Who is this choice relevant to?

Staff responsible for buying lunch

For teams putting together a lunch menu they can repeat, and weighing up whether the convenience of pre-sliced ontbijtkoek fits with the choices the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends for young children.

Staff responsible for checking allergens

For anyone who checks the current packaging against each child’s individual requirements and the setting’s policy before serving. Rye and gluten are among the relevant allergens for the products described; other allergens vary by product.

Buyers comparing portions and nutritional information

For anyone choosing between sliced loaves and individually wrapped portions, while considering portion size, sugars, fibre and any sweeteners.

What should you look for?

First decide whether ontbijtkoek fits your lunch policy. Then compare the packaging for allergens, portions and nutritional information.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters most to
Everyday lunch staple Decide whether ontbijtkoek will only be served occasionally. For young children, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends fruit, vegetables and wholemeal bread as options from the Wheel of Five. When I put together the regular lunch menu, I want to make sure a convenient slice of cake does not replace those staples. For around 31% of consumers, the everyday lunch choice is the top priority.
Allergens when serving a group Compare the ingredients and allergen statements with each child’s requirements. For Peijnenburg naturel, Albert Heijn lists rye and cereals containing gluten. When a group has different dietary requirements, I only want to serve food that has been checked for the children concerned. For around 31% of consumers, checking allergens comes first.
Portions and serving Check the number of slices, the weight per slice and the storage instructions. For Peijnenburg naturel, Jumbo lists packs containing either 12 or 18 sliced pieces. When several staff members serve lunch, I want to prepare portions without extra slicing. A consistent, practical way to serve lunch is the top priority for around 19% of consumers.
Sugars, fibre and sweeteners Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per portion. For products containing sweeteners, also read the ingredients and any usage warning. If ontbijtkoek is on the menu occasionally, I want to know how much sugar and fibre a slice contains and whether it includes sweeteners. Around 19% of consumers give this comparison top priority.

Common mistakes when choosing ontbijtkoek

  • Treating a pre-sliced piece as an everyday lunch staple

    How easy a product is to serve does not determine whether ontbijtkoek belongs in an everyday lunch menu. For young children, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends foods from the Wheel of Five.

    Agree in advance whether ontbijtkoek will be served occasionally, and plan the regular lunch menu separately.

  • Checking allergens using only the front of the pack

    The products described have different allergen statements. For example, Jumbo lists rye, wheat and lupin for Bolletje sliced ontbijtkoek, and also states that the product may contain nuts.

    Check the ingredients and any statement about possible traces on the pack you receive against the group’s current requirements.

  • Assuming ‘no added sugars’ means you can serve as much as you like

    A claim about added sugars does not answer every question about portions, allergens or sweeteners. For one Peijnenburg product reviewed, Jumbo also gives a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

    Read the full nutritional information, ingredients and warnings before adding this product to the menu.

  • Assuming ontbijtkoek contains iodine

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers are not required to use baker’s salt. You cannot assume it is present just because a product is ontbijtkoek.

    For the ingredients in a specific product, check its product information or ask the manufacturer for clarification.

Brands to consider

Peijnenburg

Offers sliced naturel ontbijtkoek and a variety labelled ‘no added sugars’.

  • Jumbo lists sliced naturel packs containing 12 or 18 pieces.
  • The naturel variety lists rye and cereals containing gluten. For the no-added-sugars variety, also read the usage warning.

AH

Sliced naturel ontbijtkoek sold under Albert Heijn’s own brand.

  • The pack reviewed is a large, sliced variety.
  • Albert Heijn lists 36 g of added sugars per 100 g for this variety. Check the latest allergen information too.

Jumbo

Own-brand sliced ontbijtkoek; compare the exact variety using the label.

  • Pre-sliced pieces can make portioning for a group easier.
  • The product information reviewed includes a warning about a possible laxative effect if consumed excessively.

Koek & Bakker

ALDI Netherlands lists a 485 g pre-sliced wholemeal ontbijtkoek from this brand.

  • The slices are ready to serve.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the pack before choosing this variety for a group.

Bolletje

Sliced ontbijtkoek in a 500 g pack.

  • The pre-sliced format makes it easy to serve individual portions.
  • For this variety, Jumbo lists rye, wheat and lupin; the product may also contain nuts.

Joybuy products to consider

When comparing products, look at Peijnenburg naturel in packs of 12 or 18 slices, AH’s large sliced naturel variety, Jumbo’s sliced ontbijtkoek, Koek & Bakker’s 485 g pre-sliced wholemeal loaf and Bolletje’s 500 g sliced loaf. Check each product’s current packaging for portion sizes, ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.

Frequently asked questions

Is sliced ontbijtkoek suitable as an everyday lunch at a nursery?

It is not an obvious choice as a staple. For young children, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends foods from the Wheel of Five, including fruit, vegetables and wholemeal bread. A small, occasional portion of ontbijtkoek should also be checked against your setting’s nutrition and allergen policies.

What should I check about allergens in ontbijtkoek?

Check the exact pack for its ingredients and statements about allergens that are present or may be present. For Peijnenburg naturel, Albert Heijn lists rye and cereals containing gluten; other varieties reviewed also list wheat, lupin or possible traces of nuts. Check this information against each child’s requirements before serving.

Does ‘no added sugars’ mean ontbijtkoek is suitable in any portion size?

No. That claim alone does not tell you the right portion size or which allergens the product contains. Read the nutritional information and ingredients. For one Peijnenburg variety reviewed, Jumbo also gives a warning about a possible laxative effect if consumed excessively.

Can I assume that ontbijtkoek contains iodine?

No, the product category does not guarantee this. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bakers are not required to use baker’s salt. Check the product information or ask the manufacturer about the ingredients of a specific product.

How should I store an opened pack that I want to use again later?

Follow the storage instructions on the pack of the ontbijtkoek you choose. For the naturel varieties reviewed, the advice includes storing them in a dry, dark place and/or in a sealed container. When serving, also follow your setting’s own food safety procedures.