For a savoury breakfast, first choose a loaf explicitly labelled ‘wholemeal’, then decide whether you can finish a whole or half loaf in time. A half loaf may be more practical for a small household, but it will only help reduce waste if you eat it or freeze it according to the product instructions. Also compare the fibre, salt, ingredients and allergens on the label.
If a whole loaf takes too long to get through, a half loaf means having fewer slices at home at once. You’ll still need a plan for storing it: according to the Voedingscentrum, bread is one of the foods most commonly wasted.
The word ‘wholemeal’ is the place to start. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour. Then compare the fibre and salt per 100 g in the loaves you’re considering.
If you’re keeping an eye on salt, baker’s salt or specific allergens, you’ll need the up-to-date ingredients list and allergen information. Don’t rely on the name of the bread alone: according to the Voedingscentrum, not all bread is made with baker’s salt.
Start with the amount of bread you can get through and check that it’s labelled ‘wholemeal’. Then compare the nutritional information and ingredients. Taste and texture can help you choose between loaves that meet your requirements.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and storage | Check the pack weight and storage instructions, even if you plan to freeze the slices. | If you don’t eat bread every day, you’ll want to avoid leaving unused slices uneaten. Around 36% of consumers prioritise a smaller pack and less waste. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check that it’s labelled ‘wholemeal’ and compare the fibre per 100 g. | If you choose wholemeal bread as a staple, the name alone isn’t enough to compare different varieties. Around 29% of consumers prioritise wholemeal bread and fibre. |
| Salt, baker’s salt and allergens | Check the salt per 100 g, ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging. | If an ingredient or allergen determines my choice, I want to be able to check it before buying. This is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Taste and texture | Check the type of bread and its ingredients, such as the grains, kernels and seeds. | If you plan to eat the bread with your usual savoury toppings, you may prefer a fine-textured loaf or a seeded variety. Around 14% of consumers put taste and texture first. |
‘Half’ describes the quantity of bread, not the type of flour used. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour.
Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the loaf and treat pack size as a separate factor when choosing.
Even a smaller pack can go uneaten. According to the Voedingscentrum, bread is one of the foods most commonly wasted.
Choose an amount that suits how much you eat. If you want to store slices, follow the freezing instructions for the loaf you’ve chosen.
According to the Voedingscentrum, baker’s salt isn’t required in every loaf. So the name ‘wholemeal bread’ doesn’t tell you whether it’s been used.
Check the ingredients for baker’s salt or iodised salt if this matters to your purchase.
A claim about fibre or salt doesn’t replace the specific nutritional values, ingredients and allergen information.
Compare the current packaging per 100 g and read the allergen information before choosing between varieties.
These examples are specific half wholemeal loaves, not a brand’s full range. Always check the details for the variety you’re buying before making your choice.
AH Extra lang lekker waldkorn volkoren half is a half wholemeal multigrain variety.
Jumbo Fijn Volkoren - Half is a finely sliced half wholemeal variety.
Lidl Halfje extra volkorenbrood is a 400 g variety available to buy in store.
ALDI Extra vezelrijk volkorenbrood half is a half loaf containing seeds and grains.
PLUS Boeren volkoren half is a 400 g half wholemeal variety.
Bakker van der Akker Boeren volkoren half is a half wholemeal variety available at Dirk.
No. ‘Half’ refers to the quantity, not the type of flour. Choose a loaf explicitly labelled ‘wholemeal’; according to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour.
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, not all bread is made with baker’s salt. Check the ingredients or ask the baker which salt was used if this matters to your choice.
Yes, if the storage instructions for the loaf allow it. For the half loaves mentioned here, Albert Heijn and PLUS say they can be frozen at home on the day of purchase. Follow the instructions on the packaging you buy.
Before buying, read the current allergen information for the specific variety of bread. For pre-packed bread, check the label; for unwrapped bread, ask for the allergen information. Don’t assume a loaf is suitable based on the words ‘wholemeal’ or ‘half’.
