Hosts catering for different bread preferences
If some guests prefer soft white bread and others want wholemeal, serving two clearly different loaves makes it easy for everyone to choose. White bread alongside fine wholemeal is one option.
Which bread is right for whom?
Fussy eaters who want to try wholemeal
If you’re looking for a finer crumb, consider fine wholemeal rather than judging by a light colour or the word ‘seeded’ in the name. Fine wholemeal still tastes and feels different from white bread.
Label readers looking specifically for wholemeal
If wholemeal is your priority, the bread description and ingredients on the current packaging matter more than the colour, seeds or mention of sourdough. Albert Heijn also points out that these features don’t automatically mean a loaf is wholemeal.
What should you look for when choosing bread?
First decide whether you want to serve one loaf for everyone or offer two familiar choices. Then check the type of bread on the label and choose an amount that suits your table.
White and wholemeal side by side
When: if your guests have different preferences, two loaves give everyone a clear choice.
Consider: serving two types means choosing the right sizes carefully, so you don’t end up with more than you need.
One fine wholemeal loaf
When: if you want to serve one loaf and everyone is happy with wholemeal and a finer crumb.
Consider: a finer crumb doesn’t make the bread taste or feel like white bread.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| An accessible bread choice | If you specifically want to offer white bread, check that ‘white’ is clearly stated in the bread description. | When I put bread out for fussy eaters, I want them to be able to choose an option they know. This accessibility is a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| A clearly labelled wholemeal option | Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ and read the ingredients; colour and seeds are no substitute. | Those who mainly want to offer wholemeal are happy to accept a different taste and crumb from white bread. Around 42% of consumers prioritise a wholemeal option. |
| Variety and quantity | Compare half and whole loaves if you want to serve two types, and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. | For a small table, I want to give guests a choice without having lots of bread left over. Getting the types and quantities right matters most to around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes when choosing bread
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Mistaking multigrain, seeded or sourdough bread for wholemeal
If you’re looking specifically for wholemeal bread, a loaf’s appearance or name can be misleading. For example, Albert Heijn describes one of its seeded loaves as white seeded bread.
Use the word ‘wholemeal’ as your first clue, then read the ingredients on the packaging.
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Expecting one loaf to suit everyone
A loaf that feels familiar to one guest may not meet another guest’s preference for wholemeal.
If your guests have different preferences, it’s better to serve a familiar white loaf alongside fine wholemeal or wholemeal bread.
With two large loaves, you’re more likely to have bread left over after the meal.
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Buying more bread than your table needs
Offering several types is less practical if a large amount is left over after the meal.
Choose the number and size of loaves to suit your guests. Consider half loaves if you want to serve both white and wholemeal, and follow the storage advice on the packaging.
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Assuming every loaf contains iodine
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds may be present in bread only through baker’s salt. This doesn’t mean that every individual loaf contains that salt.
If you want to know which salt was used in a particular loaf, check the packaging or ask the baker.
Retailer brands to consider
These retailer brands give you an idea of the types of bread you can compare. Check the description and packaging of the product you actually choose.
Albert Heijn
Worth considering for a table with white bread and a separate wholemeal option.
- Albert Heijn offers wholemeal bread and white seeded bread, among other options, in its Liefde & Passie range.
- Seeds and sourdough don’t make that white seeded bread wholemeal; check the current packaging.
Jumbo
A useful place to compare white, brown and fine wholemeal loaves.
- Jumbo describes its fine wholemeal tin loaf as wholemeal wheat bread.
- Check whether the specific loaf is available in store or through the online shopping service.
Lidl
Worth considering if you’re looking for wholemeal bread made with more finely milled flour.
- Lidl describes a kids’ wholemeal loaf as made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour.
- The description of the taste and fibre applies to that particular example, not to all loaves.
ALDI
An option for comparing white bread with fine or other wholemeal loaves.
- ALDI offers a range of bread types and sizes in its freshly baked selection.
- ALDI says its wholemeal breads are made with 100% wholemeal flour; check the packaging of the loaf you choose.
PLUS
Useful for comparing fine wholemeal with other bread ranges for your table.
- PLUS offers a round fine wholemeal loaf, among other options.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging of the specific loaf.
Dirk
A useful option for a simple combination of white, wholemeal and, if you like, baguette.
- Dirk offers several types of bread in half and whole sizes.
- Don’t rely on a dark colour or the word ‘multigrain’ alone to tell you whether bread is wholemeal.
Bread options for a mixed table at Joybuy
These breads work well for a table where you want to serve ciabatta alongside a separate wholemeal option. Lebanese flatbread is a different type of bread from a whole loaf. Check the ciabatta packaging to see whether it meets your requirements.
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Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P
A wholemeal option to serve alongside a separate white loaf. This is Lebanese flatbread, not a conventional whole loaf.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Natural Rustic Ciabatta 4 x 135 g
Four individual ciabattas to serve with your meal. Allow time to defrost and bake according to the product instructions. If you specifically want to serve white or wholemeal bread, check the packaging.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g
A 550 g round wholemeal loaf to serve alongside a separate white loaf. Allow time to defrost and bake according to the product instructions.
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g'woon Ciabatta 250 g
A 250 g ciabatta to serve with your meal, perhaps alongside a separate wholemeal loaf. Check the packaging if you want to find out whether this ciabatta is white or wholemeal.
Frequently asked questions
Is seeded bread automatically wholemeal?
No. Seeds alone don’t tell you whether bread is wholemeal. Albert Heijn explicitly describes one of its own seeded loaves as white seeded bread, so look for the word ‘wholemeal’ and read the ingredients on the current packaging.
What should you serve if not everyone likes wholemeal bread?
If you want to cater for both preferences, serve a familiar white loaf alongside fine wholemeal or wholemeal bread. If you’re buying just one loaf, fine wholemeal is an option if everyone is happy with its different taste and texture. Choose a size to suit your group.
Does every loaf in the Netherlands contain iodised baker’s salt?
That doesn’t follow from the rule described by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority: iodine compounds may be present in bread only through baker’s salt. If you want to know what was used in a specific loaf, check the packaging or ask the baker.
How do you check for allergens in bread?
Read the allergen information for the exact loaf you’re buying on its current packaging. A general description such as white, wholemeal or seeded won’t tell you which allergens the specific product contains.