If you’re putting together a summer lunch platter
You’re looking for bread to share with toppings or dips. The shape, crust and texture can all influence your choice, such as a sourdough loaf from Jumbo or PLUS.
Who might this choice suit?
If you want to plan when to serve it
You want to be able to bake the bread just before breakfast, lunch or drinks. Set aside time for this and check which preparation method is recommended for your chosen product.
If you compare ingredients carefully
Look at the grains listed, the proportion of wholemeal flour, allergens and iodised salt, rather than relying on a name such as ‘rustic’ or ‘multigrain’.
What should you look for when choosing?
Fresh bread from the in-store bakery
Choose this if: you can buy a sourdough or rustic loaf shortly before the meal and crust and texture are your top priorities.
Bear in mind: availability varies by store. Jumbo says its rustic sourdough loaves are baked in store and aren’t available to order online.
Bake at home
Choose this if: you want to decide when to serve warm bread.
Bear in mind: you’ll need preparation time and a suitable appliance. Follow the instructions for the specific bread.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Crust and appearance | Look at the shape of the loaf and decide whether you want to serve it whole or sliced. | If bread is going to take pride of place on the lunch platter, I want a shape and crust that suit the meal; around 33% of consumers prioritise taste and appearance. |
| Ingredients | Check the grains listed, the proportion of wholemeal flour and the latest allergen information. | I want to know what’s in the bread before serving it to others; for around 25% of consumers, the choice of ingredients is the main consideration. |
| When you’ll serve it | For bake-at-home bread, check the storage instructions, the appliance needed and the preparation instructions on the packaging. | If lunch is going to start later, I want to bake the bread just before we eat; around 25% of consumers consider that flexibility most important. |
| Quantity and your food budget | Compare the weight and shape of the loaf with the number of people eating and what you actually plan to serve. | I want to serve a rustic loaf without buying more than I need; for around 17% of consumers, this is their top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘sourdough’ or ‘multigrain’ means wholemeal
These words don’t tell you how much wholemeal flour a loaf contains. For example, PLUS’s multigrain sourdough baguette lists 35% wholemeal wheat flour.
Read the ingredients list if the proportion of wholemeal flour matters to you. Check allergens separately: bread made with sourdough or seeds can still contain allergens.
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Counting on fresh bread without checking with the store
Jumbo says its rustic sourdough loaves are baked in store and aren’t available to order online. So, if you’re planning a meal for a set time, it’s important to check availability at your local store.
Check what’s available and plan when you’ll collect the bread. If you’re not sure you’ll be able to get it, suitable bake-at-home bread could be an alternative.
You may need to make an extra trip to the shop or find a last-minute replacement if your preferred loaf isn’t available.
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Using the same baking time for every bake-at-home loaf
Preparation times vary by product and appliance. Instructions for a PLUS baguette won’t necessarily work for focaccia or ciabatta.
Follow the instructions on the packaging of the bread you buy, including any guidance on preheating.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
Worth considering if you want to compare the ingredients and storage instructions for a particular brown wheat sourdough loaf.
- According to Albert Heijn, AH Liefde & Passie Nederlands desem brons is a 600 g loaf containing 9,6% wheat sourdough and iodised salt. Albert Heijn says you can freeze it at home on the day you buy it.
- The loaf contains cereals with gluten. Also check the latest packaging for information about possible cross-contamination.
Jumbo
A good option if you’re choosing between rustic sourdough loaves for lunch or drinks.
- Jumbo describes eight varieties that, according to the retailer, are left to rise for more than 24 hours with fresh sourdough.
- Jumbo says these loaves are baked in store and aren’t available to order online, so check the selection at your local store.
Lidl
An option to explore if you’re looking for an organic multigrain sourdough loaf with seeds.
- Lidl describes its Bio rustiek meergranen desembrood as an organic brown loaf with seeds, weighing 600 g.
- Before buying, check the latest ingredients and allergen information on the product details or in store.
ALDI
Worth considering if you’re looking at seeded rustic loaves or bread to bake at home.
- ALDI describes its luxe vloerbrood zonnebloem as a loaf with sunflower seeds and linseeds. Its bake-at-home range includes focaccia and ciabatta.
- Ingredients and preparation methods vary by loaf, so check the details for the variety you choose.
PLUS
A good choice to consider if you want to compare in-store sourdough with a bake-at-home baguette.
- PLUS says its Korenlanders sourdough loaves are baked fresh daily. Its multigrain bake-at-home baguette lists 35% wholemeal wheat flour and iodised salt.
- For the bake-at-home baguette, check which allergens it contains and may contain, and follow the latest preparation instructions.
Dirk
A brand to look at if you want to serve a rustic loaf with seeds.
- Dirk describes its Batard pompadour as a loaf with a crisp crust and seeds.
- Check the latest ingredients and allergen information if these are important to your choice.
Bread on Joybuy
This selection includes baguettes and round loaves for a summer meal. Compare the shape and quantity, and if you have a set serving time in mind, check the storage and preparation instructions for the product you choose.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 2 × 4 × 135 g
For anyone serving several baguettes with lunch or drinks: this multigrain variety comes in two packs of four, with each baguette weighing 135 g. Check the latest ingredients and allergen information, including details about wheat and sesame.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Natural Rustic Baguette, 4 × 135 g
For a meal where you want to serve four individual baguettes: this pack contains four, each weighing 135 g. If you plan to bake them, follow the latest instructions on the packaging, as preparation times can vary. Check the allergen information too.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
For anyone who wants to slice a round loaf to share: this bread, described as Whole Wheat, weighs 550 g. Check the proportion and type of wheat flour in the latest ingredients list, along with the allergen information. If baking it at home, follow the instructions on the packaging, as preparation times may vary.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Natural Rustic Round Bread, 550 g
For a lunch or drinks where you want to share a whole loaf: this rustic round loaf weighs 550 g. Check the latest information about wheat, rye and other allergens. If baking it at home, follow the instructions on the packaging; preparation times may vary.
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G'woon White Rustic Baguette, 250 g
For anyone looking for a smaller baguette to serve with a meal: this white rustic variety weighs 250 g. Before planning your meal, check whether the bread needs to be prepared. If you have allergies, read the latest packaging information, including details of possible traces of other ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
Is fresh bread from the shop or bake-at-home bread more convenient for summer drinks?
Choose fresh bread from the shop if you can buy it shortly before your gathering and crust and texture are your top priorities. Choose bake-at-home bread if you want to serve it warm at a time that suits you. You’ll need a suitable appliance and the preparation instructions for the specific product.
How can I check allergens in unpackaged bread?
Before buying, ask the shop for allergen information or check the product details available. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says this information for unpackaged products must be available before purchase, either verbally or in writing. For packaged bread, check the label.
Can I buy sourdough in advance for a holiday meal?
It depends on the bread and its storage instructions. Albert Heijn says you can freeze AH Liefde & Passie Nederlands desem brons at home on the day you buy it. For other loaves, follow the instructions and date on the product’s own packaging.
Does every premium loaf contain iodised salt?
Don’t assume so: check the ingredients list for the specific loaf. Albert Heijn lists iodised salt in AH Liefde & Passie Nederlands desem brons, and PLUS does so for its multigrain bake-at-home baguette. Those product details don’t apply to every other loaf.