Who is this choice relevant to?

Hosts welcoming a new baby

If you want to serve rusks with aniseed sprinkles, you’ll need rusks. Jumbo and Albert Heijn both feature rusks for this treat; you can also buy a half wholemeal loaf for everyday sandwiches.

Small households

If you’re unlikely to get through a whole loaf quickly, you could consider a smaller pack. Check the storage instructions too: PLUS says its Boeren volkoren half can be frozen on the day of purchase.

Shoppers comparing labels

If fibre, salt or allergens affect your choice, check that the specific loaf is labelled wholemeal and read its nutritional information. Jumbo and PLUS list different values per 100 g for the half loaves mentioned here.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What to check when buying Most relevant to
Base for the aniseed sprinkles Choose rusks for the traditional crunchy treat; buy bread separately if you also want sandwiches. I want to serve rusks with aniseed sprinkles when welcoming a new baby, not soft bread topped with sprinkles. For around 36% of consumers, this traditional treat comes first.
Quantity and storage Check the weight and freezing instructions. PLUS lists its Boeren volkoren half as 400 g and recommends freezing it on the day of purchase and using it within one month. If I don’t eat much bread, I don’t want to buy more than I can use. Around 29% of consumers prioritise a suitable quantity and storage options.
Label and ingredients Look for the wholemeal label and compare fibre and salt per 100 g; check the allergen information too. Jumbo lists 7,6 g of fibre and 1,00 g of salt per 100 g for Fijn Volkoren Half, while PLUS lists 6,7 g of fibre and 1,03 g of salt per 100 g for Boeren volkoren half. When choosing bread, I want to know what’s in the specific variety, especially if certain ingredients or allergens are deal-breakers. The label is the top priority for around 21% of consumers.
How you shop Check whether the bread you want is available in your shop or through your usual way of ordering. Lidl lists Halfje extra volkorenbrood as an in-store product. I want to be able to collect my shopping or have it delivered without making a separate trip for one loaf. For around 14% of consumers, how they buy the product is the deciding factor.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing half a loaf with rusks

    Soft bread doesn’t give you the same crunchy base as rusks. So a half loaf on its own isn’t enough for the traditional new-baby celebration treat.

    If you’re serving rusks with aniseed sprinkles, add rusks and sprinkles to your shopping list first. You can also get a half wholemeal loaf separately for breakfast or lunch.

  • Judging by the dark colour

    The colour doesn’t tell you whether bread is wholemeal. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour.

    Look for the wholemeal label on the pack, then compare the nutritional information per 100 g if you’re choosing between loaves.

  • Assuming every loaf contains iodised baking salt

    According to brood.net, using iodised baking salt is not a legal requirement. The type of bread alone doesn’t tell you which salt has been used.

    If this ingredient matters to you, check the ingredients list for the specific loaf.

  • Assuming every half loaf can be delivered

    Lidl lists Halfje extra volkorenbrood as available in-store only. This makes the way you shop worth considering if you want your groceries delivered.

    Before planning your shopping, check how you can buy the variety you want.

    You may need to visit a shop to buy this particular Lidl variety.

Brands to compare

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn features wholemeal rusks, among other products, for this celebration treat.

  • Rusks are a separate option from bread for sandwiches.
  • AH Boeren grof volkorenbrood half is listed as discontinued; check which half loaves are currently available.

Jumbo

Jumbo features both rusks and Fijn Volkoren Half.

  • Jumbo lists 7,6 g of fibre and 1,00 g of salt per 100 g for Fijn Volkoren Half.
  • Check the current packaging of the variety you’re buying for ingredient and allergen information.

Lidl

Lidl lists Halfje extra volkorenbrood at 400 g.

  • The stated weight can help you choose a smaller pack.
  • This product is listed as available in-store only; check the label there if nutritional information is important to your choice.

ALDI

ALDI features a product called Extra vezelrijk volkorenbrood half.

  • The product description mentions seeds and grains.
  • Compare the nutritional values and allergens on the current packaging.

PLUS

PLUS Boeren volkoren half comes in a 400 g pack with specific storage instructions.

  • PLUS lists 6,7 g of fibre and 1,03 g of salt per 100 g, and recommends freezing it on the day of purchase and using it within one month.
  • According to PLUS, the bread contains wheat, barley and soya; check the information about other possible allergens too.

Dirk

Dirk features Bakker van der Akker Casino volkoren half as a half-loaf option.

  • The product name makes the type of bread and half-size pack clear.
  • Check the bread’s label if fibre, salt or allergens are important to your choice.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I use half a wholemeal loaf for rusks with aniseed sprinkles?

For the traditional crunchy new-baby celebration treat, choose rusks. A half wholemeal loaf is also handy for everyday sandwiches for your household or for visitors who would prefer bread.

How can I tell if bread is wholemeal?

Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging rather than judging by the colour. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour.

Is iodised baking salt compulsory in Dutch bread?

No. According to brood.net, using iodised baking salt is not a legal requirement. If this ingredient affects your choice, check the ingredients list on the bread you want to buy.

How should I store half a wholemeal loaf?

Follow the instructions for the specific loaf. For Boeren volkoren half, PLUS recommends storing it in a cool, dark place, or freezing it on the day of purchase and using it within one month.

Where can I check allergens in half a wholemeal loaf?

Read the allergen information on the current packaging for the variety you’ve chosen. PLUS lists wheat, barley and soya for Boeren volkoren half, and also mentions the possible presence of allergens including nuts and sesame.