Which type of bread is practical for you?

Commuters who need breakfast on the go

If you want to add your toppings and take your bread with you straight away, a sliced loaf that’s already baked saves you having to slice or bake it. Check that the pack you choose is sold pre-sliced.

Quick-breakfast fans looking for fibre

Sliced wholemeal bread is a quick and convenient way to choose wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread contains more fibre than white bread. A dark crust or the word ‘sourdough’ on its own doesn’t mean a loaf is wholemeal.

Flavour seekers with time for an extra step

A stop at the shops for rustic sourdough or baking bread at home could suit your morning if you can make time for it. Just don’t expect the same grab-and-go convenience as bread that’s already baked and sliced.

What should you look for in a quick breakfast?

First, work out how much preparation time you have in the morning. Then compare the type of bread, ingredients and convenience of the specific product you want to buy.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Ready to take with you Is the bread already baked, and is this product sold sliced? If I’m heading straight out, I want to be able to add toppings to my breakfast without slicing the bread or switching on the oven. For around 31% of consumers, being able to take it with them straight away is the top priority.
Flavour and crust Is it baked in store, and does a stop at the shop or an unsliced loaf fit into your morning? I’d rather stop at a shop for a rustic crust or sourdough flavour, even if it’s less convenient. Around 31% of consumers give flavour and crust top priority.
Wholemeal and salt Does the packaging explicitly say ‘wholemeal’? If you’re keeping an eye on salt, check the ingredients for baker’s salt or iodised salt. I want a clearly labelled wholemeal option and to check what kind of salt is in my bread, rather than judging by its colour. That combination is the main concern for around 23% of consumers when buying bread.
Allergens and dietary requirements Read the latest allergen information and check that the specific product carries any gluten-free labelling you need. If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I first check whether this particular bread meets my requirements. For around 15% of consumers, this check comes before convenience or flavour.

Common mistakes when choosing

  • Assuming premium or organic bread is automatically a source of iodine

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread doesn’t have to be made with baker’s salt. So the way a loaf looks, or an organic label, won’t tell you what type of salt was used in that particular bread.

    If you want to know whether the bread contains iodised salt, read the ingredients list or ask about the ingredients if you’re buying unpackaged bread.

  • Confusing bake-at-home rolls with bread that’s ready to take with you

    Bake-at-home rolls need to be prepared first. For example, PLUS says its organic wholemeal sourdough rolls need 6–8 minutes in an oven at 220 °C.

    Choose bread that’s already baked if you need to leave straight away; allow time in the oven for bake-at-home rolls.

  • Confusing a dark crust or sourdough with wholemeal

    A dark appearance, multigrain ingredients or sourdough aren’t a substitute for a wholemeal label. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread contains more fibre than white bread.

    If wholemeal is essential for you, check that the product you choose is explicitly labelled as wholemeal.

  • Relying only on an earlier product description

    Albert Heijn points out that information such as ingredients and allergen details can change. The range of in-store bakery products may also vary from one location to another.

    Check the latest packaging for ingredients, allergens and use-by information. If you’re stopping at a shop, check that the bread you want is available there.

Bread brands to consider

The bread ranges mentioned here mainly differ in how they’re prepared and where you can buy them. Always check the details of each individual product.

Albert Heijn

Worth considering if you want to choose a sliced sourdough loaf in advance. Albert Heijn lists several sliced breads online, including Liefde & Passie and OerDesem.

  • The sliced options save you having to cut the bread before you leave.
  • Albert Heijn says product information can change, so check the latest packaging for ingredients and allergens.

Jumbo

Worth considering if a stop at the shop for rustic sourdough fits into your breakfast plans.

  • Jumbo describes a range of sourdough breads that are baked in store.
  • According to Jumbo, these rustic sourdough breads are only available in store and can’t be ordered online.

Lidl

Worth considering if you want to compare rustic sourdough options, including an organic multigrain loaf and a wholemeal version.

  • Lidl lists a 600 g organic rustic multigrain sourdough loaf and a rustic wholemeal sourdough loaf.
  • Check the packaging for your chosen product and whether it’s available at your local shop.

PLUS

Worth considering if you want to compare a small wholemeal sourdough loaf with rolls you bake at home.

  • PLUS lists, among other options, a small wholemeal sourdough loaf and organic wholemeal sourdough rolls.
  • According to PLUS, the bake-at-home rolls mentioned need 6–8 minutes in an oven at 220 °C.

ALDI

Worth considering if you want to pick up bread when visiting a physical shop.

  • ALDI describes its range as including fresh daily bread and freshly baked bread.
  • According to ALDI, its freshly baked bread is available in shops with a bakery section, so check with your local branch.

Dirk

Worth considering if you want to compare different types of bread in store.

  • Dirk lists wholemeal, multigrain and sourdough breads among its range.
  • Check whether each loaf is sliced and ready to eat, and read the ingredients on the packaging.

Bread choices on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does premium or organic bread always contain iodised baker’s salt?

No, you can’t tell from those labels. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread doesn’t have to be made with baker’s salt, and organic bread is often made without it. For packaged bread, check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt. If you’re buying unpackaged bread, ask about the ingredients.

Is sourdough, spelt or multigrain bread automatically gluten-free?

No, those names don’t mean the bread is gluten-free. Check that the specific product is explicitly labelled as gluten-free, and read the latest allergen information and any warnings on the packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be clearly listed on the label.

How can I store wholemeal bread for several quick breakfasts?

You can freeze wholemeal bread in portions if you don’t expect to eat it within a few days. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s storage guide recommends keeping wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2–4 days or in the freezer for 1–3 months. Check the packaging too, and make sure the bread is still in good condition.

Can bake-at-home sourdough rolls be taken with you for breakfast straight away?

Not if the packaging says they still need to be baked. The organic wholemeal sourdough rolls described by PLUS need 6–8 minutes in an oven at 220 °C. Choose bread that’s already baked if you want to leave without that extra preparation.