Small households looking to waste less bread
If you don’t get through a whole loaf, a half loaf can be a better fit for what you use. If you’d like to save some slices for later, check the freezing advice for the product you choose.
Who is a half loaf handy for?
Breakfast eaters short on time
A sliced half loaf is ideal when you want to make sandwiches straight away at breakfast. Think about the texture, too: a soft, fine slice is different to a coarser one.
Shoppers who compare labels
Want to choose based on fibre, salt, ingredients or allergens? Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and read the allergen information on the specific packaging.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide how much bread you use and which texture you prefer in the morning. Then compare the nutritional information and ingredients of the options you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and storage | Check the half-loaf size, the date on the packaging and the freezing advice for this bread. | In a small household, I don’t want to buy more bread than I can use in time. For around 31% of consumers, avoiding unused bread is the top priority. |
| Easy to make a sandwich | Check whether the bread is sliced and whether its shape and texture suit your breakfast. | When I’m short on time, I want to be able to make a sandwich straight away. Around 25% of consumers say convenience is their top priority. |
| Fibre and wholemeal | Compare the fibre per 100 g and read the product description and ingredients list. | I want to know how the breads differ in fibre, rather than judging by their names. Around 25% of consumers put this comparison first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current allergen information and, if needed, compare the salt per 100 g. | When ingredients are central to my choice, I want to be able to check the label of the exact variety. For around 19% of consumers, this is their main concern. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming every half wholemeal loaf contains the same amount of fibre
Names such as fine, farmhouse or tiger don’t tell you how much fibre a loaf contains. Jumbo states that Fijn Volkoren Half contains 7,6 g of fibre per 100 g, while Boeren Tijgerbrood Volkoren Half contains 7,3 g per 100 g.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g for the loaves you’re choosing between.
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Assuming a half loaf will automatically be used up in time
A half loaf still needs to suit how many slices you use. For example, PLUS says that PLUS Boeren Volkoren Half can be frozen at home on the day of purchase.
Choose a size you can use up, or follow the freezing and storage advice on the packaging.
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Judging tiger or multigrain bread by its name
A topping or the addition of seeds can change the ingredients in a variety. The name doesn’t tell you which allergens are listed for your loaf.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging before choosing.
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Assuming an online product listing means it will always be available
The variety you can buy may differ depending on the shop and when you visit.
When ordering or shopping in store, check the exact product name and packaging.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
Offers several half wholemeal loaves, including fine and coarser varieties.
- Albert Heijn states that AH Zaans Volkoren Half contains 7 g of fibre per 100 g and includes iodised salt in its ingredients.
- Check which variety is available and follow the storage advice on the packaging you buy.
Jumbo
The fine and tiger varieties offer a choice of bread textures in a half-loaf size.
- Jumbo states that Fijn Volkoren Half contains 7,6 g of fibre per 100 g and Boeren Tijgerbrood Volkoren Half contains 7,3 g per 100 g.
- For the tiger variety, check the ingredients in the topping and the allergen information, too.
Lidl
Halfje extra volkorenbrood is an option if you’re looking for a half loaf in store.
- Lidl lists Halfje extra volkorenbrood as an in-store product.
- Check the packaging in store for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.
ALDI
Offers half wholemeal varieties, including a loaf with seeds and grains.
- ALDI describes Extra vezelrijk volkorenbrood half as a dark loaf with seeds and grains.
- Compare the fibre per 100 g and the allergens on the packaging, rather than relying on the product name alone.
PLUS
Offers farmhouse and tiger bread, among other varieties, in a half-loaf size.
- PLUS states that Boeren Volkoren Half contains 6,7 g of fibre per 100 g and recommends freezing it at home on the day of purchase.
- Check the packaging for the current ingredients, nutritional information and allergen details.
Dirk
Bakker van der Akker Boeren Volkoren Half is a half loaf you can compare when shopping in store.
- The product name makes clear that this is a farmhouse wholemeal loaf in a half-loaf size.
- If ingredients and nutritional information affect your choice, check them on the packaging.
Products at Joybuy
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is a half wholemeal loaf handy for a quick breakfast?
Yes, if you can use up the smaller size and the slices fit into your morning routine. If you want to make a sandwich without any preparation, check whether the bread is sliced and whether you like its texture.
Can I freeze a half wholemeal loaf?
According to the product information, you can freeze certain half wholemeal loaves. For example, PLUS recommends freezing Boeren Volkoren Half at home on the day of purchase and using it within one month. Follow the instructions on the packaging for your loaf.
Can I tell from the bread’s name whether it contains iodised salt?
No. Check the ingredients for the specific loaf. Albert Heijn lists iodised salt in AH Zaans Volkoren Half; don’t rely on the word ‘wholemeal’ alone.
Where can I check the allergens in a half wholemeal loaf?
Read the allergen information on the current packaging for the exact variety. Ingredients and information about possible cross-contamination can vary between loaves, even when they’re both described as half wholemeal bread.