Brunch hosts planning generous savoury toppings
You want to serve fish, egg, cheese or a spread on individual slices and need a shape that suits your planned toppings. So look beyond the name of the bread.
Who is this for?
Guests who prefer milder flavours
You’d also like to offer rye bread to people who prefer a milder flavour and lighter colour. Jumbo describes Bolletje Licht Volkoren Roggebrood as milder in flavour and lighter in colour than a distinctly dark variety.
Shoppers comparing labels
You’re buying for several guests and want to check the ingredients, allergens, fibre, salt and storage instructions for each pack you choose.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, choose a flavour that suits your guests, then judge whether the bread is right for generous toppings by looking at the actual slices. Use the label to plan portions, check ingredients and work out how to store it.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Slice shape and sturdiness | Look at the cut and the slices themselves. If you’re unsure, try one pack with the toppings you plan to serve. | With generous or moist toppings, I want a slice that’s easy to handle. A sturdy base for toppings comes first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Flavour and type of bread | Compare the product description and ingredients: light wholemeal, Frisian and other types don’t indicate slice thickness. | If my guests prefer mild rye bread, I don’t want to judge by its dark colour alone; around 25% of consumers prioritise their preferred flavour style. |
| Portions and availability | Check the pack weight, number of slices and availability at the shop where you do your shopping. | For a brunch with several guests, I want to be able to buy enough usable slices. Around 17% of consumers prioritise planning portions and shopping. |
| Label and storage | Read the ingredients and allergen information; compare the nutritional information per 100 g or per portion, and follow the storage instructions after opening. | If guests need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in each pack before serving. For around 25% of consumers, checking the label is the top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming the type of bread tells you how thick it is
Frisian, dark and wholemeal describe a type of bread, but don’t tell you how thick an individual slice is. So you can’t tell from the product name alone whether the slice is suitable for generous toppings.
Check the cut on the packaging or in the shop. If the shape is a deciding factor, try one pack with the toppings you have planned first.
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Assuming rye bread contains rye and nothing else
For example, Jumbo lists wholemeal wheat flour as well as wholemeal rye in Bolletje Licht Volkoren Roggebrood. This matters if a guest needs to avoid wheat.
Check the current ingredients and allergen information on each pack, even if rye appears in the product name.
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Assuming pack weight tells you how many portions you’ll get
A 400 g pack and a 500 g pack won’t necessarily contain the same number of slices. The portion size you want also affects how much you’ll need for brunch.
Check both the pack weight and the number of slices, then count the portions you’ll need for your guests.
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Assuming all rye bread contains iodised baker’s salt
A general description such as rye bread doesn’t tell you which salt was used in that particular product.
Check the ingredients list if the use of iodised baker’s salt matters to your choice.
Brands to consider
Bolletje
Worth considering if you want to compare Frisian rye bread with a lighter wholemeal variety.
- Jumbo describes Bolletje Licht Volkoren Roggebrood as milder in flavour and lighter in colour, and lists both wholemeal rye and wholemeal wheat flour.
- The product description doesn’t say how thick the slices are, so check the specific variety you choose.
Van Dijk's
Worth considering if you’re looking for Frisian rye bread. Jumbo lists a 500 g pack of Van Dijk's Ambachtelijk Fries Roggebrood with 10 slices; Dirk also stocks Frisian rye bread from the brand.
- The listing of 10 slices at Jumbo helps you plan portions for that pack.
- The number of slices alone doesn’t confirm their thickness or whether they’re suitable for heavy toppings.
Brood van Soma
Worth considering if you want to compare different types of rye bread. PLUS lists, among others, 400 g Brabants roggebrood, 400 g Oberländer tarwe-roggebrood and 500 g Fries roggebrood.
- The varieties listed give you different types and pack weights to compare.
- Check the cut, ingredients and slice shape for each variety; they aren’t necessarily the same.
Rye bread for your Easter brunch on Joybuy
You could include these two rye bread products in your brunch selection. For generous toppings, check the shape and sturdiness of the actual portions for each product.
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TastyBasics rye bread, 9 pieces
For a brunch where you’d like to serve rye bread as individual portions; the product name lists 9 pieces.
Check the shape of the slices and whether the portions are sturdy enough for the toppings you have planned.
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Bolletje Rye Bread Bun, 500 g
For anyone considering a 500 g pack of rye bread for brunch.
The product name refers to a bun, while the description says sliced rye bread. Before buying, check the product’s shape and whether it suits the toppings you have planned.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘thick cut’ always mean rye bread slices are thick?
No. Don’t treat ‘thick cut’ as a standard measure of thickness. Check the actual cut, and use the number of slices only as one factor when assessing the pack.
Which rye bread can I choose if my guests prefer a milder flavour?
Bolletje Licht Volkoren Roggebrood is one option: Jumbo describes this specific product as milder in flavour and lighter in colour, and lists wholemeal wheat flour as well as wholemeal rye. Check the ingredients if a guest needs to avoid wheat.
How should I store rye bread after opening it for Easter brunch?
Follow the instructions on the pack you’ve bought. For Bolletje Licht Volkoren Roggebrood, Jumbo says it has a limited shelf life after opening and should be kept sealed in the fridge.
Can I assume that rye bread contains iodised baker’s salt?
No. Don’t assume this based on the product category. If the type of salt used matters to your choice, check the ingredients list for that specific rye bread.