Shoppers comparing loaf sizes
You buy white bread regularly and want to know how much you get when comparing a whole loaf with a half loaf.
Who is this guide for?
Breakfast and brunch planners
You’re looking for bread for a small Mother’s Day breakfast and want to match the shape and quantity to the occasion and the number of people eating.
Shoppers who want to check the label
Before you buy, you want to check the ingredients, allergens or whether baker’s salt is listed for the specific loaf.
What should you look for?
First decide whether you need a half loaf, a whole loaf or rolls. Then consider the occasion, any leftovers and the label on the product you choose.
| What to consider | Check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Comparable size | Check whether it’s a whole loaf, half loaf or rolls, and look at the stated weight. | For everyday use, I want to know how much bread I’m getting when comparing different sizes. Around 37% of consumers say comparable size is their top priority. |
| Breakfast or brunch | Choose a bread shape that suits the occasion and check availability with the retailer. | For a Mother’s Day breakfast, I want bread that suits how and when I’ll serve it. Around 27% of consumers put this choice first. |
| Quantity and storage | Choose a size that suits the number of people eating; only follow freezing instructions if they apply to the specific product. | For a small group, I don’t want to be left with more bread than we’ll use. That’s why around 18% of consumers put quantity and storage first. |
| Ingredients and labelling | Read the latest allergen information and check whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed. | If the ingredients are a deciding factor for me, I want to be able to check the packaging itself. This is the top priority for around 18% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming every loaf contains baker’s salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt when baking is not compulsory. So the ingredients can vary from one loaf to another.
For packaged bread, look for baker’s salt or iodised salt in the ingredients list. For unpackaged bread, ask which ingredients have been used.
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Assuming all white bread has the same allergens
The products reviewed don’t all have the same ingredients. PLUS lists wheat, soya, milk and lactose, among other ingredients, for Boeren wit heel.
Check the latest allergen information on the packaging you’re actually buying, even if you’re familiar with another white loaf from the same brand.
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Treating white bread and wholemeal bread as equivalent
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends replacing white bread with brown or wholemeal bread wherever possible.
Choose your bread type carefully for the occasion, and check the nutritional information if it’s relevant to your choice.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
AH Wit heel is a whole white loaf that, according to Albert Heijn, is only available in store.
- Albert Heijn lists around 22 slices and says to freeze the loaf on the day of purchase.
- Check the label if you have an allergy: the product information lists wheat, barley and soya, among other ingredients.
Jumbo
Jumbo features a whole white wheat loaf alongside other whole and half-sized white loaves.
- For the whole loaf reviewed, Jumbo lists baker’s salt and 2,4 g of fibre per 100 g.
- Check the information for the variant you choose; details for a whole loaf don’t automatically apply to a half loaf.
Lidl
Lidl lists an 800 g white loaf in its freshly baked range.
- Lidl says fresh bread is baked in store.
- The fresh range may vary from store to store, so check what’s available in your local shop.
Aldi
Aldi features a fresh, whole white loaf baked in a tin.
- A whole loaf may be a good choice when you need sandwiches for several people.
- Check the packaging for the weight, ingredients and allergens of the loaf you choose.
Plus
PLUS Boeren wit heel is an 800 g loaf.
- PLUS says this loaf can be frozen at home on the day of purchase.
- The product information lists wheat, soya, milk and lactose, among other ingredients; if you have an allergy, check the latest label.
Dirk
Dirk features Bakker van der Akker Casino wit half, a half loaf for anyone who doesn’t need a whole one.
- A half loaf can help you choose the right amount for a small breakfast.
- Check the weight and label when comparing this loaf with other sizes.
White rolls at Joybuy
This selection features white rolls for breakfast or brunch, rather than a whole white loaf. Check the pack size when deciding how many you need.
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g'woon white rolls, 4 pieces, 300 g
Four white rolls could be just right for a breakfast where you want to serve individual rolls. The pack contains 4 rolls and weighs 300 g.
If you have an allergy, check the information on the exact packaging, paying particular attention to sesame. Also check the storage instructions if you plan to freeze the rolls.
Frequently asked questions
Does all white bread in the Netherlands contain baker’s salt?
No, you can’t assume that: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt when baking is not compulsory. Check the ingredients list for the loaf you choose for baker’s salt or iodised salt.
Can I buy white bread in advance and freeze it?
It depends on the instructions for the specific loaf. For the whole white loaves reviewed, Albert Heijn and PLUS say to freeze them on the day of purchase; PLUS also says to use the loaf within one month. Don’t assume these instructions apply to other products without checking.
Is white bread the same as brown or wholemeal bread for everyday use?
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends replacing white bread with brown or wholemeal bread wherever possible. Check the nutritional information for the type of bread you choose if its ingredients are important to your decision.