Those making generously filled sandwiches
You want to choose the thickness of your slices and have time to prepare and cut an unsliced loaf before setting off.
Who might find their choice of bread makes a difference?
Travellers who want to pack quickly
You want to be able to make sandwiches straight away. Evenly sliced bread is convenient, as long as the slices are the right thickness for your fillings.
Travellers without reliable cooling
You’re taking bread snacks without a good cool box. In that case, it’s especially important to choose and store your fillings carefully, as Voedingscentrum advises for food on the go.
What should you look for in bread for the road?
Unsliced multigrain bread
Choose this if: you want to cut your own slices to the thickness you prefer.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to slice it before setting off; also check whether the bread needs baking.
Pre-sliced multigrain bread
Choose this if: you want to pack sandwiches without having to slice the bread.
Bear in mind: the word ‘sliced’ doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are.
Bake-at-home multigrain bread
Choose this if: you have access to an oven and want to bake the bread later.
Bear in mind: the preparation time and where you’ll be able to bake the bread.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Slice thickness | Check that the loaf is unsliced if you want to cut thick slices yourself. If it’s pre-sliced, check the slices before buying. | When I make generously filled sandwiches, I want to choose the slice thickness myself. For around 42% of consumers, having this control matters more than convenience. |
| Packing quickly | Check whether the bread is pre-sliced and whether the slices suit your chosen fillings. | When I’m making sandwiches just before setting off, I don’t want to have to slice the bread first. Around 33% of consumers prioritise being able to portion their food quickly. |
| Storing fillings | Decide whether you’ll take a good cool box with ice packs, and choose your fillings accordingly. | Without a cool box, I want to choose fillings that I can store appropriately on the way. For around 25% of consumers, cooling is the main factor in choosing a snack. |
Things to watch out for when buying
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Assuming ‘multigrain’ means thickly sliced
Multigrain describes the bread, not the thickness of a pre-sliced piece. So a sliced loaf may not be the best fit for the sandwich you want to make.
If you want to choose the thickness yourself, check that you’re buying an unsliced loaf. If possible, take a look at the slices before buying pre-sliced bread.
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Assuming baker’s salt is iodised
According to Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. You can’t tell what kind of salt has been used just from the name ‘multigrain bread’.
Check the ingredients list for iodised salt or baker’s salt, or ask which salt has been used if you’re buying unpackaged bread.
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Choosing your fillings after the bread
Even if the bread is suitable to take with you, your fillings may need to be kept chilled. Voedingscentrum recommends using a good cool box with ice packs for food on the go.
Before making your sandwiches, check whether you have a way to keep them chilled. If not, choose fillings that you can store appropriately without good refrigeration.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers a range of products, including sliced multigrain bread and an OerDesem multigrain loaf described as ‘whole, sliced’.
- The product pages make it easier to compare how specific loaves are sold and what ingredients they contain.
- Don’t rely on the word ‘whole’ if you want to slice the bread yourself: check that your chosen loaf is actually unsliced.
PLUS Korenlanders
PLUS lists Korenlanders multigrain products in bake-at-home form, including demi-baguettes.
- Bake-at-home bread is an option if you have an oven where you’ll be preparing it.
- Bake-at-home baguettes aren’t a straightforward substitute for pre-sliced bread that you want to fill just before setting off.
Bakker van der Akker
Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Bakkers multigrain whole loaf as an option to consider if you want to slice your own bread.
- A whole loaf lets you cut your own slices.
- Check the current packaging or ask in store about ingredients, allergens and storage information.
Multigrain bread and baguettes on Joybuy
These products are a good fit if you want to slice your own snacks: round multigrain loaves and multigrain baguettes that need to be thawed and baked first.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 550 g × 2
For anyone who wants to slice their own bread for sandwiches before setting off. The pack contains two round loaves weighing 550 g each. Thaw, bake and leave the bread to cool before slicing.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 550 g
For anyone who wants to slice their own round multigrain loaf. This 550 g loaf needs to be thawed, baked and cooled first; check the packaging for baking times.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 4 × 135 g × 2
For anyone who wants to bake multigrain baguettes and then slice them. The title lists two packs, each containing four 135 g baguettes. Thawing and baking are part of the preparation.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 4 × 135 g
For anyone who wants to bake four individual multigrain baguettes for snacks on the go. According to the title, each baguette weighs 135 g; they need to be thawed and baked first. Check the packaging for baking times.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dutch bread have to contain iodised baker’s salt?
No. Voedingscentrum says that bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list or ask which salt has been used if you’re buying unpackaged bread.
Can I freeze bread in advance for a road trip?
Yes, you can freeze bread in portions ahead of time. Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and thaw what you need for your trip.
What should I do with fillings if I don’t have good cooling?
Choose fillings that you can store appropriately without good refrigeration. For foods that need to stay chilled, Voedingscentrum recommends using a good cool box with ice packs or an electric cool box.