Who is portion size important for?

If you want one large slice to top

If you want to use one slice as the base for your late-night snack, a stated weight per slice makes it easier to compare products. Jumbo lists around 50 g per slice for Van Dijk’s; Joybuy lists 56 g servings for TastyBasics. Weight alone doesn’t tell you how thick or firm the slice will feel.

If you’re comparing wholegrain rye and fibre

If these qualities matter to you, check the ingredients and the fibre per 100 g. Portion size is a separate consideration: a mention of wholegrain rye doesn’t tell you how much a slice weighs.

If you’re looking for a milder flavour

You can compare a wheat-and-rye variety with Frisian rye bread to see which flavour appeals to you. Also compare the fibre and salt per 100 g, and read the allergen information for the product you choose.

What should you look for when choosing?

If a large slice is your priority, start with portion size. Then compare the ingredients and nutritional information of the varieties you’re considering.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Portion size Compare the pack weight with the number of slices, or look for a weight per slice. Jumbo lists 10 slices of around 50 g each for Van Dijk’s; Joybuy lists 9 servings of 56 g for TastyBasics. If I want to top one generous slice for my late-night snack, I want to know how big the portion is. For around 42% of consumers, portion size would be the main factor in their choice.
Wholegrain rye and fibre Read the ingredients and compare fibre per 100 g. PLUS lists 9.1 g of fibre per 100 g for Bolletje Frisian rye bread and 5.1 g per 100 g for Soma Oberländer. If wholegrain rye matters more to me than a large slice, I want to be able to compare the ingredients and fibre content. This would be the top priority for around 33% of consumers.
Flavour, allergens and salt Compare the bread varieties on the label and read the allergen information. Check the salt per 100 g in both the bread and any toppings. If you’re looking for a milder flavour, you’ll also want to know which grains the bread contains and how much salt is in your snack. For around 25% of consumers, this combination would be the main consideration.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘dark’ or ‘Frisian’ means ‘thick-cut’

    A name or colour doesn’t tell you the weight per slice. So you can’t tell from the front of the pack whether one slice is the portion size you’re looking for.

    Check the number of slices and the pack weight, or choose a pack that states the weight per slice.

  • Looking only at the fibre content

    The fibre content doesn’t tell you how much salt the bread contains or which allergens it includes. According to product information from Jumbo and PLUS, the Van Dijk’s and Bolletje Frisian varieties discussed here contain both rye and wheat.

    Check the fibre, salt and allergens on the label of the same variety. When checking salt, remember to take your toppings into account too.

  • Assuming all rye bread contains iodised baker’s salt

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So the type of bread alone won’t tell you whether the salt in that product is iodised.

    If this matters to your choice, check the ingredients list for iodised salt or baker’s salt.

Brands to compare

These examples relate to specific rye breads. Ingredients, serving sizes and nutritional values can vary between varieties.

Van Dijk’s

This artisan Frisian rye bread has a clearly stated portion size, which is useful if you’re looking for a large slice.

  • Jumbo lists 10 slices in 500 g, at around 50 g per slice, and 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • This variety contains rye and wheat. If you have an allergy, check the label on the exact pack.

Bolletje

The Frisian variety is worth comparing if wholegrain rye and a stated fibre content are important to you.

  • PLUS lists Bolletje Frisian rye bread as containing 56% wholegrain cracked rye and 9.1 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The ingredients also include wheat. If you’re looking for a large slice, don’t rely on the word ‘Frisian’—check the portion size.

Brood van Soma

The Oberländer wheat-and-rye variety is worth comparing if you’re looking for a different flavour from Frisian rye bread.

  • PLUS lists 5.1 g of fibre and 1.1 g of salt per 100 g for Oberländer.
  • Ingredients vary between varieties. The iodised salt listed by PLUS for Soma wholegrain rye bread doesn’t tell you anything about Oberländer.

TastyBasics

This rye bread is worth considering if you want to compare a specific portion weight in grams before buying.

  • Joybuy lists 9 servings of 56 g per pack.
  • The serving weight doesn’t measure the thickness of the slice. Also read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack.

Rye bread on Joybuy

With TastyBasics, you can choose based on a stated 56 g serving. With Bolletje Rye Bread Roll, you can compare wholegrain ingredients, but check the number of slices or the weight per slice if a generous portion is what matters most to you.

TastyBasics Rye Bread, 9 pieces

TastyBasics Rye Bread, 9 pieces

Worth a look if you’re after a separate portion with a stated weight for your late-night snack: Joybuy lists 9 servings of 56 g. This weight doesn’t tell you how thick the slice is. If you have an allergy, read the information on the pack; according to the product information, this rye bread contains gluten-containing cereals and may contain sesame, milk and nuts.

View at Joybuy
Bolletje Rye Bread Roll, 500 g

Bolletje Rye Bread Roll, 500 g

Worth a look if you’re after a 500 g rye bread and want to compare the ingredients. Joybuy’s product information describes it as made with wholegrain cereals. If portion size will determine your choice, check the number of slices or the weight per slice. If you have an allergy, also check the label for the grains it contains.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How can I spot a large slice if the pack doesn’t say ‘thick cut’?

Compare the number of slices with the pack weight, or look for a weight per serving. Jumbo lists 10 slices of around 50 g each for Van Dijk’s, while Joybuy lists 9 servings of 56 g for TastyBasics. This helps you assess portion size, but not the measured thickness or firmness of a slice.

Is rye bread gluten-free?

Rye bread isn’t automatically gluten-free. The Van Dijk’s and Bolletje Frisian varieties discussed here list both rye and wheat. If you have an allergy or other dietary restriction, always check the allergen information for the exact product.

Does all rye bread in the Netherlands contain iodised baker’s salt?

No, you can’t tell from the type of bread: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. If this matters to your purchase, check the ingredients list for iodised salt or baker’s salt.

How should I store rye bread once it’s open?

Follow the storage instructions on your pack. For the Bolletje Light Wholegrain variety described by Jumbo, Jumbo recommends sealing the bread and storing it in the fridge after opening. Don’t assume the same instructions apply to every variety.

Should I compare the salt content for a late-night snack too?

Yes. Compare the salt per 100 g when choosing between rye breads, and remember to take your toppings into account. PLUS lists 1.1 g of salt per 100 g for Soma Oberländer; check the label of any other variety for its salt content.