Buffet planners catering for fussy bread eaters
If some guests leave coarser bread untouched, you could consider fine wholemeal as your main choice. Check the label to make sure the variety you choose is described as wholemeal bread.
Who is this bread choice suited to?
Family buffets where wholemeal and fibre matter
You’ll want to compare the wholemeal description and the fibre content per 100 g, without assuming that the figure tells you what the bread will taste like.
Hosts catering for guests with allergies
The fine wholemeal breads from Jumbo and PLUS mentioned here contain wheat and barley. For each variety you choose, also check the latest information about other allergens and possible traces.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, think about the bread texture your guests are most likely to prefer. Then compare the wholemeal description and label of the specific breads you plan to serve.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fine bread texture | Compare fine wholemeal varieties and check the wholemeal description and ingredients; a fine crumb won’t suit everyone’s taste. | If coarser slices are often left uneaten, I want to try a wholemeal bread that feels less coarse. For around 36% of consumers, an accessible texture comes first. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Read the product description and compare fibre per 100 g. Jumbo lists 7,6 g for Fijn Volkorenbrood and PLUS lists 6,7 g per 100 g for Rond fijn volkoren heel. | I want to be able to check that my buffet bread is wholemeal and see how much fibre it contains, even if another loaf looks appealing. For around 29% of consumers, this is the deciding factor. |
| Shape and serving convenience | Choose a loaf shape that suits the toppings and how you plan to serve it; check whether your chosen variety is sliced. | For my buffet, I’d like to offer a different bread shape as well as slices, without putting out more than I need. Around 21% of consumers put this variety first. |
| Label and allergens | For each loaf, check the allergens, possible traces and salt per 100 g, as well as whether baker’s salt is listed if that matters to you. | If guests need to avoid specific ingredients, I want to know what’s in each loaf before serving it. For around 14% of consumers, checking the label is the top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking fine wholemeal for white bread
A fine crumb doesn’t mean a loaf can’t be wholemeal: Jumbo and PLUS describe the fine wholemeal varieties mentioned here as wholemeal wheat bread.
Check the product description and ingredients of the variety you’re buying, rather than judging by its colour or name alone.
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Checking allergen information only once you’re at the table
The fine wholemeal breads from Jumbo and PLUS mentioned here contain wheat and barley. So they’re not gluten-free alternatives.
Keep the packaging handy and check for possible traces. If a guest needs gluten-free bread, choose a separate product with suitable labelling.
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Assuming every loaf contains iodised baker’s salt
According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt.
For packaged bread, check the ingredients. For unpackaged bread, ask which salt was used if this affects your choice.
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Planning for the bank holiday based on the usual range
A loaf being part of a shop’s range doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be in stock or available for collection on Boxing Day.
Before ordering, check availability at your shop and its opening hours, or confirm your chosen delivery or collection slot.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Worth considering if you want to serve wholemeal bread alongside bread with a different shape or ingredients from the same range.
- Albert Heijn lists products including AH Vloerbrood volkoren heel, AH Rond volkoren heel and AH Vloerbrood wit heel.
- Compare the ingredients and nutritional information for the individual variety you choose.
Jumbo
Jumbo Fijn Volkorenbrood is a specific fine wholemeal loaf to consider as the basis for your buffet.
- Jumbo describes it as a wholemeal wheat loaf and lists 7,6 g of fibre and 1,0 g of salt per 100 g.
- It contains wheat and barley; check the packaging for other allergens and possible traces too.
Lidl
Lidl describes a wholemeal kids’ bread made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour, which may be worth considering if you’re looking for a less coarse texture.
- The stated grind makes this product worth comparing with other fine wholemeal breads.
- Check the ingredients, nutritional information, allergens and availability of the current variety in store.
ALDI
ALDI lists Fijn Volkoren as sliced bread, which could suit you if you want to have slices ready to serve.
- Its sliced format is a practical point to consider when planning your buffet.
- Check the label on the loaf in store for its nutritional value and allergens.
PLUS
PLUS Rond fijn volkoren heel is a round fine wholemeal loaf with product information you can compare.
- PLUS describes it as a wholemeal wheat loaf and lists 6,7 g of fibre and 1,03 g of salt per 100 g.
- PLUS notes that ingredients and nutritional and allergen information may change, so check the latest label.
Dirk
Dirk lists a wholemeal batard among its options, offering a different shape alongside fine wholemeal bread.
- A batard gives you a different shape to consider for your buffet.
- Don’t assume the shape will suit guests who are looking for a fine crumb; assess the loaf you choose on its own merits.
Wholemeal breads on Joybuy
These two breads offer a different buffet option alongside fine wholemeal: a flatbread to serve with dips and a round loaf as a second bread choice. Don’t choose them solely on the assumption that they’ll have a fine or soft crumb.
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Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, 6 P
A wholemeal flatbread for a buffet where you’re serving dips too; it isn’t a fine wholemeal loaf for slicing.
Pack of 6. If you’re catering for allergies, check the latest information about wheat, gluten and the possible presence of soya and milk.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
A 550 g round wholemeal loaf to consider as a second bread shape alongside fine wholemeal; don’t assume it’ll have the same crumb texture.
Allow time to defrost and bake before serving. Check the preparation instructions and allergen information on the latest packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Is fine wholemeal white bread with a little wholemeal flour in it?
Not the fine wholemeal breads from Jumbo and PLUS mentioned here: both retailers describe their product as wholemeal wheat bread. For any other loaf, always check its own product description and ingredients.
What can I serve alongside fine wholemeal on a mixed buffet?
A second wholemeal bread in a different shape, such as a round loaf or a batard, can add variety. Choose the quantity and how you cut it based on your guests, the toppings and how you plan to serve it.
Is fine wholemeal suitable for someone who needs to eat gluten-free?
The fine wholemeal breads from Jumbo and PLUS mentioned here aren’t suitable: they contain wheat and barley. If gluten-free bread is needed, choose a separate product with appropriate labelling and check the latest packaging.
Does every loaf in the Netherlands contain iodised baker’s salt?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. For packaged bread, check the ingredients; for unpackaged bread, ask which salt was used.