Older person who eats bread every day
Looking for bread that is easy to top and eat, while also considering its nutritional value. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists fibre as a characteristic of wholemeal bread.
Who is this relevant to?
Carer or shopper buying for an older person
Buying bread for someone who cannot easily do their own shopping, or for several older people. Alongside the type of bread, packaging, slice thickness, label information and options for delivery or collection all matter.
Shopper who needs to check texture or dietary requirements
Needs to take account of chewing or swallowing difficulties, or a relevant food allergy. According to Thuisarts, a doctor can refer someone with swallowing difficulties to a speech and language therapist or dietitian for advice on suitable food.
What should you look for when buying?
Start by checking whether ordinary bread is suitable for the person who will be eating it. Then compare the type of bread and the actual slice thickness, and finally check the label and how easy it is to get hold of.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre and nutritional value | Check whether the bread is labelled as wholemeal and compare the nutritional information per 100 g or per serving. | I’m looking for a recognisable wholemeal loaf for everyday use and want to compare its fibre content. For around 40% of consumers, nutritional value is the top priority. |
| Texture and slice thickness | Check the actual slice thickness, crust and any seeds; have swallowing difficulties assessed separately. | If chewing takes more effort, I want to know whether the bread will be comfortable to eat. Around 30% of consumers focus first on texture, but slice thickness alone does not indicate whether bread is safe to swallow. |
| Availability | Check that the required pack size and slice thickness are available from the shop, for delivery or for collection. | If it’s difficult to do my own shopping, I need to be able to get bread in a suitable way. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this practical consideration. |
| Allergens and dietary requirements | Read the current ingredients list and allergen information; check the packaging to see whether the bread meets any specific dietary requirement. | If I have a relevant allergy or specific dietary requirement, I want to know what’s in the bread before buying it. For around 10% of consumers, this check is the main factor in their choice. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming ‘fine’ or ‘soft’ means the texture is suitable for someone with swallowing difficulties
A description of slice thickness does not tell you whether bread is suitable for someone with swallowing difficulties. Thuisarts recommends an assessment and, if needed, advice from a speech and language therapist or dietitian.
If someone has swallowing difficulties, don’t choose bread based on slice thickness. Follow individual advice on eating and drinking.
-
Assuming multigrain or dark bread is automatically wholemeal
The term ‘multigrain’ means that several types of grain have been used; on its own, it does not confirm that the bread is wholemeal.
Look for ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging and check the product’s nutritional information if you need to know its specific fibre content.
-
Assuming every loaf contains iodine
The fact that bread can be made with baker’s salt does not confirm how much iodine a particular loaf contains. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes bread as an important source of iodine, but that does not establish the composition of an individual product.
For individual dietary choices, use product-specific information and seek appropriate advice if you have particular nutritional needs.
-
Relying on a previous purchase without checking the label again
Ingredients and the range on offer can change. If you have an allergy, the information on the packaging of the bread you’re buying is what matters.
Each time, check the current allergen information, the slice thickness you want and availability through your chosen shop or ordering method.
Brands and shops to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn has a range of breads online, including sliced and wholemeal options.
- The bread category is a good starting point for browsing different types of bread.
- Check the slice thickness and current product information for the bread you choose.
Jumbo
Jumbo has an online category for wholemeal bread and offers both in-store shopping and online ordering.
- You can look for a suitable pack size among the wholemeal breads.
- Check the slice thickness for each product and what options are available in your area.
Lidl
Lidl lists products including an 800 g sliced wholemeal loaf, available in store.
- The product page makes it clear that this particular loaf is sliced.
- Lidl says this item is ‘in-store only’; also check whether the slice thickness suits your preference.
ALDI
ALDI lists a sliced half loaf of wholemeal multigrain bread.
- A half loaf can be a useful pack size if you don’t need a whole loaf.
- ‘Sliced’ does not confirm that the slices are medium thickness; check the current product information.
PLUS
PLUS has an online wholemeal bread category and offers home delivery or collection.
- These ordering options may be helpful if it’s difficult to get to the shop yourself.
- Check the slice thickness for each product and whether your preferred ordering option is available.
Dirk
Dirk has a bread category featuring wholemeal, white, multigrain and sourdough breads, among others.
- The category overview makes it easier to compare different types of bread.
- Before choosing a particular loaf, check the packaging, slice thickness and availability at the relevant shop.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is sliced wholemeal bread a good everyday choice for older people?
For someone who can chew and swallow ordinary bread, sliced wholemeal bread is a good option to consider. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread contains fibre. Also check that the actual slice thickness and texture are suitable for the person eating it.
Is medium-sliced bread suitable for someone with swallowing difficulties?
The term ‘medium-sliced’ does not indicate whether bread is suitable for someone with swallowing difficulties. According to Thuisarts, a doctor can refer someone to a speech and language therapist or dietitian for advice on suitable food and drink; if someone has difficulty swallowing, follow the advice based on their individual assessment.
Does every loaf contain iodine?
Don’t assume that a particular loaf does. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes bread as an important source of iodine, but you should check the information for the specific bread if you need to know what it contains.
How do I check allergens in packaged bread?
Check the current ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging every time you buy it. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens must be shown on labels; if you have a relevant allergy, don’t rely on the name of the type of bread alone.
Does an online listing mean the slice thickness I want is available?
An online bread category does not confirm what slice thickness you’ll get when you buy a particular loaf. Check the product listing and the options available from your local shop or for your delivery address. For example, Lidl says that one of its listed sliced wholemeal breads is available in store only.