Who is a half loaf useful for?

Dinner for two, with fewer leftovers

For sandwiches or a small sharing platter, a half loaf is a smaller starting quantity than a whole loaf. If you do have slices left over, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread in portions.

For comparing wholemeal options and fibre

The name multigrain doesn’t tell you whether bread is wholemeal. If that’s what you’re looking for, check the wholemeal labelling, the ingredients and the fibre content per 100 g.

For anyone checking ingredients closely

If you have an allergy or follow a gluten-free diet, the current allergen label is the one to rely on. If you want to know whether a loaf contains baker’s salt, check the ingredients list on packaged bread, advises the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.

What should you look for when choosing?

If you have an allergy, first check that the bread is suitable for you. Then compare the quantity you need for dinner and the bread characteristics that matter to you.

What to consider What to check Who is it important for?
Portion size and leftovers Check that it’s labelled as a half loaf and, where stated, check the weight. Freeze any unused slices in portions. For dinner for two, I don’t want to be left with a whole loaf. For around 40% of consumers, reducing leftovers is the top priority.
Wholemeal and fibre Look for wholemeal labelling and compare the ingredients and fibre per 100 g. If I want wholemeal, I want to be able to identify it from the bread’s labelling and compare its nutritional value. This check is a priority for around 40% of consumers.
Allergens and baker’s salt Read the current allergen information and ingredients list; check whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed. If I have an allergy, I need to know which grains and other allergens the bread contains. Whether it contains baker’s salt may matter to me too. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this label check.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming multigrain means wholemeal

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means that at least three types of grain are used. The name alone doesn’t mean the bread is wholemeal.

    Look specifically for wholemeal labelling and check the ingredients and fibre per 100 g if these are important to your choice.

  • Assuming all bread contains baker’s salt

    Not all bread is made with baker’s salt. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, you can check the ingredients list on packaged bread to see whether it’s used.

    Check the packaging or, for unpackaged bread, ask which type of salt is used.

  • Not having a plan for leftover slices

    You can still have slices left over from a half loaf. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists bread as a food that is often wasted.

    Freeze any slices you don’t use for dinner in portions. It’s best not to keep bread in the fridge, as the Netherlands Nutrition Centre says it will dry out there.

  • Relying on a dark colour when you have dietary restrictions

    A dark colour or a multigrain name doesn’t tell you whether bread is suitable if you have an allergy or follow a gluten-free diet. The standard breads described by Albert Heijn and Jumbo contain gluten-containing grains.

    Check the current allergen label for every product. If you follow a gluten-free diet, look for a product that is explicitly labelled gluten-free.

Brands and products to consider

These examples show the differences you may find between half multigrain loaves. Always check the specific product before buying.

Albert Heijn

AH Vloerbrood meergranen half is a half brown multigrain artisan loaf. Albert Heijn describes it as having a crisp crust and a firm texture.

  • The product information lists the ingredients, allergens and nutritional values per 100 g.
  • This bread is labelled as brown multigrain, not wholemeal. Check the packaging, as product information can change.

Jumbo

Jumbo Boeren Donker Volkoren Meergranen Half is a half loaf labelled as wholemeal.

  • Jumbo states that this variety contains 55,7% wholemeal wheat flour and 8,0 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • Check the exact product name and current label: Jumbo also lists another half wholemeal multigrain variety that is no longer in its online range.

PLUS

PLUS Korenlanders Donker Meergranen Rond 1/2 is a 400 g half loaf.

  • PLUS states that this product contains 50% wholemeal wheat flour and 6,8 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • Check the current packaging when you buy it; PLUS notes that ingredients and nutritional information can change.

ALDI

ALDI lists Boeren volkoren meergranen Half as an in-store option.

  • The product name indicates both the half-loaf size and that it’s wholemeal.
  • If you’re choosing based on fibre, salt or allergens, check the nutritional information and ingredients on the packaging.

Lidl

Lidl describes its 400 g Halfje donker meergranenbrood as containing, among other things, wheat, barley and buckwheat.

  • The product listing gives the weight and some of the grains used.
  • Check the current label for allergens and nutritional values; the grains listed aren’t a substitute for a full ingredients list.

Dirk

Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Bakkers meergranen half as a half multigrain loaf.

  • The product description makes it clear that this is a half loaf.
  • Check the packaging if you want to compare the ingredients, allergens or nutritional values of different loaves.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread always wholemeal?

No. Multigrain and wholemeal describe different characteristics. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means at least three types of grain; if you’re specifically looking for wholemeal bread, check the wholemeal labelling and ingredients.

Does every half loaf contain baker’s salt?

No, don’t assume that it does. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says baker’s salt isn’t used in every loaf. Check the ingredients list on packaged bread, and ask about it when buying unpackaged bread.

Can I choose standard multigrain bread on a gluten-free diet?

Don’t assume that standard multigrain bread is gluten-free. The breads described from Albert Heijn and Jumbo contain gluten-containing grains. If you follow a gluten-free diet, check that the product you choose is explicitly labelled gluten-free.

What should I do with slices left over after dinner?

If you won’t eat the unused slices straight away, freeze them in portions. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against keeping bread in the fridge, as it dries out there.