If you buy bread for every day
You’re looking for bread for breakfast and lunch as part of your Christmas food shop. The size should suit what you’ll actually get through at home.
Who is this choice relevant to?
If you want to compare wholemeal bread and fibre
You want to check whether bread is wholemeal and compare its fibre content for everyday sandwiches, rather than judging it by appearance alone.
If you’re also buying bread for guests
As well as everyday bread, you might need a baguette, bread to bake at home or another type of bread for a get-together or meal. You don’t want to buy more varieties than you’ll use.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how many slices you need, then consider whether you want extra bread for a particular Christmas occasion. The points below can help you match the size and product information to your plans.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Amount you’ll use | Compare the pack weight and choose a whole or half loaf based on how many slices you expect to eat. | I want bread for several breakfasts and lunches, but don’t want any left over. For around 33% of consumers, getting a useful amount is the main priority. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the wholemeal description and, if fibre matters to you, compare the nutritional information per 100 g. | I want to know which bread is genuinely wholemeal and how much fibre it contains for my everyday sandwiches. Around 27% of consumers prioritise this information. |
| Bread for a Christmas occasion | Choose a type of bread to suit the meal or get-together, and the number of people joining you. | For a get-together or a bowl of soup, I want bread I can share without using up my whole everyday supply. This is the main consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
| Storage and food waste | Read the storage instructions and check whether the pack you choose is suitable for freezing at home. | If my plans change over Christmas, I want to be able to store the bread until I need it. This is the most important factor for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Looking only at whether it’s a whole or half loaf
A smaller loaf isn’t automatically a better fit: it depends on how many slices you eat and how you can store the bread.
Plan your breakfasts and lunches around your Christmas meals before choosing a size.
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Assuming dark or multigrain bread is wholemeal
The colour or a general product name won’t tell you how much fibre the particular variety contains.
Check that it’s described as wholemeal and, if needed, compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutritional information.
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Assuming every loaf contains baker’s salt
According to the Voedingscentrum, baking bread with baker’s salt isn’t compulsory. So you can’t tell whether it’s included just from the type of bread.
Check the ingredients list or ask the baker if this is relevant to your choice.
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Buying a different bread for every Christmas meal
Everyday bread and several different loaves for guests can add up to more than you’ll use over Christmas.
Plan each type of bread around a specific occasion. If you want to use it later, follow the storage instructions on the pack you choose.
Brands and shops to explore
You can compare different types of bread at these shops. Always check the information for the bread and pack you choose.
Albert Heijn
The bread range includes tiger bread, wholemeal bread, sourdough and hearth-baked loaves.
- Offers bread for everyday sandwiches as well as other types for a planned occasion.
- Check the variety, size and storage instructions for the loaf you choose.
Jumbo
Offers, among other options, fine wholemeal bread in whole and half loaves.
- The different sizes let you choose an amount to suit how much bread you use.
- Compare the product information for the specific whole or half loaf.
Lidl
Offers sliced wholemeal bread, among other options; the product information for Knip volkoren lists a weight of 800 g.
- A sliced wholemeal loaf is one option to consider for everyday bread.
- The information for Knip volkoren says it is sold in store; check the packaging there.
ALDI
The fresh daily bread range includes fine wholemeal, boeren tijger volkoren and a separate extra-high-fibre wholemeal variety.
- There are several wholemeal varieties to compare by size and nutritional information.
- The extra-high-fibre description applies to a specific variety, not every loaf sold at the shop.
PLUS
Offers standard wholemeal bread, as well as Korenlanders and sourdough loaves.
- The product information for coarse wholemeal bread explains how to store and freeze it.
- Don’t assume those storage instructions apply to a different variety of bread.
Dirk
The bread range includes Bakker van der Akker wholemeal bread, baguettes and bread to bake at home.
- Alongside everyday bread, there are options for a separate meal or get-together.
- Choose the number and size of loaves to suit the occasions you’re buying them for.
Bread options on Joybuy
These options include round wholemeal bread in two pack sizes and six Lebanese wholemeal flatbreads. Choose round loaves if they suit your planned sandwiches or meal; the flatbreads are a different option for a specific occasion.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 2 × 550 g
A pack of two round wholemeal loaves for anyone who wants bread for several occasions. Allow time to defrost and bake before serving, and follow the instructions on the pack.
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Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, 6 pieces
Lebanese wholemeal flatbread for sharing with a meal or serving with dips. Consider whether this type of bread suits the occasions you’re shopping for, and check the packaging if you have any allergies.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
One round wholemeal loaf if this size better suits the occasions you have planned. The bread needs to be defrosted and baked; check the specific pack for the baking time.
Frequently asked questions
Is wholemeal bread a sensible choice for everyday sandwiches?
Yes, if you want to choose wholemeal bread for your everyday supply. The Voedingscentrum recommends replacing white bread with wholemeal or brown bread as much as possible. If you want to compare loaves further, check the description and nutritional information on the specific pack.
Does every loaf of bread in the Netherlands contain baker’s salt?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, it isn’t compulsory to bake bread with baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list or ask the baker if you want to know whether a particular loaf contains it.
How can I stop a whole loaf being left over at Christmas?
Choose a size based on how many slices you actually expect to eat, and follow the storage instructions for that bread. PLUS says its coarse wholemeal bread can be stored somewhere cool and dark, and frozen at home on the day of purchase. Check the pack for storage instructions if you choose a different loaf.
Where can I find information about allergens in bread?
Check the allergen information on the specific pack. Breads can contain different ingredients and allergens, even if they’re both wholemeal.