For afternoon coffee with older guests, wholemeal bread is a good choice if fibre is your priority. Softer bread may be more practical if a firm crust or seeds are difficult to chew. A premium look or a sourdough name alone says nothing about nutritional value: compare the labels and choose a size that suits your guests.
If you’d like to serve bread with coffee, wholemeal bread is worth considering. The Voedingscentrum (Netherlands Nutrition Centre) describes wholemeal bread as a source of fibre; check the nutritional information for each product.
If someone has a dry mouth or finds chewing difficult, pay attention to the crust, seeds and how the bread is sliced. The Voedingscentrum explains that chewing and swallowing difficulties can make eating harder for older people.
For an afternoon visit, presentation isn’t the only thing that matters: guests should also find the bread comfortable to eat. Ask about allergens, choose a size that suits your guests and check how the bread is available.
First, decide what texture your guests will find comfortable to eat. Then compare the type of bread, nutritional information and size before choosing a rustic or celebratory option.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check that it is labelled wholemeal and compare fibre and salt on the same basis, for example per 100 g. | If I want bread with my coffee to provide fibre too, I won’t rely on the word sourdough alone. This nutritional aspect is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Ease of chewing | Check the crust, whether the bread contains coarse seeds and whether it is sliced. | If a firm crust is difficult to eat, I’d rather choose a more comfortable texture. Ease of chewing comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
| Flavour and presentation | Compare the type of bread and its additions, and choose a size you can share at the table. | For a special coffee break, I want to share bread that suits my guests’ tastes. Around 25% of consumers put this choice first. |
| Size and availability | Choose a suitable quantity and check whether the variety is available online or only in store. | For a small gathering, I don’t want to be left with lots of bread or have to visit another shop for a particular variety. This is the first consideration for around 19% of consumers. |
A sourdough name, long proving time or rustic crust doesn’t tell you how much fibre the bread contains.
First, check whether the bread is labelled wholemeal and read the nutritional information. Then choose the flavour and crust you prefer.
A hard crust or coarse seeds can make eating difficult for someone who has trouble chewing.
Ask your guests what they prefer and consider softer, sliced bread. If someone has swallowing difficulties, choosing a product alone isn’t enough; seek advice from a qualified professional.
Additions and allergens vary from one bread to another. The name or a photo won’t give you the full picture.
For packaged bread, read the ingredients and allergen information. For unpackaged bread, ask the shop which allergens it contains before buying.
If you have a lot left over after coffee, the size may not have suited your gathering.
Consider a smaller loaf or one that’s easy to share, and decide in advance what you’ll do with any leftovers. Also check whether your preferred variety is available at your local shop.
Worth considering if you want to compare different OerDesem varieties.
Worth considering if you’re looking for rustic sourdough for a coffee break.
Worth considering if you’re looking for rustic wholemeal wheat sourdough bread.
Worth considering if you want to compare freshly baked bread with premium loaves.
Worth considering if you want to compare Korenlanders sourdough with standard bread.
Worth considering if you want to browse several types of bread in one range.
These products include round wholemeal loaves and a rye bread product to consider for afternoon coffee. When choosing, think about the quantity and whether your guests will find the texture comfortable to eat.
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Two round wholemeal loaves for coffee with several guests.
Allow time to defrost, bake and cool. Check that the crust and texture suit your guests, and compare the nutritional information on the packaging.
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One round wholemeal loaf if you’re hosting a smaller gathering than you would with a pack of two.
Allow time to defrost, bake and cool. The described crisp finish is worth bearing in mind if someone finds a firm crust difficult to chew; compare the nutritional information on the packaging.
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A rye bread product to compare if you’d like to serve something different alongside the round wholemeal loaves.
Before buying, check whether it’s rolls or sliced bread and whether the texture is suitable for your guests. If anyone has allergies, read the packaging and compare nutritional values using the same serving size.
No. The name sourdough alone doesn’t tell you how much fibre or salt the bread contains. Check whether the bread is labelled wholemeal and compare the nutritional information for each product.
Before buying, ask the shop for the allergen information for that specific bread. For pre-packed bread, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says this information is on the label.
No. Don’t assume every loaf contains the same amount. The Dutch Government lists bread with added iodine as one way people get iodine; if you have a question about a specific product, check the packaging.
Compare the salt values on the same basis, for example per 100 g, or use slices of the same weight. You can’t directly compare a value per slice with one per 100 g.
