For conference catering, choose a multigrain loaf whose supplier confirms the required medium-sliced cut and whose ingredients, allergens and storage instructions you can check for the version being delivered. The word ‘sliced’ alone does not confirm the thickness; according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ does not automatically mean ‘wholemeal’ either. When serving unpackaged food, information about any allergens present must be available to guests, according to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority.
If you need to prepare filled sandwiches or sandwich halves quickly, agreeing on the slicing in advance can help. Ask specifically for medium-sliced bread: ‘sliced’, ‘half’ and ‘whole’ do not specify the thickness of the slices.
Guests must be able to get information about any allergens present when unpackaged food is served. Check the details for the bread being delivered as well as the fillings. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, the specific type must also be stated for cereals containing gluten and nuts.
If you’re looking for wholemeal bread for lunch, you can’t rely on the word ‘multigrain’. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, this term means that at least three types of grain are used. Check the wholemeal label and ingredients for the version you choose.
First, confirm the slicing and how many sandwiches you need. Then check the product information for your guests and match the quantity to when you’ll be serving it.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Slicing and preparation time | Before ordering, ask the supplier to confirm that the bread will be medium-sliced and how many slices each loaf will provide. A whole or half loaf tells you nothing about the thickness of the slices. | I want to fill evenly sliced sandwiches quickly during a short lunch rush. Around 42% of consumers prioritise how the bread is sliced. |
| Allergens and nutritional information | Check the current ingredients and allergen information for the version being delivered. Check the wholemeal label separately, and look for bakers’ salt or iodised salt if relevant. | When serving unpackaged sandwiches, I want to be able to give guests accurate information about the ingredients and allergens. Checkable product information is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Freshness and stock | Match the number of loaves to the expected attendance and the confirmed number of slices per loaf. If you buy bread in advance, follow the storage instructions for the version being delivered. | For a single serving time, I want to have enough bread ready without having lots left over. Around 25% of consumers give stock and freshness the highest priority. |
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain. The term does not tell you whether the bread is wholemeal.
Make ‘wholemeal’ a separate purchasing requirement and check the product name and ingredients for the version you order.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that using bakers’ salt is not compulsory. So the presence of iodised salt varies from one loaf to another.
If this matters for the product information, check the ingredients for bakers’ salt or iodised salt, or ask the supplier.
A product name does not provide a full allergen declaration. Retailers including Albert Heijn and PLUS also warn that product information may change.
For serving, use the current packaging, product specification or supplier information for the bread being delivered alongside your allergen list. Check the fillings separately.
A half or whole loaf describes its size, not the thickness of the slices. The word ‘sliced’ on its own does not confirm that the bread is medium-sliced either.
Before ordering, ask how the bread will be sliced and how many sandwiches each loaf will provide.
These retailers list multigrain bread in their range. For conference catering, choose a specific version only after checking how it will be sliced and the information for the item being supplied.
Albert Heijn lists products including AH Liefde & Passie Multigrain Sliced Bread.
Jumbo lists multigrain loaves, including wholemeal versions and half loaves.
Lidl lists multigrain bread in its Dutch range.
Aldi lists fresh daily multigrain loaves in whole and half sizes.
Plus lists a multigrain bread category that includes sourdough loaves and a 400 g multigrain loaf.
Dirk’s search results list Bakker van der Akker multigrain loaves in half and whole sizes.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread is made with at least three different types of grain; that does not mean it is wholemeal. If wholemeal bread is a purchasing requirement, check the wholemeal label and ingredients for the specific version.
Yes. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires information about any allergens present to be available when you offer unpackaged food. For cereals containing gluten and nuts, the specific type must be clearly identified. Written or verbal information is permitted subject to the Authority’s conditions.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread does not have to be baked with bakers’ salt. Check the ingredients of the loaf you choose or ask the supplier which salt was used.
Follow the storage instructions for the bread actually being delivered and time your order to suit when it will be served. You can’t necessarily apply the storage times for a different type of bread to your multigrain loaf. If you’re buying in advance, also ask how many slices each loaf will provide.
