For lunch, start by choosing bread labelled wholemeal. Then check whether the slices suit the way you make and pack your sandwiches. Compare fibre and salt per 100 g, and check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging. The terms thin- or medium-sliced don’t, on their own, tell you anything about the nutritional value or weight of each slice.
If you want to make sandwiches quickly, it helps to check whether the bread is pre-sliced and how large each slice is. Also check the wholemeal labelling and the nutritional information on the packaging.
Fibre content can vary from one loaf to another. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g when weighing up a standard wholemeal loaf against one with extra fibre.
If you don’t eat bread every day, a half loaf may better suit how much you use. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists bread among the foods that are often wasted.
Start with the wholemeal labelling, then choose a slice thickness and loaf size that suit the way you have lunch. Always use the same basis when comparing nutritional values.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the wholemeal label and compare fibre per 100 g; don’t judge by the colour of the bread alone. | If fibre is the main reason I choose wholemeal bread for lunch, I want to know what’s in it. About 36% of consumers give this top priority. |
| Slice thickness and lunchtime convenience | Check whether the bread is pre-sliced and, if stated, look at the weight of each slice. | For sandwiches I regularly make or take with me, I want slices that suit my fillings and lunchbox. This is the top priority for about 29% of consumers. |
| Label information | Compare nutritional values on the same basis and read the ingredients and allergens. Check whether baker’s salt is used if this is relevant to your dietary choices. | If I need to avoid an ingredient or allergen, the information on the specific packaging is what matters most. For about 21% of consumers, checking the label is their main concern. |
| Loaf size | Choose a half or whole loaf based on how much you’ll use before it’s no longer suitable to eat. | If I only eat bread occasionally, I don’t want to be left with a whole loaf. A suitable loaf size matters most to about 14% of consumers. |
Thin- or medium-sliced tells you neither how much a slice weighs nor its nutritional value. Jumbo states that a slice of its Fijn Volkorenbrood weighs 35 g; that weight doesn’t automatically apply to other breads.
Compare fibre and salt per 100 g. Only use values per slice alongside the stated weight of that slice.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So don’t assume different breads contain the same ingredients.
For packaged bread, read the ingredients list. For unwrapped bread, ask which salt has been used.
Wholemeal doesn’t mean gluten-free. According to the product information, Jumbo Fijn Volkorenbrood contains wheat and barley.
If you have a relevant allergy or dietary restriction, check the latest allergen information for the exact loaf you’re buying.
A whole loaf won’t suit everyone’s lunchtime routine. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists bread among the foods that are often wasted.
Choose a half or whole loaf based on how many slices you’ll actually use.
Albert Heijn offers wholemeal bread in a range of sizes, including whole and half loaves.
Jumbo provides nutritional values per 100 g and per slice for its Fijn Volkorenbrood.
Lidl uses its own fibre rating on packaged loaves.
ALDI offers thin-sliced wholemeal bread in half and whole loaves, as well as a separate extra-fibre variety.
PLUS offers Rond fijn volkoren in whole and half loaves.
Dirk offers Bakker van der Akker wholemeal breads in a range of varieties and sizes.
This rye bread is worth a look if you’re choosing bread for lunch. Check the packaging to see whether it meets your preferences for wholemeal bread and medium-sliced slices.
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A rye bread to consider for lunch if this type of bread suits your preferences.
Before choosing it as an alternative to medium-sliced wholemeal bread, check the latest packaging for the wholemeal label, slice thickness, ingredients and allergens.
Yes. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is included in the Wheel of Five. For lunch, also think about what you put on it and check the information on the bread packaging.
No. The terms thin- or medium-sliced don’t set a fixed weight per slice. Jumbo states that a slice of its Fijn Volkorenbrood weighs 35 g; check the packaging for the weight of a different loaf.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list on packaged bread or ask about it when buying unwrapped bread.
No. Wholemeal doesn’t mean gluten-free. Jumbo Fijn Volkorenbrood, for example, contains wheat and barley. If you need to avoid gluten, check the label and allergen information on the latest packaging.
A half loaf may better suit you if you eat bread less often. Albert Heijn, ALDI and PLUS offer half-size wholemeal loaves; choose a size based on how much bread you use.
