Who is this choice for?

Student looking to avoid leftovers

If you’re using bread for one or a few evening meals, half a loaf is one size worth comparing. Also check that the slices are suitable for what you want to make.

Housemate planning several meals

Do you regularly make toasties or sandwiches, or serve bread with soup? Work out together how many slices you’ll use before choosing between half and a whole loaf.

Student checking ingredients

If allergens or fibre matter to you, check the information for the specific loaf. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for pre-packed bread is shown on the label, while information for unpackaged bread must be available before you buy it.

What should you look for?

First, work out how many slices you’ll use for the meal and in the days that follow. Then compare the loaf size, how it’s sliced, and the ingredient and nutritional information.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
How much you can use Check the loaf size and how many slices you’ll need for the meals you’ve planned. If I’m using bread for more than one meal, I want enough slices without having to rethink my plans. Around 33% of consumers put having a useful amount first.
Keeping leftovers to a minimum Compare half and whole loaves, and see whether you can store any unused slices. For a meal on my own, I don’t want to be left with lots of unused bread; avoiding leftovers is the top priority for around 27% of consumers.
Medium-sliced bread Check the packaging or shelf label for the slicing style, or ask at the bakery counter. For toasties or sandwiches, I want to know what sort of slices I’ll get. Medium-sliced bread is the top priority for around 20% of consumers.
Ingredients and nutritional value Read the allergen information and, if fibre matters to you, compare the amount of fibre per 100 g. If I need to check certain ingredients or eat bread often, I want to be able to assess the information for this loaf. Around 20% of consumers prioritise these checks.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming all white bread is medium-sliced

    The words ‘white bread’ don’t tell you how thick the slices are in a particular product. That matters if you’re specifically looking for medium-sliced bread for toasties or sandwiches.

    Check the packaging or shelf label for the slicing style, or ask at the bakery counter.

  • Skipping checks for allergens and fibre

    If there’s an ingredient you need to avoid, the information for the loaf you choose is what matters. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also recommends replacing white bread with brown or wholemeal bread as often as possible.

    For pre-packed bread, read the label; for unpackaged bread, ask for the allergen information. If you’re considering different types of bread, compare the fibre listed per 100 g.

Brands to compare

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn has an online category for white bread.

  • You can check the information for individual loaves.
  • Albert Heijn says that ingredients, nutritional values and allergens may change. Check the packaging and slicing style of the loaf you choose.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists white bread in both half and whole sizes.

  • The different sizes give you a useful basis for comparing how much you need.
  • Check whether the individual loaf is medium-sliced.

Lidl

Lidl lists an 800 g white loaf and provides ingredient and allergen information for its oven-fresh range.

  • You can check information about the ingredients in oven-fresh products.
  • In store, check whether the bread you choose is medium-sliced and which information applies to that product.

ALDI

ALDI lists white bread as part of its daily fresh bread range.

  • White bread is available as a separate type of bread in the range.
  • For the slicing style you want, check the information for the specific loaf.

PLUS

PLUS has an online category for white bread, with delivery and collection options.

  • You can check what’s available locally in the bread category.
  • Check the size of each product and whether it’s medium-sliced.

Dirk

Dirk lists white bread in various formats, including half loaves, and stocks the Bakker van der Akker bread range.

  • The different bread formats give you options to compare.
  • Check how the white loaf you choose is sliced; the type of bread alone doesn’t confirm that it’s medium-sliced.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does white bread always contain iodised baker’s salt?

Don’t assume it does. According to the Dutch government, bread may contain iodine if it has been added. Check the ingredients for the loaf you choose, or ask about the ingredients if the bread is unpackaged.

Where can I find allergen information for white bread?

Allergen information for pre-packed bread is shown on the label. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, you must be able to get allergen information about unpackaged bread in writing or verbally before buying it; ask at the bakery counter.

What if I also want to keep an eye on fibre when buying white bread?

Compare the fibre listed per 100 g for the loaves you’re considering. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends replacing white bread with brown or wholemeal bread as often as possible.

How do I choose between half and a whole loaf without ending up with lots left over?

Choose a size that matches the number of slices you’ll use for the meals you’ve planned. Half a loaf may suit a meal for one; if you’re eating with housemates or want to save slices for later, consider a whole loaf too and follow the storage instructions on the packaging.