you’re serving. | When guests help themselves to toppings, I care more about individual portions than having one whole loaf. Around 21% of shoppers put ease of serving first. |
| Storing leftovers | Choose a pack size that matches how much you expect to use, and follow the storage and any freezing instructions. | If there are other snacks as well as bread, I want to avoid having lots left over afterwards. Around 14% of shoppers say this is their main concern. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming whole loaves and rolls provide the same amount
A pack of rolls and a whole loaf won’t necessarily give you the same number of portions. This matters particularly if you’ll need bread for breakfast or lunch after St Nicholas Eve.
Work out how many people will eat bread, then compare the number of pieces or the weight of each pack.
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Assuming every loaf contains iodised baker’s salt
According to NBC / brood.net, using iodised baker’s salt isn’t a legal requirement. The Dutch government encourages its use through an agreement, as published by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.
If the type of salt used matters to your choice, check the ingredients list for the specific loaf.
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Automatically assuming dark or multigrain bread is wholemeal
Colour and the term ‘multigrain’ don’t, by themselves, mean that a loaf is wholemeal.
If you’re looking for wholemeal bread, check the product description and ingredients list.
Brands and shops to consider
Albert Heijn
The online bread range includes products such as AH Tiger Wholemeal Loaf.
- A wholemeal loaf is one option to consider alongside other types of bread.
- Check the weight and the information on the current packaging before you choose.
Jumbo
The online range includes whole loaves, half loaves, rolls and bake-at-home bread.
- You can browse different types of bread for everyday sandwiches as well as individual portions.
- Compare the number of pieces and the weight when choosing between them.
Lidl
The range includes oven-fresh and packaged bread options, including Tiger Wholemeal Rustic Loaf.
- A rustic loaf offers a different shape for the table than a finely sliced loaf.
- Lidl directs customers to its stores for the current food range, so check what your local branch has in stock shortly before shopping.
ALDI
The fresh-bread page includes products such as Fine Wholemeal Loaf and Farmer’s Tiger Wholemeal Loaf.
- The range shown includes several wholemeal loaves.
- Check the packaging of the loaf you choose, including the ingredients and weight.
PLUS
The wholemeal bread product pages provide ingredients, nutritional information and storage instructions.
- For specific loaves, PLUS states whether they can be frozen on the day of purchase.
- Follow the instructions for the variety you choose; don’t assume they apply to another loaf.
Dirk
The range shown includes Bakker van der Akker Farmer’s Wholemeal Loaf.
- This wholemeal loaf is an option if you’ll want sandwiches after the celebrations too.
- Check the product information for the variety you’re actually buying.
Bread and extras on Joybuy
This selection includes wholemeal loaves for several meals, as well as other types of bread to complement your St Nicholas Eve spread. Focus on the quantity, how you want to serve it and any preparation needed.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Wholemeal Round Country Loaf 550 g
A round loaf for sharing or enjoying over several meals. The stated weight is 550 g; when planning your celebration spread, remember to allow time to defrost and bake before serving.
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Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, 6 pieces
These wholemeal flatbreads are a good option if you want to serve individual portions with dips or toppings. The pack contains six; they’re a different style of bread from a whole loaf for sandwiches.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Wholemeal Round Country Loaf, 2 × 550 g
The twin pack could work if you’re planning for more than one loaf or several meals. It contains two loaves weighing 550 g each. Allow time to defrost and bake, and think ahead about when you’ll use both loaves.
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g'woon wholemeal crispbread 375 g
Crispbread is a crunchy option for toppings, rather than soft bread for sandwiches. The pack states 375 g; choose this type of bread only if it suits your serving plans.
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Bolletje Rye Bread Bun 500 g
A rye bread product to consider if you’d like to serve a different type of bread alongside your usual loaf. The pack states 500 g. Before buying, check the exact format: the title says ‘bun’, while the description refers to sliced rye bread.
Frequently asked questions
Is dark or multigrain bread always wholemeal?
No. Colour and the term ‘multigrain’ don’t, by themselves, mean a loaf is wholemeal. Check the product name and ingredients list if you specifically want to buy wholemeal bread.
Can I keep a wholemeal loaf for after St Nicholas Eve?
Some loaves can be frozen, as long as you follow the instructions for that product. For certain wholemeal loaves, PLUS advises freezing on the day of purchase and using within one month; check the instructions on your pack.
Are all loaves in the Netherlands required to contain iodised baker’s salt?
No. According to NBC / brood.net, using iodised baker’s salt isn’t a legal requirement; its use is encouraged through an agreement. If the type of salt used matters to your choice, check the ingredients list for the specific loaf.
What should I look out for if I have a food allergy?
Before buying, read the latest ingredients and allergen information for the specific loaf. Don’t assume you know which allergens are present or absent from the bread name alone.