Putting together a Christmas grazing board
You’re looking for rye bread whose style, slice size and flavour work well with your chosen toppings. A dark sourdough variety and Frisian rye bread give you different starting points for your board.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Comparing labels
You want to know whether a variety is made entirely from wholegrain rye, also contains wheat, or lists ingredients such as linseed and preservatives. The product name alone doesn’t always tell you.
Checking iodine or allergens
You check each pack to see whether iodised baker’s salt has been used and which gluten-containing cereals or other allergens are listed. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says baker’s salt isn’t compulsory; according to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for prepacked products is shown on the label.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the bread style and how many portions you need for your board. Then compare the ingredients and nutritional information of the varieties that suit your serving plans.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Bread style and presentation | Check the bread style, slice size and whether sourdough or seeds are mentioned. | I want to choose slices that suit the toppings and presentation of my Christmas grazing board. Around 31% of consumers prioritise bread style and presentation. |
| Ingredients and nutritional value | Read the ingredients list and compare fibre and salt on the same basis, per 100 g. | If I’m choosing between wholegrain rye and a rye-and-wheat variety, I want to know what’s actually in it. For around 31% of consumers, this nutritional profile is the main consideration. |
| Iodine and allergens | Check whether iodised baker’s salt is listed and read the allergen information for your chosen variety. | Before serving bread to my guests, I want to know which gluten-containing cereals it contains and what the label says about iodine. This is the main concern for around 23% of consumers. |
| Organic ingredients and additions | Check the organic label and the seeds and additions listed. | When choosing, I prioritise organic ingredients or a specific addition such as linseed over a traditional bread style. Around 15% of consumers have this as their main priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all rye bread contains iodised baker’s salt
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that using baker’s salt isn’t compulsory. So, a Dutch origin or an organic label doesn’t confirm which salt has been used in a particular pack.
Check the ingredients list for iodised baker’s salt. If you’re buying unpackaged bread, ask which salt has been used.
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Assuming rye bread is gluten-free
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, rye is a gluten-containing cereal. Some rye bread varieties also list wheat or barley.
Check the allergen information on every pack. Don’t rely on the bread style or brand name to tell you which cereals a variety contains.
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Assuming a premium look means a particular nutritional profile
The products listed differ in their rye and wheat ingredients, seeds, salt and preservatives. Sourdough or an organic label alone won’t tell you how much salt or fibre the bread contains.
Compare the ingredients and nutritional information per 100 g for the packs you’re considering.
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Buying more bread than you’ll use after your get-together
Storage advice may differ for an opened pack and an unopened one. This matters particularly if you choose a large pack for a small gathering.
Choose the number of slices to suit your guests and follow the storage advice on the pack once opened.
Brands compared
Hollandia
Hollandia’s dark sourdough variety is an option if you’re looking for rye bread made with wholegrain rye and malted barley for your Christmas board.
- The variety described by Albert Heijn contains 100% wholegrain rye and sourdough.
- This variety contains rye, barley and gluten, and lists 0.97 g of salt per 100 g. This doesn’t apply to other Hollandia products.
Smaakt
The organic variety described by PLUS is a good fit if you’re looking for rye bread with linseed.
- The ingredients list 53% wholegrain cracked rye and 5% linseed.
- The variety contains rye and gluten, and lists 1.1 g of salt per 100 g. Check the label separately if iodised baker’s salt is important to your choice.
Bolletje
Bolletje Frisian rye bread is a familiar Frisian style that works well on a board with savoury toppings.
- The variety described by PLUS lists 100% wholegrain rye, 9.1 g of fibre per 100 g and no preservative.
- The same variety also contains wheat and gluten. Follow the storage advice on the pack once opened.
Brood van Soma
The wholegrain rye bread variety described by PLUS is worth considering if you want to check whether iodised salt is explicitly listed in the ingredients.
- This variety’s ingredients list includes iodised salt.
- The product also lists wheat gluten and preservatives. Check the ingredients for this specific variety rather than assuming they apply to the whole range.
Van Dijk
Van Dijk offers pre-sliced Ambachtelijk Fries Roggebrood, ideal if you want to decide on the number of slices in advance.
- The pack described by Jumbo contains 10 slices and 500 g of rye bread in total.
- The ingredients list rye, wheat bran and preservatives. Check the pack if the type of salt used matters to you.
Rye bread at Joybuy
This pack of 9 is one option to consider for a rye bread board. Compare the bread style and label with what you’d like to serve your guests.
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TastyBasics rye bread, 9 pieces
A pack of 9 to consider if you’re looking for rye bread for a board. Before serving, check the ingredients, allergens and storage instructions on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dutch rye bread always contain iodised baker’s salt?
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bread doesn’t have to be baked with baker’s salt. So, if the type of salt used matters to you, check the ingredients list for the specific rye bread you’re considering.
Is ordinary rye bread gluten-free?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, rye is a gluten-containing cereal. Check the other allergens on the pack for every variety, too; some products contain wheat or barley, for example.
What label information helps when comparing rye bread?
Start with the ingredients list and allergen information, then compare the nutritional values per 100 g, including fibre and salt. Also check the best-before date and any storage instructions on the pack you choose.
How should I store rye bread after a Christmas market or drinks gathering?
Once opened, follow the storage advice on the pack you bought. The Bolletje variety described should be kept chilled after opening; for another product, check its own instructions rather than assuming the same advice applies.