Who is a half loaf useful for?

Smaller groups looking to reduce leftovers

Are you serving eggs and other lunch dishes alongside the bread? A half loaf may be a better fit for what your group will eat. Before you buy, think about what you’ll do with any slices left over.

Shoppers comparing nutritional information

If wholemeal and fibre matter to you, compare the product descriptions and nutritional information for the loaves you’re considering. Check the fibre and salt per 100 g, not just the colour or name.

Groups with a specific dietary requirement

A standard half wholemeal loaf won’t automatically suit every guest. Ask in advance which ingredients need to be avoided, and check the label or, for unpackaged bread, the allergen information available.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, work out how much bread you’ll need for lunch. Then compare the nutritional information and how you plan to serve it. If someone has a dietary requirement, always check the exact product separately.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Quantity and leftovers Check that it’s a half loaf, and think about how many slices you want to serve or freeze. If there are other lunch dishes on the table, I don’t want to buy more bread than we’re likely to eat. Getting the quantity right is the most important factor for around 36% of consumers.
Wholemeal, fibre and salt Compare the product description and the fibre and salt per 100 g for the exact loaf. I want to choose a wholemeal loaf and compare the nutritional information of different half loaves. This is the main consideration for around 29% of consumers.
Texture and serving Consider whether you’d prefer soft or firmer bread, and whether seeded bread will suit your guests. For this lunch, I want bread that’s easy to serve with the toppings I’ve chosen. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this when serving bread.
Dietary requirements and allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information. If you’re choosing gluten-free bread, also check that it is explicitly labelled as such and look for information about cross-contamination. If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, the bread must meet that requirement before I consider quantity or texture. For around 14% of consumers, a requirement like this or a specific dietary goal comes first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming dark or multigrain bread is wholemeal

    The colour and name don’t tell you which type of flour has been used. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means that several types of grain have been used; it isn’t the same as wholemeal.

    If wholemeal is what you’re looking for, read the product description and compare the ingredients and fibre per 100 g.

  • Checking opening hours only on Easter Sunday

    According to the Dutch Government, Sunday opening hours vary between municipalities. Opening times during public holidays can also differ from one shop to another.

    Check the holiday opening hours of the shop you plan to visit in advance, or buy the bread earlier.

    A closed shop could mean an extra trip.

  • Serving a standard half loaf when a guest has a relevant allergy

    A smaller pack doesn’t change the ingredients. Standard wheat bread and a low-carbohydrate alternative may contain ingredients a guest needs to avoid; cross-contamination is also important for people with coeliac disease.

    Ask your guest what they need in advance. For packaged bread, read the current label; for unpackaged bread, ask for the allergen information before buying.

Brands and shops to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn’s bread range includes AH Vloerbrood volkoren half.

  • For this product, Albert Heijn lists a 35 g serving and nutritional information you can compare with other breads.
  • Check the current label and availability at your chosen shop; product information and ranges can change.

Jumbo

As well as standard half loaves, Jumbo sells a half wholemeal loaf with a low-carbohydrate product claim.

  • According to Jumbo, this particular variety contains at least 50% fewer carbohydrates than standard wholemeal wheat loaves.
  • The claim doesn’t apply to the entire bread range. Check the allergens for this variety too, including gluten, soya and egg.

Lidl

Lidl lists a 400 g Halfje extra volkorenbrood.

  • The product page gives the weight and describes the bread as wholemeal.
  • Lidl says this bread is available in store only; check the range at your local shop.

ALDI

ALDI lists a product called Extra vezelrijk volkorenbrood half.

  • ALDI describes this variety as a dark bread with seeds and grains.
  • If fibre or the seeds it contains matter to you, check the ingredients and nutritional information on the loaf in store.

PLUS

PLUS lists Boeren volkoren half, among other products, in a 400 g size.

  • For this product, PLUS lists 6,7 g of fibre and 1,03 g of salt per 100 g, and says it can be frozen on the day of purchase.
  • Compare the nutritional information for the exact product and check availability at your chosen shop or delivery slot.

Dirk

Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Boeren volkoren half as a bread option.

  • The product name makes it clear that this is a half wholemeal loaf.
  • Check the nutritional information and allergens on the current label before choosing it for your group.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do with half a loaf left over after Easter lunch?

Freeze any leftover slices in portions if you won’t use them soon. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping opened wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2 to 4 days, or in the freezer for 1 to 3 months. Freezing it for longer may affect its quality.

How do I check allergens in packaged and unpackaged bread?

For packaged bread, check the allergen information in the ingredients list. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must also be available before purchase for unpackaged food. Ask at the bakery counter if you can’t find it.

Is a standard half wholemeal loaf suitable for a guest with coeliac disease?

No. Standard bread made with grains that contain gluten isn’t a suitable alternative for someone with coeliac disease. Choose a product that is clearly labelled gluten-free and, as advised by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, check the information about possible cross-contamination too.

Can I still buy a half loaf on Easter Sunday?

That depends on the opening hours and range at the shop you plan to visit. According to the Dutch Government, Sunday opening hours vary between municipalities, so check the current hours of your chosen shop before the public holiday.