When choosing gingerbread for Easter brunch, check the stated weight per slice rather than relying on a description such as ‘generously sliced’. A heavier slice isn’t automatically thicker or firmer, so also compare the nutritional information for the exact variant and check the allergens on the packaging.
If you want to serve slices with cheese, fruit or cottage cheese, check the size of each slice rather than just the pack weight. Jumbo states that Bolletje Sliced Gingerbread weighs around 36 g per slice; Lidl shows how to serve gingerbread with sweet and savoury toppings in one of its recipes.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per stated serving for the variant you want to serve. Peijnenburg states that its Wholegrain Sliced variant contains 5.1 g of fibre per 100 g; according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, nutritional values can vary between brands.
Pre-sliced gingerbread saves you a job. Compare the number of slices with the pack weight: Albert Heijn states that its plain variant contains 16 servings, while ALDI also describes pre-sliced Koek & Bakker variants.
Start by thinking about how you want to serve the gingerbread. Then check the nutritional information and ingredients for the exact variant, and consider how convenient the packaging is.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is it important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Slice size for toppings | Look for the weight per slice or the stated number of slices. Assess how well it holds together with your chosen toppings separately. | If I want to serve gingerbread with cheese or fruit on a brunch platter, each slice needs to be suitable for that. For around 42% of shoppers, slice size would be the main deciding factor. |
| Nutritional information and ingredients | Compare sugars and fibre per 100 g and per serving; for a zero variant, check which sweeteners it contains too. | If you’re choosing mainly based on wholegrain content, fibre or sugars, the variant name alone won’t tell you enough. For around 33% of shoppers, this comparison would come first. |
| Preparation and packaging | Check whether the gingerbread is pre-sliced, how many slices the pack contains and whether the variant you want is available. | If several people are coming over, I want to be able to get the portions ready without any extra slicing. For around 25% of shoppers, that convenience would be the main reason for choosing a particular variant. |
A slice described as generous doesn’t necessarily have a stated thickness or proven firmness for toppings. The weight of the whole pack won’t tell you how large each slice is either.
Compare the stated weight per slice. If you only know the total pack weight and number of slices, dividing one by the other will give you, at best, an indication of the average slice weight.
The names don’t tell you the same thing about the overall nutritional information. Peijnenburg states that its Wholegrain Sliced variant contains 39 g of sugars per 100 g; Jumbo lists maltitols in its zero variant and warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Before deciding what to serve, check the nutritional information, ingredients and serving size for each variant.
The product information for the variants discussed includes rye, among other ingredients; Jumbo also lists lupin in its Bolletje Sliced Gingerbread. Ingredients and allergen information can change.
Check the packaging for the exact variant before serving, especially if a guest has an allergy or coeliac disease.
An online range doesn’t guarantee that the gingerbread you want will be available in your local shop at Easter. ALDI says that its Koek & Bakker variants mentioned here are available to buy in store.
Check availability if a particular variant is important for your brunch.
A brand to consider if you want to compare a sliced wholegrain variant with other gingerbread.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a sliced option with a clearly stated weight per slice.
A supermarket own brand to consider if pre-sliced plain gingerbread and the number of servings are important to you.
A supermarket own brand with sliced options for anyone wanting to compare the ingredients and nutritional information of different variants.
ALDI’s own brand offers pre-sliced zero and wholegrain gingerbread variants.
A supermarket own brand to compare if you’re looking for sliced plain gingerbread.
These pre-sliced wholegrain options are suitable for an Easter brunch where you want to have slices ready to serve. If slice size for toppings is a priority, check the weight per slice for each variant and assess how well it holds together separately.
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For a brunch where you want to have pre-portioned slices ready to serve and are looking for wholegrain gingerbread.
Peijnenburg states that each slice weighs around 28 g and that the product contains 5.1 g of fibre per 100 g. The slice weight doesn’t confirm how thick or firm the gingerbread is when topped.
The ingredients list includes rye; check the packaging for allergens before serving the gingerbread to guests with an allergy.
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For anyone who wants to have pre-sliced wholegrain gingerbread ready for Easter brunch.
The product information states that it contains 43% wholegrain rye flour. Check the weight per slice if you’re looking for a generous size for toppings.
Rye is listed in the ingredients, but the online allergen information doesn’t match. Check the packaging before serving this gingerbread to guests with an allergy.
Compare the stated weight per slice, but don’t use it as a measure of physical thickness. Jumbo states that Bolletje Sliced Gingerbread weighs around 36 g per slice, Albert Heijn says its plain sliced variant has a serving size of 30 g, and Peijnenburg states that its Wholegrain Sliced variant weighs around 28 g per slice. These figures don’t tell you how well the slices hold together with toppings.
Both sweet and savoury toppings work well. Lidl’s recipe includes mature cheese with apple syrup and cress, as well as cottage cheese with fruit. Add the toppings shortly before serving if you want to see how well the slices hold together on the brunch platter; the recipe doesn’t prove that every variant is equally firm.
Read the nutritional information and ingredients for the exact variant, including which sweeteners it uses. According to the product information, Jumbo’s sliced zero variant contains maltitols and carries a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. Check the allergen information on the packaging too.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging for your variant. For the variant described, Jumbo recommends storing it in a sealed tin after opening; Albert Heijn advises keeping its variant somewhere cool, dark and dry. Ideally, add the toppings shortly before serving.
