Choose a loaf whose exact online listing specifies that it is medium-sliced; ‘sliced’ alone doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are. Then decide which type of bread and what quantity suit your needs. Freeze portions if you won’t eat the bread in time, and always check the information for the exact product when checking allergens or choosing a gluten-free option.
You’re looking for medium-sliced bread for breakfast or lunch, and want to choose your type of bread carefully too. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread and most types of brown bread are included in the Dutch Wheel of Five dietary guidelines.
If you won’t get through a whole loaf quickly, freezing it in portions can help you save some for later. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread in portions as soon as you buy it.
A bread category or search filter won’t tell you everything about the variant you’ve chosen. So, check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact product before ordering.
First, check that the variant you’ve chosen really is medium-sliced. Then consider the type of bread, quantity and delivery option separately: the slice thickness you want won’t tell you anything about these other choices.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Freshness and quantity | Check whether you’re ordering a whole or half loaf, and whether you can freeze portions. | When ordering for one or two people, I don’t want to have more bread left over than I can eat in time. Around 33% of consumers prioritise freshness and reducing waste. |
| Type of bread | Check whether the exact variant is labelled wholemeal or brown, regardless of its slice thickness. | For my everyday sandwiches, I want to choose carefully between wholemeal, brown and other types of bread. Around 27% of consumers give this choice of bread their top priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information for the exact product; also check for any gluten-free label. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, the product name alone isn’t enough. Around 20% of consumers prioritise checking ingredients and allergens. |
| Delivery and availability | Enter your postcode and choose a delivery or collection time, then check which variants are available and the ordering terms. | I want to know whether this particular loaf can be delivered or collected at the time I’ve chosen. Around 20% of consumers make availability for their order their top consideration. |
A label saying that bread is sliced doesn’t confirm the slice thickness you want. You could end up ordering a different variant from the one you had in mind.
Before completing your order, check the full variant name and product description for the exact loaf.
If you won’t eat the bread in time, some of it could go unused. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread in portions as soon as you buy it.
Choose a half loaf if it’s available in your preferred variant, or freeze a whole loaf in portions.
The type of bread and its slice thickness are two different things. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread and most types of brown bread are included in the Dutch Wheel of Five dietary guidelines; you can’t tell that from the words ‘medium-sliced’.
Choose the type of bread you want first, then look for a variant that’s explicitly labelled medium-sliced.
Albert Heijn says that current stock is shown once you’ve chosen a delivery time. Delivery options may also depend on your postcode and the retailer.
Enter your postcode and choose a delivery or collection time first, then check whether the exact loaf is available.
Online supermarket with a dedicated bread category and options for home delivery or collection.
Online supermarket selling bread and pastries, with home delivery and Pick Up Points.
Supermarket where you can order bread online for delivery or collection.
Supermarket with an online category for various types of bread, including half and whole loaves.
Supermarket selling fresh and pre-packed bread.
Supermarket with a range of freshly baked bread, including white, brown and wholemeal.
Only assume it has that slice thickness if the exact product name or description confirms it’s medium-sliced. After choosing your delivery time, check whether that particular variant is available.
Ideally, freeze the bread in portions as soon as you buy it, and take out only what you need, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Also check the packaging for storage advice for your bread.
No, check the information for the exact product. Read the ingredients and listed allergens, and look for any gluten-free label before ordering.
That depends on the retailer and the ordering terms for your address. Enter your postcode and choose a delivery time to see whether the bread can be included in your grocery order; collection may be another option.
