Who should choose rye bread?

The host of a herring get-together

You’re looking for a familiar base for Dutch new-season herring, perhaps served with onion or beetroot. The thickness and size of the slices matter if you’re making bite-sized portions.

The fan of small topped bites

You want to serve neat portions and are mainly looking at thin slices, flavour and the grains in the bread. Brabant-style rye bread could be worth considering if the stated slice style suits your presentation.

The ingredient-conscious shopper

You compare the amount of wholegrain rye, fibre and salt per 100 g. Whether baker’s salt is listed and the allergen information may also influence your choice.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide what you’d like to serve: a traditional combination with herring, a smaller topped piece or bread chosen mainly for its ingredients. Then compare the packaging and nutritional information of the products that fit the bill.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Herring and substantial bites Look for Frisian rye bread and check the size and firmness of the slices to make sure they suit the size of bite you want to serve. I want to serve Dutch new-season herring on a familiar base, without the bites falling apart as I top them. Around 42% of consumers put this traditional presentation first.
Small, evenly sized portions Check the thickness of the slices and compare the listed grains; a lighter rye variety may also contain wheat. For my get-together, I want smaller pieces that are easy to top neatly, with a flavour my guests will enjoy. Around 33% of consumers favour this presentation.
Ingredients and labelling Compare the proportion of wholegrain rye, fibre and salt per 100 g; also read the allergen information and check whether baker’s salt is listed. I only choose once I’ve compared the ingredients and nutritional information on the packs. For around 25% of consumers, checking the label is the main priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘premium’ means a high rye content

    A regional name or smart packaging doesn’t tell you how much rye the bread contains. The Consumers’ Association points out that rye bread may contain less rye than its name suggests.

    Read the ingredients list and compare the nutritional values, including fibre, per 100 g.

  • Assuming organic bread contains baker’s salt

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt when baking bread isn’t compulsory. So the organic label alone doesn’t tell you whether the bread contains iodised salt.

    Check the latest label for ‘baker’s salt’ or ‘iodised salt’ if this matters to your choice.

  • Assuming rye bread is gluten-free

    Rye is a gluten-containing grain, and some rye breads also contain wheat. The allergen information may also be important for the toppings and other bites on your platter.

    Before buying, check the allergen information for both the bread and the ingredients you plan to serve with it.

  • Opening more packs than you need

    If you’re hosting later in the week, think about how much bread you’ve already opened and how you’ll store the rest.

    Plan how many bites you’ll need, keep unopened packs sealed and follow the storage instructions on the pack once the bread has been opened.

Brands and retailers to consider

Albert Heijn

In an Allerhande recipe, Albert Heijn pairs Dutch new-season herring with Frisian rye bread. It also describes its own Brabant-style rye bread.

  • The Brabant-style bread described is thinly sliced and contains rye sourdough: features worth looking at if you want to make small topped bites.
  • Check the latest availability and the label on the variety you actually buy.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists several styles in its rye bread category, including Frisian, Brabant-style, Limburg-style and Oberländer.

  • These differences in style give you a starting point for comparing the slice shape and ingredients of specific products.
  • For ingredients and availability, check the latest product packaging or product page rather than relying on the category name alone.

PLUS

PLUS lists several rye bread varieties, including an organic product from Smaakt.

  • For the Smaakt variety described, PLUS lists 53% wholegrain cracked rye and 5% linseed; these are specific ingredients you can compare with other labels.
  • Check the salt, allergens and any mention of baker’s salt on the pack you choose.

Dirk

Dirk lists, among other products, Frisian rye bread from Van Dijk’s, Soma Oberländer and rye bread from Bolletje.

  • These product styles can be a useful starting point if you’re looking for a particular texture for your get-together.
  • For a meaningful comparison, read the ingredients and nutritional information on the pack.

Lidl

Lidl describes a 500 g rye bread variety with sunflower seeds.

  • The mention of sunflower seeds tells you which ingredient to expect in this variety.
  • Check the full ingredients list, nutritional information and current availability in store.

Rye bread at Joybuy

This product is one option to consider if you’re looking for rye bread for a Flag Day get-together. Check the product’s shape before deciding how many small herring bites you can make with it.

Bolletje Rye Bread Bun, 500 g pack

Bolletje Rye Bread Bun 500 g

You could consider this rye bread for a herring get-together, provided its shape works for the bites you want to make.

The product name states 500 g. Check whether the pack contains rolls or slices, and read the latest allergen information and salt details.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Which rye bread goes well with Dutch new-season herring?

Frisian rye bread is a good choice for a traditional combination: Albert Heijn uses it in a recipe with Dutch new-season herring. If you’re mainly after small, evenly topped pieces, also check how thickly the Brabant-style rye bread is sliced.

Is rye bread always made entirely from wholegrain rye?

No. The Consumers’ Association points out that the rye content may be lower than you expect. Read the ingredients list for the specific loaf; some varieties contain wheat as well as rye.

Does Dutch rye bread always contain baker’s salt?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt when baking bread isn’t compulsory. So check the ingredients list of your chosen rye bread to find out whether baker’s salt or iodised salt has been used.

Is ordinary rye bread gluten-free?

No, rye is a gluten-containing grain. Read the allergen information carefully; rye bread may also contain wheat. Check the toppings separately for any allergens that are relevant to you.

How should I store dark rye bread for a get-together later on?

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping dark rye bread in the fridge for two weeks or in the freezer for one to three months. Also follow the storage instructions on your pack, especially after opening it.