Who is a half loaf handy for?

A small group of guests

You want enough bread for the topped slices you plan to serve, without buying a whole loaf that might be left over. A half loaf only helps reduce waste if the quantity also suits how much you’ll use.

If you’re looking for wholemeal and fibre

Don’t choose based only on the dark colour, seeds or the word ‘multigrain’. Check the types of flour in the ingredients list and the nutritional information per 100 g.

If you’re catering for guests with dietary requirements

Check the latest ingredients, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ statements before serving the bread. If iodised salt matters to your choice, also check whether bakers’ salt or iodised salt is listed.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with how much bread you’ll need for your get-together. Then compare the wholemeal content, the crust you’re looking for and any ingredients relevant to your guests.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Quantity Check that it’s a half loaf and look at the weight if it’s listed. I want enough slices for a small group, but don’t want to be left with lots of bread. Getting the quantity right is the top priority for around 37% of consumers.
Wholemeal and fibre Check which types of flour are used and compare the fibre per 100 g. If I’m looking for a wholemeal base, I don’t want to rely on the name ‘multigrain’ alone. Wholemeal and fibre matter most to around 27% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Check the latest ingredients, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ statements. When I’m buying bread for guests with dietary requirements, I need to know what they can eat before it goes on the table. Checking ingredients and allergens is the main priority for around 18% of consumers.
Crust and presentation Read the description of the type of bread and choose the texture you want to serve. For my sharing platter, the crust and how the bread can be served matter more than a particular type of flour. Around 18% of consumers prioritise these qualities.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘wholemeal’

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means that at least three types of grain are used. The term doesn’t mean that all the flour used is wholemeal; a dark colour or seeds don’t guarantee that either.

    If you’re looking for wholemeal bread, check for the word ‘wholemeal’ and read the ingredients list. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g if you’re also keeping an eye on fibre and salt.

  • Checking allergens only when it’s time to serve

    Ingredients vary from one loaf to another. As well as gluten-containing cereals, multigrain bread may list ingredients or traces that matter to a guest, such as sesame, soya or milk.

    Check the latest packaging or product information before buying, and ask guests with dietary requirements what information they need.

  • Assuming every loaf contains bakers’ salt

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use bakers’ salt. So the fact that a loaf is sold in the Netherlands doesn’t confirm which salt it contains.

    Check the ingredients for ‘bakers’ salt’ or ‘iodised salt’. If you’re buying unwrapped bread, ask in store if this matters to your choice.

  • Assuming all half loaves are the same

    The word ‘half’ doesn’t tell you how much the loaf weighs or which types of flour, fibre and allergens it contains. As a result, two half multigrain loaves may suit your get-together differently.

    Compare the contents and ingredients of the products you’re considering, and use the same per-100 g basis when comparing nutritional values.

Brands to compare

These examples show how the features of a half multigrain loaf can vary. Always assess the specific loaf and check its latest label.

Albert Heijn

AH Vloerbrood meergranen half is a brown stone-baked loaf with sunflower seeds, described by Albert Heijn as a firmer bread with a crisp crust.

  • The product information lists ingredients, nutritional values and allergens.
  • The bread contains both wholemeal wheat flour and white wheat flour. If you’re looking for a wholemeal base, look beyond the name and colour.

Jumbo

Jumbo Boeren Donker Volkoren Meergranen Half is a half-loaf version explicitly described as wholemeal.

  • Jumbo lists 55,7% wholemeal wheat flour and 8,0 g of fibre per 100 g for this product.
  • The bread contains gluten-containing cereals, and the allergen information also mentions the possible presence of milk, sesame and soya, among other things. Check the latest packaging before serving it to guests.

Lidl

Halfje donker meergranenbrood is a 400 g half loaf with grains and seeds; Lidl lists wheat, barley and buckwheat among its ingredients.

  • The stated weight helps you work out whether the quantity will suit your get-together.
  • The freshly baked range may vary from one store to another. Check the label in store if ingredients or allergens are important to your choice.

ALDI

ALDI lists Boeren volkoren meergranen Half as a half-loaf wholemeal multigrain option.

  • The product name makes both the half-loaf format and the wholemeal option clear.
  • Check the latest packaging for the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information that matter to your choice.

PLUS

PLUS Korenlanders Rond licht meerzaden half is a 400 g alternative if you’re considering a half loaf with seeds.

  • PLUS lists ingredients, nutritional information and allergens for this product.
  • The legal product description calls it brown multigrain bread, while the product name says ‘half’. Check the contents and product format when ordering.

Dirk

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

  • The product name makes it clear that this is a half-loaf version.
  • Check the latest label for the types of flour, nutritional values and allergens before comparing it with other loaves.

Joybuy products for this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread always wholemeal?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain, but that doesn’t mean all the flour is wholemeal. Check the product name and ingredients list if you want wholemeal bread for your get-together.

Does bread sold in the Netherlands always contain iodised bakers’ salt?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use bakers’ salt. Check the label for bakers’ salt or iodised salt, or ask about it if you’re buying unwrapped bread.

What should I check if a guest needs to avoid certain allergens?

Check the latest ingredients list, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ statements for the bread you’ve chosen. Multigrain loaves can contain different grains and other ingredients; the product name alone doesn’t confirm whether a loaf is suitable for that guest.

How should I store a half loaf until my get-together?

Follow the storage instructions for the bread you buy. If you mainly want to serve it with a crisp crust, bear in mind the time between buying it and your get-together when choosing your loaf.