Anyone preparing drinks and nibbles in a hurry
You want to serve topped slices without slicing the bread yourself or using the oven. You’d also like to enjoy any leftovers as everyday bread later.
Who is this bread a good choice for?
Wholemeal bread fans
You’re looking for bread that works for everyday meals too, and you consider the type of bread and its fibre content when choosing. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre includes wholemeal bread and most types of brown bread in its Wheel of Five guidelines.
Range comparers
You’re comparing a whole or half loaf with the number of guests and the other snacks on the table. Supermarkets including Jumbo and Dirk offer a range of bread types and sizes.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether you want to add toppings straight away or have time to bake the bread. Then compare the type and quantity of bread you’ll need for your drinks get-together, including any leftovers you might want to keep.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quick to serve | Check whether the bread is sliced and whether it needs to be baked before use. | If I’m making topped slices shortly before guests arrive, I don’t want to have to slice the bread or fit baking into my plans. Around 40% of consumers say convenience comes first. |
| Type of bread and ingredients | Check whether it’s labelled wholemeal, and review the ingredients and allergens. If iodine matters to you, check whether it contains baker’s salt too. | If the bread will also be served later, I want to choose a type that suits my everyday meals. For around 30% of consumers, this choice comes first. |
| Quantity and leftovers | Compare a whole loaf with a half loaf, and check the weight and, if stated, the number of slices. | If I’m hosting a small get-together with other snacks, I don’t want to buy more bread than I can eat or store. For around 30% of consumers, getting the right quantity is the main concern. |
Common mistakes
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Relying on the term ‘medium-sliced’ without checking the portions
Sliced bread comes in a range of types and sizes. The ‘medium-sliced’ label alone won’t tell you how many topped slices you can make for your get-together.
Check the weight, the number of slices if stated, and whether the bread is actually sold sliced.
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Assuming every loaf contains baker’s salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So the type of bread alone won’t tell you whether it has been added.
If iodine matters to you, check the ingredients list on packaged bread. For unpackaged bread, ask which ingredients have been used.
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Choosing a whole loaf for a small get-together
If you’re serving other snacks too, you could end up with more bread than you want to use the next day.
Choose a whole or half loaf to suit the number of guests, and freeze any leftovers you can use later while they’re still fresh.
Supermarkets to explore
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn has an online bread section where you can order groceries.
- Worth a look if you want to order bread alongside the rest of your food and drink for the get-together.
- Check the size and slicing method for the bread you choose.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers a range that includes whole and half loaves, sliced bread and different types of bread.
- Handy for comparing loaf sizes and types of bread.
- Check the slice thickness for each individual product.
Lidl
Lidl describes its oven-fresh bread range and provides an overview of ingredients and allergens.
- Useful if you’re considering oven-fresh bread as well as an everyday loaf.
- Check the latest product information and preparation instructions for the bread you choose.
ALDI
ALDI offers everyday bread as well as bread to bake at home.
- You can compare bread that’s ready for toppings with a bake-at-home option for your get-together.
- Check whether each product needs baking and what size it is.
PLUS
PLUS has an online bread section and also offers sliced party bread as an option for drinks and nibbles.
- Gives you a specific alternative to compare with everyday bread.
- The party bread described by PLUS needs to be baked in the oven, so factor that into your plans.
Dirk
Dirk offers a range of bread types, including whole and half loaves.
- Useful if you want to compare the quantity you need and the type of bread.
- Check the slicing method and available options for each product and store.
Bread options on Joybuy
This rye bread is an option if you’re considering bread for topped portions. Before buying, check that it suits your plans for serving it straight away. The slice thickness and whether it needs baking are key.
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TastyBasics Rye Bread – 9 pcs
Consider this rye bread if you want to make topped portions for your get-together. Check whether the nine pieces are already sliced and whether they need baking. Also check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens.
Frequently asked questions
Does all bread contain baker’s salt with iodine?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. If this matters to you, check the ingredients list on packaged bread and ask which ingredients have been used for unpackaged bread.
How should I store bread left over after the get-together?
Freeze any bread you won’t use soon. For fibre-enriched white bread, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends 2–4 days in a kitchen cupboard and one month in the freezer. For other types of bread, check the storage advice on the packaging too. Don’t eat mouldy bread.
Can I tell which allergens are in bread from the white or wholemeal label?
No. The type-of-bread label doesn’t replace the ingredients and allergen information. Check the details for the specific product. For example, Lidl publishes a separate overview for its oven-fresh range.
When should I choose bake-at-home bread instead of medium-sliced bread?
Choose bake-at-home bread if the preparation and presentation suit your get-together and you have time to bake it. If you want to add toppings to slices quickly, look for sliced everyday bread and check whether it’s ready to serve.