Who is this choice relevant to?

The host who wants to serve food quickly

Wants to cut filled sandwiches into smaller portions for the party. For this host, the actual slice thickness and the quantity needed matter more than simply choosing bread labelled ‘white’.

The parent who also thinks about the type of bread

Wants to offer brown or wholemeal bread alongside a white option for the party. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends these types for everyday meals, partly because of their fibre content.

The host dealing with allergy or dietary requests

Checks in advance which children need an alternative and checks the allergen information for the bread being bought. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must also be available for unpackaged bread.

What should you look for when buying?

First decide which type of bread will suit your guests. Then check the slice size and buy an amount that takes the other snacks into account.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters most to
Slice thickness and portions Check that the bread is sliced and that the slices are suitable for the portions you want to serve. If I want to make filled portions quickly, I need to know the actual size of the slices. Around 27% of consumers prioritise ease of serving.
Type of bread Compare white bread with a brown or wholemeal option; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends these types for everyday meals. If bread makes up a large part of the party food, I want to be able to offer children another type too. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this choice.
Allergens and dietary requirements Check the latest packaging. For unpackaged bread, ask for allergen information before buying. Make sure any gluten-free option is suitable for the guest in question. If a child has an allergy or a confirmed dietary requirement, I want to find out first which bread is suitable for them. This is the main concern for around 20% of consumers.
Quantity and leftovers Compare half and whole loaves, taking the guest list and other snacks into account. If I’m not sure how many people will come, I want enough bread without having lots left over. Around 20% of consumers give this the highest priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘white bread’ means ‘medium-sliced bread’

    The label ‘white’ doesn’t tell you how thickly the bread is sliced. Slices that are too thick, or unsliced bread, can be awkward if you want to make small filled portions.

    Check the slicing information on the packaging or ask at the bakery counter.

  • Checking allergens using only the online product title

    A product title doesn’t give you all the information you need when catering for a guest with an allergy. Unpackaged bread also won’t have its own individual packaging with this information.

    Check the latest packaging for pre-packed bread. For unpackaged bread, ask for allergen information before buying, as required by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority.

  • Confusing a party choice with an everyday bread choice

    White bread can be convenient to serve, but the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends wholemeal and brown bread for everyday meals.

    Consider offering a brown or wholemeal option too, and plan the rest of the party food around what you want to serve.

  • Buying whole loaves without counting the other snacks

    If you’re serving other food as well, you may have bread left over. Supermarkets such as Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS offer both half and whole white loaves.

    Use the guest list and the rest of the menu to choose between half and whole loaves. Check which options are available when you shop.

Brands to compare

These supermarket ranges give you some options to compare by bread type and size. Check that the slices and allergen information for each loaf suit your plans.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists, among other options, half white tiger loaves and half white hearth-baked loaves.

  • Half white loaves give you a size to compare against the quantity you’re planning.
  • Check the slice thickness of your chosen loaf; the examples shown are marked as available in store only.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists standard white bread, half loaves and separate gluten-free white bread options.

  • The separate options make it easy to compare different types of bread.
  • A gluten-free option isn’t automatically suitable for every allergy; check the information for the specific product.

Lidl

Lidl lists an 800 g white loaf marked as available in store only.

  • The stated weight helps you compare how much bread you’ll need.
  • Check the packaging for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information, or ask Lidl for product details.

ALDI

ALDI lists whole white loaves as well as white rolls as a separate bread option.

  • You can compare a whole loaf with another type of bread for the party food.
  • Check the slice thickness and available options on the loaf itself.

PLUS

PLUS lists white sandwich, farmhouse and toastie loaves in half and whole sizes.

  • The different sizes make it easier to choose an amount to suit the party.
  • Check that the slices of your chosen loaf are the thickness you want.

Dirk

Dirk includes white bread in its bread range.

  • The range includes a white bread option to consider for the party.
  • Ask about the slicing of your chosen loaf and check the latest allergen information.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does baker’s salt mean that all white bread contains iodine?

No. Don’t assume this is the case for every loaf without checking the product information. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the conditions under which bread may contain iodine from baker’s salt; this doesn’t mean that all white bread is made with baker’s salt.

How do I check for allergens in bread from an open bakery counter?

Ask for allergen information about the specific bread before buying. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, this information must also be available for unpackaged food; where cereals containing gluten are involved, the specific type of cereal must be made clear.

Is white bread also a sensible everyday choice for children?

For everyday meals, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends wholemeal and brown bread, partly because of their fibre content. White bread can be a practical choice for a party, and you can offer another type of bread as well.

When should I buy a half loaf and when should I buy a whole loaf?

A half loaf is a good choice if you have only a few guests, aren’t sure how many people will come or are serving several types of food. A whole loaf is more suitable for a larger group when you know how many people to expect. When you buy it, also check how the loaf is sliced.