Planning a picnic for a group
You want to bring enough bread without having lots left over. The weight, serving size and number of people will help you work out how much you need.
Who is this for?
Choosing with nutrition in mind
You want to know whether bread is wholemeal, so you compare the product description, ingredients and fibre per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre distinguishes wholemeal bread from bread that only sounds wholemeal based on its name.
Practical picnic-goer
You’re looking for bread that’s easy to carry and share. If you’re bringing fillings that would normally be kept in the fridge, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre says they need special care during your picnic.
What should you consider when choosing?
Whole, pre-sliced wholemeal loaf
Best for: a group when you want to share out sandwiches without having to slice the bread.
Consider: a whole loaf may be more than you need for a small group.
Wholemeal hearth-baked loaf or bâtard
Best for: a picnic where you’d rather slice the bread yourself.
Consider: slice the bread before you leave if you don’t want to bring a bread knife.
Bake-at-home wholemeal baguettes
Best for: a picnic when you have the time and equipment to bake the bread at home.
Consider: bake the bread before you leave and allow time for it to cool.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Check the weight and work out how much bread you’ll need for the number of people. | When I’m bringing bread for several people, I want to have enough without having lots left over. An estimated 50% of consumers put getting the quantity right first. |
| Wholemeal and ingredients | Read the product description, ingredients, fibre per 100 g and the allergens listed on the packaging. | For my picnic lunch, I want to know which bread is genuinely wholemeal and what’s in it. An estimated 30% of consumers put this nutritional information first. |
| Carrying and storage | Check whether the bread needs to be prepared or sliced; carry fillings that need to stay chilled in a cool bag. | I want to be able to share the bread easily in the park and keep chilled fillings cool while I’m on the way. An estimated 20% of consumers put this convenience first. |
Common mistakes
-
A whole loaf is always the right amount
Loaves can vary in weight and number of servings. If you’re catering for a small group, you may have some left over.
Check the weight and decide in advance how many slices or pieces you want to bring. If you like, freeze any unused portion according to the storage instructions.
-
Dark or multigrain bread is automatically wholemeal
The colour or the word ‘multigrain’ doesn’t, on its own, tell you whether a loaf is wholemeal. You could end up bringing a different type of bread from the one you had in mind.
If you prefer wholemeal, check the product description and ingredients list, and compare the nutritional values per 100 g.
-
Fillings that need chilling can be taken without a cool bag
Fillings that would normally be kept chilled need to be handled differently from dry bread. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises throwing away these products if they’ve been kept unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
Take chilled fillings out of the fridge shortly before you leave and carry them in clean, sealed containers in a cool bag.
If chilled fillings are left unrefrigerated for too long, you may have to throw them away.
-
Skipping the allergen check
Different types of bread can contain different grains and other allergens, and product information can change too.
Check the current packaging every time you buy, especially if anyone in your group has a food allergy.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers products including AH Rond volkoren heel, a whole, pre-sliced loaf.
- The product information lists servings, fibre per 100 g and iodised salt.
- Albert Heijn says that ingredients and product information may change, so check the packaging when you buy.
Jumbo
The range includes several wholemeal loaf sizes, including whole and half loaves.
- Jumbo Fijn Volkoren provides nutritional information, including fibre per 100 g.
- Jumbo Fijn Volkoren contains wheat, barley and gluten; also check the listed possible traces of allergens.
ALDI
ALDI lists both Fijn Volkoren and a separate high-fibre wholemeal loaf.
- The separate product names make it easier to tell the two types of bread apart.
- Check the nutritional values and ingredients on the packaging of the specific loaf you choose.
PLUS
PLUS offers products including a whole coarse wholemeal loaf and wholemeal multigrain baguettes to bake at home.
- The ingredients, allergens and nutritional values are listed for PLUS Grof volkoren heel.
- The bake-at-home baguettes need to be prepared in an oven or air fryer before your picnic.
Dirk
Dirk offers products including a wholemeal hearth-baked loaf as an alternative to pre-sliced bread.
- A hearth-baked loaf lets you slice pieces yourself for your group.
- Check the weight on the label to work out how much bread to bring.
Lidl
Lidl is an option if you’d like to check the bread and its packaging in person.
- In store, you can check the size and ingredients on the packaging.
- Check the current product information for each loaf before choosing it for your group.
Bread options on Joybuy
These bread options suit different ways of preparing for a picnic in the park: rye bread and flatbread to take with you, and a round loaf that you’ll need to prepare before you leave. Check the packaging to make sure the quantity is right for your group.
Image unavailable
Bolletje Rye Bread Bun 500 g
Rye bread could be a good choice if you want to bring pieces of bread to your picnic. The pack contains 500 g; check the label for servings and ingredients.
Image unavailable
Souq Lebanese wholemeal flatbread, 6 P
Flatbread could be a good choice if you want to share the bread out in individual pieces at your picnic. The product name states 6 P; check the packaging for ingredients and allergens.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij wholemeal country round loaf 550 g
This round loaf could be a good choice if you want to slice pieces for your group at home. It weighs 550 g; allow time to defrost, bake and cool it before you leave, and follow the instructions on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Is iodine added to every loaf?
No, don’t assume it is. Check the ingredients list on the loaf you’re buying to see whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed; Albert Heijn lists iodised salt for AH Rond volkoren heel.
How should I store wholemeal bread if I’m only taking some of it?
Ideally, freeze the portion you don’t need in individual servings soon after buying it. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says opened wholemeal bread keeps for 2–4 days in a kitchen cupboard and 1–3 months in the freezer.
How should I take filled sandwiches to the park?
Carry fillings that would normally be kept chilled in a cool bag, and take them out of the fridge shortly before you leave. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises throwing away products that would normally be kept chilled if they’ve been left unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
Is multigrain bread the same as wholemeal bread?
No, multigrain doesn’t automatically mean wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain; check the product description and ingredients if you’re specifically looking for wholemeal bread.