Who might find this guide to choosing bread useful?

Guests who keep an eye on fibre

They want to serve wholemeal bread as the main option and check the product description rather than judging by its colour. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights the fibre in wholemeal bread.

Hosts catering for different tastes

They’re looking for slices to suit the planned toppings and may consider offering a second type of bread alongside the main choice. A half loaf can be a practical option if a whole extra loaf would be too much.

Shoppers who need to check allergens

They need information about the ingredients in the specific loaf for a guest. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must also be available for unwrapped bread.

What should you look for when buying?

First, decide which type of bread will suit your guests and check for any allergens. Then check the slice thickness and how much bread you’ll need for lunch.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Wholemeal and fibre Check that the product information describes the bread as wholemeal. Compare the nutritional values of different loaves on the same basis, such as per 100 g. If I want to serve wholemeal bread as the main option, I want to know that it’s actually labelled as wholemeal. For around 31% of shoppers, choosing wholemeal comes first.
Slice thickness and toppings Check that the specific loaf is medium-sliced and that a half or whole loaf is right for the number of guests. I want slices that are easy to top and serve at the table. For around 25% of shoppers, ease of serving is the top priority.
Gluten and other allergens For packaged bread, read the ingredients and allergen information. For unwrapped bread, ask about allergens before buying. If needed, choose a product that is explicitly labelled gluten-free. If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know which bread I can serve before I buy it. For around 25% of shoppers, checking for allergens is the main concern.
Quantity and storage Choose an amount that suits your group and check the bread’s storage instructions. Check the opening hours of the shop you plan to buy from in advance. For a small or changing group, I want to have enough bread without lots left over. Around 19% of shoppers prioritise this kind of planning.

Common mistakes when choosing bread for Easter lunch

  • Assuming brown colour or a sourdough label means wholemeal

    Colour and baking method alone don’t tell you whether bread is wholemeal.

    Check the packaging or product information for a wholemeal description before choosing the bread as a wholemeal option.

  • Assuming sliced bread is medium-sliced

    The word ‘sliced’ doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are. That can make a difference if you want to use them with particular toppings.

    Look for the slice thickness on the packaging or shelf label, or ask at the bakery counter.

  • Checking for allergens only once you’re at the table

    The type or name of a bread doesn’t replace the allergen information for that specific loaf.

    Read the label on packaged bread and ask for allergen information before buying unwrapped bread. If needed, keep gluten-free bread separate from regular bread and toppings.

  • Leaving your bread shopping until Easter Sunday

    According to the Dutch government, Sunday shop opening arrangements vary by municipality. Buying an extra loaf without a plan for the leftovers can also lead to waste.

    Check the opening hours of the specific shop in advance, buy an amount to suit your guests, and freeze any bread you won’t use in time in portions.

Supermarkets to explore

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists a range of sliced breads online, including OerDesem varieties.

  • The range shown gives you a starting point for exploring bread options for a mixed lunch.
  • Check the slice thickness, ingredients and availability at your shop for the specific loaf you choose.

ALDI

ALDI’s bread selection includes wholemeal, white and brown bread in various formats.

  • Half and whole loaves give you options when planning how much to buy.
  • Check whether the specific loaf is medium-sliced and what ingredients it contains.

Lidl

Lidl lists a product called Fine wholemeal, which, according to the product information, is only available in store.

  • The product description gives you a useful starting point if you’re looking for wholemeal bread.
  • Ask in store about the slice thickness and check the ingredients and allergen information for the bread.

Dirk

Dirk lists online bread categories including wholemeal, white, multigrain and sourdough.

  • The categories let you explore types of bread and formats in advance.
  • Check whether each product is medium-sliced and available at your shop.

PLUS

PLUS has online bread categories, including wholemeal bread.

  • The product information can help you explore the range available at your chosen shop.
  • Check the slice thickness and label of the bread you actually plan to buy.

Bread options on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell whether bread is made with iodised salt?

Check the ingredients list for terms such as baker’s salt or iodised salt; don’t rely on the type of bread alone. If this is important to your choice, ask about the ingredients used when buying unwrapped bread.

How do I check bread for allergens for my guests?

For packaged bread, read the ingredients and check which allergens are highlighted. For unwrapped bread, ask for allergen information before buying; according to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, this information must also be available for unpackaged products. Don’t assume that brown, wholemeal or sourdough bread is gluten-free.

Can I still buy bread on Easter Sunday?

It depends on the specific shop. According to the Dutch government, Sunday shop opening arrangements vary by municipality, so check the opening hours of the shop you plan to visit shortly before your Easter lunch.

How should I store bread bought for Easter lunch?

Follow the storage instructions for the specific bread and freeze any portions you won’t use in time. For wholemeal sourdough bread, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s Food Storage Guide recommends 2–4 days in a kitchen cupboard and 1–3 months in the freezer; don’t automatically apply these times to other types of bread.