Who is this choice relevant to?

If you’re preparing lots of drinks-party bites

Pre-sliced bread can save you time. Check that the slices are also the medium thickness you want, rather than relying on the word ‘sliced’ alone.

If you’re hosting a small gathering

If you have few guests or are serving several types of bites, half a loaf may better suit the amount you’ve planned. Check separately whether the loaf is sliced.

If you want to check the label

Check the information for the specific loaf to see whether it is wholemeal, what allergens it contains and whether iodised baker’s salt has been used. The name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you this by itself.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, work out how many topped slices you need. Then check whether the available loaf comes in the thickness you want. The type of bread and the label can help you make your final choice.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is this most important to?
Slice thickness and preparation Check whether it says ‘medium sliced’ or ask about the slice thickness; ‘sliced’ on its own isn’t enough. If I’m making lots of topped bites, I want to know in advance what slices I’ll get so I can plan the preparation. Slice thickness would be the most important buying consideration for around 33% of consumers.
Wholemeal and fibre Look for an explicit wholemeal claim and check the nutritional information if you want to compare fibre content. I want to choose wholemeal bread, rather than relying on the name ‘multigrain’ or visible seeds alone. This would be the top priority for around 27% of consumers.
Allergens and baker’s salt Read the allergen information and ingredients list for the loaf you choose. For unpackaged bread, ask where to find this information and check whether it contains iodised baker’s salt. If guests need to avoid certain allergens, I want to know what’s in the bread. The type of baker’s salt used may also influence my choice. This label check would be the top priority for around 20% of consumers.
Quantity Compare a whole and a half loaf with the number of slices you need and the other bites you’ll be serving. For a small gathering, I don’t want to buy more bread than I expect to use. Around 20% of consumers would focus mainly on quantity.

Common misunderstandings

  • Assuming multigrain means wholemeal

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ refers to bread made with at least three different types of grain. The name alone doesn’t confirm that it is made with wholemeal flour.

    If you want wholemeal bread, look for an explicit wholemeal claim in the product name or ingredients information.

  • Assuming ‘sliced’ means ‘medium sliced’

    A sliced loaf may still have slices that are a different thickness from what you want for topped bites. ‘Half’ describes the quantity of bread, not the slices.

    Check the packaging or shelf label, or ask the bakery staff specifically for medium-thick slices.

  • Guessing the allergens or baker’s salt from the bread’s name

    The name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you which allergens the loaf contains or whether it was made with iodised baker’s salt.

    Check the latest allergen and ingredients information. For unpackaged bread, ask about allergens and, if needed, find out which baker’s salt was used.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn’s online range includes products such as AH Liefde & Passie sliced multigrain bread and a half multigrain loaf.

  • A sliced option and a half-loaf format give you two ways to plan for your gathering.
  • Check separately whether the slices of the loaf you choose are medium-thick.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s range includes whole and half multigrain loaves, including wholemeal options.

  • You can compare the loaf format and any wholemeal claim for each product.
  • The ingredients, allergens and nutritional values of one Jumbo loaf don’t automatically apply to other varieties. Check the slice thickness you want for each product, too.

ALDI

ALDI’s range includes whole and half farmhouse wholemeal multigrain loaves, as well as a sliced multigrain option.

  • The half farmhouse wholemeal multigrain loaf is described as sliced.
  • The word ‘sliced’ doesn’t confirm that the slices are medium-thick.

PLUS

PLUS’s online range includes products such as Korenlanders Desem Meergranen Boekweit and Brood van Soma Haverkorn multigrain bread.

  • The product names help you distinguish between the types of bread on offer.
  • Check the loaf format and slice thickness of the variety you want to buy.

Dirk

Dirk offers Bakker van der Akker Bakkers multigrain bread in half and whole loaves.

  • The half loaf may be a good choice if you need less bread.
  • Check whether the format you choose is sliced and how thick the slices are.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No, ‘multigrain’ doesn’t automatically mean ‘wholemeal’. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three different types of grain. If you’re looking for wholemeal bread, check for an explicit wholemeal claim.

Does bread always contain iodised baker’s salt?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt when making bread isn’t compulsory. Check the label on packaged bread, and ask which salt has been used for unpackaged bread.

How can I check allergens in bread from the bakery section?

Check the information for the specific bread before you buy it. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for prepacked products appears on the label. For unpackaged products, the seller must make this information available in another way.

How do I choose between a whole and half loaf for a gathering?

Match the amount of bread to the number of topped slices you want to make and the other bites you’ll be serving. A half loaf may suit a smaller gathering, but ‘half’ doesn’t tell you whether the bread is already sliced or how thick the slices are.