If you want to share the bread
If you want to serve bread with cheese or dips, a whole artisan loaf or ciabatta could be a good option. Think ahead about whether you can slice it at the picnic or would rather bring it pre-sliced.
Who are you choosing bread for?
If wholemeal matters to you
If you specifically want wholemeal bread for your picnic, check the product label. A dark colour or rustic appearance alone doesn’t tell you whether bread is wholemeal.
If you’re packing for a group
If several people are eating, portions, packaging and fillings all matter. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping perishable foods chilled during a picnic.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether wholemeal, sharing or individual portions is your priority. Then choose a type of bread that suits what you can prepare and take with you.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour and presentation | Consider which type of bread you want to serve and whether your chosen option is pre-sliced. | If bread will be a centrepiece of lunch, I want to choose a type that suits the fillings and is easy to share. Around 29% of consumers put flavour and presentation first. |
| Sharing and carrying | Choose individual rolls, or bring a clean knife and chopping board if you’re taking a whole loaf. | If I’m with a group, I want to be able to divide the bread when we arrive, without having to look for a knife and chopping board. Ease of sharing and carrying is a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Wholemeal | Check that the bread is explicitly labelled ‘wholemeal’; don’t rely on its colour or the term ‘multigrain’ alone. | If wholemeal matters more to me than appearance, I want to know which type I’m buying. It’s the main priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Allergens and fillings | Read the latest allergen information and make sure you can keep perishable fillings chilled. | If other people are eating too, I want to take their allergies into account and keep any fillings that need to stay chilled at the right temperature. Around 21% of consumers prioritise these checks. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming dark or multigrain bread is wholemeal
If you specifically want wholemeal, you can’t tell from the colour or a rustic-sounding product name.
Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ and read the ingredients information.
-
Choosing the bread but forgetting the fillings
Perishable fillings also need attention on the journey to the park. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing these products at 4 °C and throwing them away if they’ve been out of the fridge for more than two hours.
Take perishable fillings chilled, for example in a cool bag with ice packs, and keep them cool until you’re ready to eat.
A cool bag and ice packs take up extra room when you’re travelling.
-
Taking a whole loaf without planning how to slice it
An unsliced artisan loaf or ciabatta can be difficult to share if you don’t have a clean knife and chopping board.
Decide in advance whether to take sliced bread, individual rolls or a whole loaf with the equipment to slice it.
-
Relying only on online product information
Albert Heijn and PLUS state that product details, including ingredients and allergen information, can change.
Check the latest label. If you can’t find the allergen information for unpackaged bread, ask the retailer.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn stocks OerDesem bread, including a wholemeal variety.
- Albert Heijn describes its OerDesem spelt and buckwheat bread as made with sourdough and baked on a stone oven floor.
- Always check the latest packaging for ingredients and allergen information.
PLUS
PLUS lists Korenlanders artisan loaves in both whole and half sizes.
- A half or whole loaf gives you a choice when planning how much bread to buy.
- PLUS notes that product information can change, so check the label on the variety you choose.
Lidl
Lidl offers freshly baked bake-off bread and also stocks rustic sourdough loaves.
- Lidl says bake-off bread is available from 06.00 and lists options including a wholemeal sourdough loaf.
- Check which breads are available at your local branch.
ALDI
ALDI lists artisan loaves in its fresh daily range and ciabatta in its bake-at-home range.
- Bake-at-home products give you the option of planning your preparation before you leave.
- Some freshly baked products are only available in stores with a bakery section.
Dirk
Dirk’s range includes wholemeal bread, multigrain bread, sourdough and baguettes.
- These types of bread give you a few options to consider for your picnic.
- Check the variety you’ve chosen and what’s available at your local store.
Ciabatta for your picnic at Joybuy
These ciabattas and ciabattina are suited to a picnic where you want to share bread or bring individual portions. Check the preparation instructions and the latest product information before choosing.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Natural Rustic Ciabatta, 2 × 4 × 135 g
An option if you want to bring individual ciabattas for several people. Check the preparation instructions and plan any preparation before you leave.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Natural Rustic Ciabatta, 4 × 135 g
Four individual ciabattas if you want to divide up portions. Check the pack for instructions on defrosting and baking before your picnic.
Image unavailable
g'woon Ciabatta Bread, 250 g
A ciabatta to consider for a picnic lunch you can share. Check whether you want to slice it, and if you have allergies, read the latest label.
Image unavailable
G'Woon Ciabattina With Olive Oil, 240 g
A ciabattina to consider if you’re looking for smaller loaves for lunch. Before buying, check the number of pieces, preparation instructions and allergen information on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Is dark or multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. A dark colour or the term ‘multigrain’ doesn’t prove that bread is wholemeal. Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging and check the ingredients information.
Where can I find allergen information for picnic bread?
For pre-packed bread, read the label. If allergen information isn’t clearly displayed for unpackaged bread, ask the retailer what information is available. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority stresses that allergen information must be clearly available.
How should I take perishable fillings to the park?
Keep perishable fillings chilled, for example in a cool bag with ice packs. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing them at 4 °C and throwing them away if they’ve been out of the fridge for more than two hours.
How can I tell if my bread contains iodised baker’s salt?
Check the ingredients information for the bread you’re buying; you can’t tell what it contains from the type of bread alone. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists bread as a source of iodine, but that doesn’t tell you which salt was used in a particular loaf.