If you want to cut thick slices yourself
For generously topped sandwiches or toasties, an unsliced loaf lets you choose the thickness of each slice. When ordering online, check that the product is supplied whole or unsliced.
Which option is right for you?
If wholegrain content and nutritional values matter to you
Multigrain and wholegrain don’t mean the same thing. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes multigrain bread as bread made with at least three types of grain. Check the wholegrain labelling separately, and compare fibre and salt per 100 g.
If you need to check ingredients or delivery availability
If you need to avoid certain ingredients, read the information for the exact product. Before placing your order, also check whether that loaf is available from your chosen shop for your selected delivery or collection slot.
What should you look for when choosing?
Whole or unsliced loaf
Choose this if: you want to decide how thick to cut your slices for generous toppings.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to slice the bread at home, and the slices may not all be the same thickness.
Pre-sliced bread
Choose this if: having ready-to-use slices matters more to you than choosing the thickness yourself.
Bear in mind: the word ‘sliced’ doesn’t confirm that the slices are thick enough for your toppings.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Slice thickness | Check whether the product is supplied whole, unsliced or sliced. If you’re considering sliced bread, ask the shop how thick the slices are. | For generously topped snacks, I want to be able to cut thick slices myself. Around 40% of consumers say having control over slice thickness is their top priority. |
| Wholegrain content and nutritional information | Check the wholegrain labelling and ingredients; compare fibre and salt on the same basis, per 100 g. | If the ingredients matter more to me than the slice, I want to know more than just that the bread contains several grains. For around 30% of consumers, this is their top nutritional priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information for the exact product, including any warnings about cross-contamination. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I first need to know whether this particular loaf is suitable. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Availability to order | After choosing your shop, check whether you can add the product to your basket and which delivery or collection slots are available. | If I need the bread for a particular occasion, I need to be able to complete the order. Around 10% of consumers prioritise current availability to order. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming multigrain means wholegrain
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain. That doesn’t necessarily mean the bread is wholegrain.
Check the wholegrain labelling separately, and compare the nutritional information per 100 g if it matters to your choice.
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Assuming ‘sliced’ means ‘thickly sliced’
If bread is described as sliced, that doesn’t tell you whether the slices are thick enough for the toppings you want to use.
Choose a loaf you can slice yourself if thickness is essential, or ask the shop how thick the slices are for that specific product.
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Assuming a product page guarantees availability to order
A loaf you can view online isn’t necessarily available to order from every shop or for every delivery slot.
Check the product in your basket after choosing your shop, then confirm your delivery or collection slot.
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Trying to work out allergens from the bread category
The name ‘multigrain bread’ doesn’t tell you which specific grains and other ingredients a product contains.
Read the current ingredients and allergen information for the exact loaf you want to order.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
AH Liefde & Passie Multigrain Sliced is an example of pre-sliced bread.
- Albert Heijn’s product information includes ingredients and nutritional values, among other details, so you can assess the specific loaf.
- The word ‘sliced’ doesn’t confirm that the slices are thick. Check the latest product and packaging information.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s online bread range includes both whole loaves and sliced bread.
- This description of the format helps you choose between slicing the loaf yourself and using it straight away.
- Availability varies by product. A wholegrain multigrain loaf previously listed by Jumbo is no longer in its online range.
PLUS
PLUS Korenlanders Dark Multigrain Round Whole is an example to explore if you want to cut your own slices.
- PLUS provides ingredients and nutritional information for this product. Its product advice says to freeze it on the day of purchase.
- Check whether your chosen product is unsliced and which delivery or collection slots are available from your shop.
Lidl
Lidl describes a multigrain loaf in its product information.
- The product description helps you identify this particular loaf.
- Lidl marks this product as ‘In-store only’, so it isn’t a confirmed option for online delivery.
Joybuy products to explore
These products suit an approach where you slice the bread yourself after baking: one round loaf and baguettes. Think about which shape works best with your toppings and how much preparation you’re happy to do.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 550 g
For anyone who wants to choose the thickness of their slices from a round loaf. Allow time to defrost, bake and cool the bread before slicing it, and follow the baking instructions on the packaging. Check the ingredients if the specific types of grain matter to your choice.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 4 × 135 g
For anyone who wants to cut their own baguette slices, provided that shape works with the toppings they have in mind. Allow time to defrost, bake and cool the bread, and follow the baking instructions on the packaging. Check the ingredients if the specific types of grain matter to your choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread automatically wholegrain?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain; that alone doesn’t tell you whether it’s wholegrain. Check the wholegrain labelling and ingredients for the specific loaf.
How can I tell if bread ordered online is thickly sliced?
Don’t rely on the word ‘sliced’ alone: it doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are. If you want to cut thick slices yourself, check whether the loaf is supplied unsliced. If you want pre-sliced bread, ask the shop how thick the slices are if necessary.
Can I freeze multigrain bread after delivery?
Follow the storage advice for the product you’ve chosen. For example, PLUS says that Korenlanders Dark Multigrain Round Whole can be frozen on the day of purchase; don’t assume the same advice applies to another loaf without checking.