Who is this choice relevant to?

If you want a filled roll with your roast

You want to be able to cut a roll in half and fill it with leftover roast or vegetables. So first decide whether you want individual rolls or would rather cut thick slices from a larger loaf.

If you want to compare fibre content

You want to stick with Kaiser rolls but are checking the nutritional information per 100 g. Jumbo’s listed wholemeal frozen version contains 6,7 g of fibre per 100 g; the white AH version we looked at lists 2,9 g per 100 g.

If you need to check for gluten or other allergens

You’re looking for a roll that meets your dietary requirements, so you check the full allergen statement. The gluten-free Schär Kaiserbrötchen sold by Albert Heijn contains soya and may contain traces of mustard.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you want a filled roll or a thick slice of bread. If you choose Kaiser rolls, compare the size, nutritional information and allergens of the specific variety.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Room for filling Check the size and number of rolls; choose a larger loaf if you want to cut thick slices. If I want to serve roast leftovers in a roll, I need to be able to cut it in half and fill it. For around 40% of consumers, the roll format is the most important factor.
Fibre Compare the fibre content per 100 g in the nutritional information for white and wholemeal varieties. If I want to stick with Kaiser rolls but prioritise fibre, I compare the nutritional values of the different varieties. Around 30% of consumers put this fibre choice first.
Gluten and allergens Read the current ingredients list and allergen statement for the product you choose. I need to be able to check whether the roll meets my dietary requirements; other allergens matter even in a gluten-free variety. For around 30% of consumers, this check is the top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a Kaiser roll is the same as thickly sliced bread

    The Kaiser rolls listed by Jumbo, Albert Heijn and Dirk are individual rolls. They won’t give you the thick slices you might be looking for to make a generously topped open sandwich.

    For a filled roll, cut it open yourself. If you want thick slices, choose a larger loaf that you can cut to your preferred thickness.

  • Confusing white, wholemeal and gluten-free varieties

    According to the nutritional information we looked at, Jumbo’s wholemeal variety contains 6,7 g of fibre per 100 g, while the white AH variety contains 2,9 g per 100 g. A difference in fibre content says nothing about whether a product is suitable for someone who needs to avoid gluten or other allergens.

    Compare the nutritional information, and also check the ingredients and allergen statement for each product.

  • Assuming every roll contains baker’s salt

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that using baker’s salt when making bread is not compulsory. So you can’t tell whether a roll contains it just from the name Kaiser roll.

    Check the current ingredients list to see whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed for the roll you’re choosing.

  • Storing frozen rolls like ordinary bread for the cupboard

    Jumbo’s wholemeal frozen variety that we looked at has storage and preparation instructions for a frozen product. According to the label, the rolls must not be refrozen after thawing.

    Choose this variety only if you can transport, store and prepare it according to the instructions.

Brands compared

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists white bake-at-home Kaiser rolls and Schär Kaiserbrötchen as separate product options.

  • The AH own-brand pack we looked at contains four part-baked white wheat rolls, weighing 220 g in total.
  • Check the current ingredients and allergens when you buy; Albert Heijn notes that product information may change.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists white Kaiser rolls and a wholemeal frozen variety.

  • The wholemeal frozen variety we looked at lists 6,7 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • Follow the storage instructions for the frozen variety; the product must not be refrozen after thawing.

PLUS

PLUS lists a bag of ten white bake-at-home Kaiser rolls.

  • The variety we looked at lists iodised salt and a baking time of 6–8 minutes at 220 °C.
  • Check the packaging if ingredients or allergens are important to your choice.

ALDI

ALDI lists a fresh white Kaiser roll, sold individually.

  • An individual roll is a good option if you don’t want to bake one at home.
  • Before buying, check the ingredients and nutritional information if they matter to your choice.

Dirk

Dirk lists a pack of four 1 de Beste bake-at-home Kaiser rolls.

  • The pack we looked at gives oven and air fryer as preparation options, with a cooking time of 6–8 minutes.
  • Check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens before choosing this variety.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are Kaiser rolls the same as thickly sliced bread?

No, Kaiser rolls are individual rolls, not slices pre-cut from a loaf. Cut them in half for fillings; if you really want thick slices for your roast, choose a larger loaf that you can slice yourself.

How long should bake-at-home Kaiser rolls go in the oven?

Follow the instructions on the pack you choose, as cooking times and temperatures vary between varieties. The white products from Jumbo, PLUS and Dirk that we looked at say 6–8 minutes; PLUS also specifies 220 °C.

Do Kaiser rolls in the Netherlands always contain baker’s salt?

No, you can’t assume that every Kaiser roll does. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that baker’s salt is not compulsory; check the ingredients list for the roll you want to buy.

Are gluten-free Kaiser rolls free from other allergens too?

No, gluten-free doesn’t mean allergen-free. According to the product information, the Schär Kaiserbrötchen listed by Albert Heijn contains soya and may contain traces of mustard, so read the full allergen statement on the pack.