Who is a half loaf suitable for?

Organising a small buffet

If you’re catering for a small number of people and bread is just one part of the buffet, a half loaf can help you keep the quantity manageable. Think ahead about what you’ll do with any leftover slices, too.

Comparing fibre content

If fibre is an important point of difference for you, compare the nutrition information per 100 g. Jumbo lists 7.6 g of fibre per 100 g for Fijn Volkoren Half; for other varieties, check their own labels.

Checking labels for guests

If you need to take allergens into account or want to know whether a loaf contains salt used in baking, the ingredients list matters more than the bread’s colour or product name. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that not all bread is made with salt used in baking.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, work out how much bread you think you’ll need for your Boxing Day buffet. Then compare the features that matter most to your guests. A coarser texture, fibre content and ingredients each answer a different question.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Quantity and leftovers Check that it’s a half-size loaf, the number of slices or portions, and the storage instructions. If bread is only a small part of my buffet, I don’t want to be left with lots of slices. For around 36% of consumers, getting the quantity right is the priority.
Wholemeal and fibre Read the ingredients list to see which flour is used and compare fibre per 100 g. I want to know what’s in the bread and how much fibre the label lists. Around 29% of consumers say this comparison is their top priority.
Flavour and texture Check whether the loaf is fine, coarse or made with seeds, and read which grains and seeds it contains. With a range of toppings, I want to choose whether a simple base or a more distinctive bread texture will work best. This is the most important consideration for around 21% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Check the allergens and salt per 100 g, and whether it contains salt used in baking or iodised salt, if that’s relevant to your choice. If I’m serving guests with specific dietary requirements, I need to know what’s in the bread. Checking the label is the main concern for around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming all wholemeal bread contains salt used in baking

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, not all bread is made with salt used in baking. So the word ‘wholemeal’ doesn’t tell you whether the bread contains iodised salt.

    Check the ingredients list for salt used in baking or iodised salt. If you’re buying unpackaged bread, ask about the ingredients if this matters to your choice.

  • Assuming dark or multigrain bread has the ingredients you’re looking for

    The colour and product name don’t tell you how much fibre, salt, grain or seed a particular loaf contains. A fine variety and a seeded loaf may therefore work differently for your buffet.

    Compare the ingredients and nutrition information per 100 g, and choose a texture that goes well with your toppings.

  • Waiting until guests are at the table to check for allergens

    The Jumbo variety reviewed contains cereals containing gluten; the PLUS variety reviewed contains sesame, among other ingredients. A bread’s name alone doesn’t give guests enough information about ingredients like these.

    Check the current label before serving, and keep any suitable alternative separate with its own serving utensils.

Brands to consider

These supermarket varieties show the differences you may find in a half wholemeal loaf. Check the packaging of the variety you actually buy.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers half wholemeal varieties, including AH Boeren grof volkorenbrood half.

  • The farmhouse variety reviewed lists 11 portions of 35 g, 6.5 g of fibre per 100 g and iodised salt in the ingredients.
  • Check which half-size variety is available and read its current label. The information for the farmhouse variety doesn’t necessarily apply to an alternative.

Jumbo

Jumbo Fijn Volkoren Half is a fine-textured, half-size wholemeal loaf.

  • Jumbo lists around 11 portions and 7.6 g of fibre per 100 g for this variety; the ingredients include salt used in baking.
  • The product contains cereals with gluten. Check the full allergen information before serving it to guests.

PLUS

PLUS Korenlanders Extra donker volkoren vloer half is a half-size variety made with several grains and seeds.

  • The pack reviewed weighs 400 g; PLUS lists 7.2 g of fibre per 100 g and says the bread can be frozen at home.
  • The ingredients include cereals containing gluten and sesame, among other things. Check whether it’s suitable for the guests you’re serving.

ALDI

ALDI offers products including Boeren volkoren meergranen Half and Extra vezelrijk volkorenbrood half.

  • Both product names indicate a half-size loaf, giving you the choice of a multigrain variety or one with extra fibre.
  • Check the packaging of your chosen variety for fibre, salt, ingredients and allergens.

Dirk

Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Boeren volkoren half as a half-size loaf.

  • The product description makes clear that it’s a half wholemeal loaf.
  • Check the packaging for nutrition information, allergens and whether it contains salt used in baking.

Lidl

Lidl lists Halfje extra volkorenbrood as a 400 g own-brand product.

  • Lidl describes this specific variety as reduced in salt.
  • Check the label in store if fibre content, salt used in baking or allergens are also important to your choice.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is one half wholemeal loaf enough for a small Boxing Day buffet?

A half loaf may be enough if bread is one of several buffet dishes. You may need more if you’re catering for more people or bread is a main feature. Check the number of portions on the packaging and consider what else you’re serving. The Albert Heijn and Jumbo varieties reviewed list around 11 portions.

Does all wholemeal bread contain salt used in baking?

No, not all wholemeal bread contains salt used in baking. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bread is also baked without it. If this is relevant to your choice, look for salt used in baking or iodised salt in the ingredients list.

What should I do with slices left over after the buffet?

Follow the storage instructions on the bread, and freeze any unused slices promptly if the packaging says you can. The Albert Heijn and PLUS varieties reviewed say they can be frozen at home and recommend using them within one month.

How do I choose bread for buffet guests with allergies?

Check the allergen information on each specific pack before serving and set any suitable alternative aside. The Jumbo variety reviewed contains cereals with gluten; the PLUS variety reviewed also contains sesame, among other ingredients.

Is a reduced-salt half loaf automatically the right choice?

Not if you’re choosing based on other features too. Lidl describes Halfje extra volkorenbrood as reduced in salt, but also compare the nutrition information per 100 g and check the ingredients and allergens that matter to your guests.