Holiday shoppers on a tight budget
You’re looking for bread for everyday sandwiches and want to choose a size that matches what you’ll actually eat. If there are temporary offers, check the expiry date and terms too.
Who is this bread-buying advice for?
Families who also look for wholemeal options
You want everyday bread that fits your shopping budget, without ruling out wholemeal. Compare basic loaves of the same type and size.
Travellers with changing mealtimes
You don’t always know when you’ll be having breakfast or lunch at home. A smaller loaf, bake-at-home bread or portions frozen in advance may suit your plans better.
What should you look for in bread for the holidays?
First, work out how much bread you expect to use and whether you can freeze it or bake it at home. Then choose the type of bread and the way you shop that best fit your plans.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity within your budget | Compare whole loaves with whole loaves, and half loaves with half loaves. Choose an amount you can use up or store. | If I need sandwiches every day, I don’t want to spend my shopping budget on bread that goes uneaten. For around 36% of consumers, choosing a quantity with their budget in mind is the deciding factor. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check that the bread is labelled wholemeal and look at the fibre per 100 g on the packaging. | When buying everyday bread, I want to be sure I’m choosing wholemeal rather than judging by its colour. Around 29% of consumers prioritise choosing wholemeal. |
| Leftovers when plans change | Match the size to your mealtimes and check the storage advice. If needed, freeze fresh bread in portions as soon as you buy it. | If we unexpectedly eat out, I don’t want to come home to bread we won’t use. Avoiding leftovers is a priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Convenience when arriving or leaving | Check whether your chosen shop offers collection or delivery, or whether you’ll have an oven for bake-at-home bread. | When we’re about to leave, I want to know how and when I can pick up or prepare the bread. For around 14% of consumers, convenience is the most important consideration. |
Common mistakes when choosing bread
-
Taking a whole loaf without a plan for leftovers
A changeable holiday schedule could mean you eat fewer sandwiches than expected. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, opened wholemeal bread keeps for 2 to 4 days in a kitchen cupboard.
Choose a size you can use up, or freeze fresh bread in portions as soon as you buy it.
-
Judging wholemeal bread by its colour
White bread and wholemeal bread are not the same type of bread. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives average fibre levels of 6,7 g per 100 g for wholemeal bread and 2,6 g per 100 g for white bread.
Look for the wholemeal label on the product and compare the nutrition information per 100 g if fibre matters to you.
-
Assuming all bread contains iodised salt
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority describes the conditional approval of iodine compounds in bakers’ salt. This doesn’t mean that all bread contains bakers’ salt.
Check the ingredients on the packaging if the type of salt used is relevant to your purchase.
Brands to compare as a starting point
Albert Heijn
Its online bread range is worth considering if you want to order bread alongside your other holiday shopping.
- You can browse different types of bread online.
- Albert Heijn advises checking the packaging, as ingredients and nutrition information may change.
Jumbo
The online range includes everyday bread, rolls and bake-at-home products.
- The range of sizes gives you scope to match your purchase to your planned mealtimes.
- Check which product and size are available from the shop or ordering method you use.
Lidl
In store, you may find freshly baked, prepacked and bake-at-home bread.
- These types of bread suit different storage and preparation plans.
- Lidl directs customers to its stores for up-to-date information about the in-store range. Check the terms of any temporary offers too.
ALDI
The daily fresh range includes basic loaves in different types and sizes.
- A whole fine wholemeal loaf is a specific size you can compare with other wholemeal loaves.
- Check the type of bread on the product you choose; a description for one loaf doesn’t apply to the entire range.
PLUS
Alongside basic wholemeal bread, PLUS also offers artisan-style and sourdough loaves.
- You can browse the wholemeal range for the size and type you want.
- PLUS advises checking the packaging, as ingredients and nutrition information may change.
Dirk
The bread range includes white, wholemeal, multigrain and bake-at-home options.
- You can choose the type of bread that suits your planned meals.
- A white tiger loaf isn’t wholemeal; check the label if you’re specifically looking for wholemeal bread.
Bread products on Joybuy
These products offer different options for holiday shopping: a pack of flatbreads, whole loaves to bake at home and a rye bread product. Match your choice to how much you’ll use and the facilities available at your destination.
No image available
Souq Lebanese wholemeal flatbread, 6 P
The flatbread format may suit individual meals on the go. Check the packaging for storage advice once opened and how much you’ll need.
No image available
Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
This 550 g whole loaf may suit mealtimes when you want to bake a loaf at home. Check the storage and preparation instructions in advance, and make sure you have a suitable oven.
No image available
Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g × 2
The pack contains two loaves of 550 g each and may suit several planned mealtimes. Choose this quantity only if you can use or store both loaves. Check the preparation instructions and make sure you have a suitable oven too.
No image available
Bolletje Rye Bread Bun, 500 g
This 500 g rye bread product is a different format from a standard whole loaf. Check the packaging for the ingredients and storage advice once opened.
Frequently asked questions about holiday bread
Does all bread in the Netherlands contain iodised salt?
No. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority describes the conditional approval of iodine compounds in bakers’ salt; it doesn’t say that all bread contains this salt. Check the ingredients on the packaging if the type of salt used is relevant to your choice.
How should I store wholemeal bread if my holiday plans change?
Ideally, freeze the bread in portions as soon as you buy it if you won’t use it up quickly. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping opened wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2 to 4 days, or in the freezer for 1 to 3 months.
Can I rely on the online nutrition information for bread?
Use it as a starting point, and check the packaging on the bread you buy too. Albert Heijn and PLUS state that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information may change.