If you’re looking for a larger individual slice, choose gingerbread that’s explicitly described as generously sliced: Albert Heijn lists Bolletje Naturel at around 37.5 g per slice, compared with 28 to 30 g for the regular pre-sliced varieties mentioned here. For predictable portioning, regular pre-sliced pieces or individually wrapped portions may be a better fit. Check the weight per piece, nutritional information and allergens for each variety.
If you want a larger slice of gingerbread for lunch or a coffee break, look for an explicit description such as ‘generously sliced’ and check the weight per slice. A larger pack doesn’t tell you anything about the size of each slice.
If consistent portions and quick serving are important, compare pre-sliced pieces with individually wrapped portions. A gingerbread bar is a different format from a slice.
If you want to check sugars, fibre, ingredients or allergens, the exact variety matters. Compare the nutritional information per portion and read the allergen information on the current packaging.
Start with the slice size and weight per slice. Then compare the nutritional information, serving format and ingredients for the exact variety.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Slice size | Look for an explicit description of the slice size and check the weight per slice; don’t assume ‘XL’ on the packaging means a thicker slice. | I want a larger individual slice with lunch, not just more slices in a pack. Around 36% of consumers say slice size is their top priority. |
| Nutritional information | Compare sugars and fibre per actual portion, as well as the values per 100 g. For varieties with sweeteners, check the ingredients and warnings too. | I want to know what’s in one slice before choosing, because portion sizes vary. Nutritional information is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Serving and taking with you | Check the number of pieces, the weight per piece and whether the portions are individually wrapped. | If I want to serve portions quickly or take them with me, the packaging matters more than having an extra-large slice. That’s the main consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Allergens and ingredients | Read the allergen information for the exact variety, including any ‘may contain’ information, and check which sweeteners are used. | I need to know what ingredients a canteen product contains before I choose or serve it. Around 14% of consumers put this check first. |
Peijnenburg Ontbijtkoek naturel gesneden XL, listed by Albert Heijn, contains sixteen 28 g slices. So the larger pack doesn’t mean the slices are bigger than those in the regular pre-sliced variety.
For a generously sliced piece, check both the description of the slice size and the weight per slice.
For the generously sliced Bolletje Naturel listed by Albert Heijn, the allergens include wheat, rye, barley and lupin. Other pack formats may have different allergen information.
When serving, use the current allergen information for the exact variety, not that of another gingerbread product from the same brand.
The Peijnenburg variety with xylitol listed by Jumbo warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
For varieties like this, read the full ingredients list and any warnings before adding them to the canteen menu.
Offers pre-sliced pieces and individually wrapped portions, which you can compare for different ways of serving food in a canteen.
The sliced Naturel gingerbread described by Albert Heijn is a useful point of comparison if you’re looking for a generously sliced piece.
The own-brand range includes both regular pre-sliced gingerbread and gingerbread bars: different formats for different serving occasions.
The own-brand range includes different types of gingerbread that you can compare product by product.
Look for an explicit description of the slice size and check the weight per slice too. Albert Heijn describes Bolletje Naturel as generously sliced, at around 37.5 g per slice, compared with 28 g for the Peijnenburg variety and 30 g for the AH variety mentioned here. Weight alone doesn’t prove how thick a slice is.
No. Think of a slice of gingerbread as part of what you offer for lunch. For a standard 30 g slice, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists, among other things, 92 kcal, 11.2 g of sugars and 1.1 g of fibre; the nutritional value of your chosen brand or portion may differ.
As well as the nutritional information, read the ingredients and any usage warnings. For the relevant Peijnenburg variety, Jumbo lists xylitol and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
