Who is a half loaf useful for?

Small households looking to finish their bread

If you often have bread left over, a half loaf may better suit the number of slices you eat. Freezing it in portions is another option if you want to save some for later.

Shoppers comparing wholemeal bread and fibre

If you eat multigrain bread regularly, check whether a variety is specifically labelled wholemeal and compare its fibre content per 100 g. Multigrain and wholemeal don’t mean the same thing.

Shoppers checking ingredients

If you have questions about gluten, other allergens or iodised salt, the ingredients list for the variety you choose matters more than the word ‘multigrain’. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends checking the label to see whether baker’s salt was used.

What should you look for when choosing?

For a small household, start by thinking about how much bread you’ll get through. Then compare whether it’s labelled wholemeal, the texture you’d like with coffee and cake, and the ingredients of the variety you’re considering.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Portion size Check how much bread you’ll get and whether you can freeze any slices you don’t use. If I often have a whole loaf left over, I want to buy an amount I can finish. For around 36% of consumers, portion size comes first.
Wholemeal and fibre Look for ‘wholemeal’ in the product description and compare the fibre per 100 g. If I eat the bread regularly, I want to know whether it’s wholemeal rather than rely on the word ‘multigrain’. Around 29% of consumers give this the highest priority.
Crust and texture Check the description of the crust and whether the bread contains kernels or seeds. With coffee and cake, I prefer a bread texture that suits how I want to serve the slices. This is the most important consideration for around 21% of consumers.
Ingredients and salt Read the latest ingredients and allergen information; if you wish, check whether baker’s salt or iodised salt has been used. If I need to check for gluten, other allergens or iodised salt, I want to read the label before choosing a variety. For around 14% of consumers, this is their first consideration.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming multigrain means wholemeal

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain. The name doesn’t tell you whether the bread is wholemeal.

    Check the product description and ingredients. If it matters to your choice, compare the fibre per 100 g.

  • Assuming every loaf contains iodised salt

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that not all bread is made with baker’s salt. So the type of bread or its name in the shop won’t confirm this.

    Check the label for baker’s salt or iodised salt, or ask about the ingredients if you’re buying unpackaged bread.

  • Buying a whole loaf when you’ll have some left over

    A larger loaf isn’t right for everyone. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists bread among the foods wasted in Dutch households.

    Choose an amount you can finish, or freeze any leftover slices in portions. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread can become drier if it’s kept in the freezer for longer.

  • Assuming bread with seeds is suitable for your allergen needs

    Multigrain bread may contain several gluten-containing grains and other allergens. Ingredients vary from product to product.

    Check the latest ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety you’re buying.

Brands to consider

These supermarket brands offer some options to compare when you’re looking for half loaves. Check the information for the bread you choose.

Albert Heijn

For anyone looking for a half brown multigrain hearth loaf with a firmer texture.

  • Albert Heijn describes AH Vloerbrood meergranen half as a slightly firmer bread with sunflower seeds, and lists 5,2 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • Check the latest ingredients and whether this bread is available at the shop where you do your food shopping.

Jumbo

For anyone comparing half multigrain loaves that are explicitly labelled wholemeal.

  • Jumbo lists Boeren Donker Volkoren Meergranen Half as containing 55,7% wholemeal wheat flour and 8,0 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • This bread contains gluten-containing grains; also check the latest information about any other possible allergens.

Lidl

A supermarket bakery to consider if you want to choose a smaller amount of bread in store.

  • Lidl offers a bakery range where you can look for a loaf that suits you in store.
  • For a specific loaf, check its size and ask about the ingredients and allergens if you need to know more before choosing.

ALDI

For anyone looking for a multigrain loaf described as half-size and wholemeal.

  • ALDI lists Boeren volkoren meergranen as a half loaf.
  • Read the ingredients and allergen information for the variety in store before choosing it.

PLUS

For anyone who wants to compare the stated weight and product description of a smaller loaf.

  • PLUS lists Korenlanders Rond licht meerzaden half as weighing 400 g, with 5,5 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The name includes ‘half’, but the legal product description calls it a whole brown multigrain loaf with seeds and kernels. So check the weight of this exact variety.

Dirk

For anyone looking to compare a half multigrain loaf or a half wholemeal multigrain loaf in store.

  • Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Bakkers meergranen half and Casino meergranen Volkoren half as separate products.
  • Compare the product descriptions and check the ingredients and nutritional information for the variety you choose.

Related products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three different types of grain, but that doesn’t mean it’s wholemeal. Check the product description and ingredients, and compare the fibre per 100 g if you wish.

Does Dutch bread always contain iodised salt?

No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bread isn’t necessarily made with baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list for the loaf you’ve chosen to see whether baker’s salt or iodised salt has been used.

What should I do with half a loaf I won’t eat straight away?

You can freeze any leftover slices in portions, so you only need to defrost what you need. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread may become drier the longer it stays frozen; also follow the storage instructions on the packaging.

Is ordinary multigrain bread gluten-free?

No. The word ‘multigrain’ doesn’t mean that bread is gluten-free. Check the ingredients and labelling on the packaging for the variety you’ve chosen, as well as the information about other allergens.