Who is this choice relevant to?

Snack makers looking for a substantial slice

You want an individual slice that can hold a generous topping. The stated weight per slice and number of slices per pack help you compare portions, but they don’t tell you how thick the slices are.

Shoppers comparing labels

You want to see which grains a rye bread contains and how much fibre and salt it lists per 100 g. Check the allergen information too: a name such as Frisian or wholemeal doesn’t tell you the whole story.

Online grocery shoppers

You want to add rye bread to an online grocery order. Check whether the product you want is available to order for your address and chosen delivery time.

What should you look for when choosing?

First compare the portion per slice and the label; then check whether the rye bread can be ordered for your address and preferred time.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Portion per slice Compare the weight per slice and the number of slices per pack. Don’t treat the weight as a measurement of slice thickness. I want a generous slice for toppings, so I look at the individual portion; around 45% of consumers prioritise the weight per slice.
Ingredients Read the ingredients and allergen information; compare fibre and salt per 100 g. When choosing based on ingredients, I want to know which grains the bread contains and be able to compare the nutritional information; this matters most to around 33% of consumers.
Online availability Choose your address and delivery or collection time, then check the range and ordering conditions. When ordering online, I want to know whether my chosen rye bread will be available in time; around 22% of consumers prioritise the convenience of ordering.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a heavier slice is automatically thicker

    Jumbo lists Bolletje Fries rye bread at around 55.5 g per slice and Van Dijk’s Ambachtelijk Fries rye bread at around 50 g per slice. These weights make the portions easy to compare, but they don’t prove that one slice is physically thicker.

    Use the weight per slice and the number of slices to compare portions. If thickness itself is decisive, ask for a measurement of the slice thickness before buying.

  • Assuming all rye breads have the same ingredients

    Recipes and nutritional values vary. For example, the Brood van Soma Volkoren rye bread sold by PLUS contains wheat ingredients as well as rye. The Consumers’ Association also points out that rye bread may contain less rye than its name suggests.

    Compare the ingredients, allergen information, fibre and salt on the label rather than relying on words such as Frisian or wholemeal.

  • Taking iodised baker’s salt for granted

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So you can’t tell which salt a particular loaf contains simply from the rye bread category.

    If this ingredient matters to your choice, check the ingredients list for iodised salt or baker’s salt. PLUS lists iodised salt in Brood van Soma Volkoren rye bread.

  • Waiting until after you’ve chosen a product to check the delivery time

    Just because you can see a rye bread online doesn’t mean it can be ordered for every address and at every time.

    First choose your address and delivery or collection time. Then check whether the product you want is available for that order.

Brands to consider

Bolletje

Jumbo sells Bolletje Fries rye bread as a 500 g sliced loaf, with 9 slices weighing around 55.5 g each.

  • The label lists 56% wholegrain cracked rye and 9.1 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The product contains rye and wheat. The weight per slice doesn’t prove that it is physically thicker than a slice of another bread.

Van Dijk’s

Jumbo sells Van Dijk’s Ambachtelijk Fries rye bread in a 500 g pack containing 10 slices weighing around 50 g each.

  • The product information lists 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g and a fixed pack of 10 slices.
  • The bread contains rye and wheat, and the packaging lists preservatives. According to the product information, the slices need to be separated with a knife.

Brood van Soma

PLUS sells Brood van Soma Volkoren rye bread in a 400 g pack.

  • The ingredients list explicitly includes iodised salt.
  • As well as rye, this bread contains ingredients including wholemeal wheat and barley malt. The product information doesn’t give a weight per slice, so you can’t compare it as a substantial individual slice.

Rye bread products at Joybuy

These rye bread products are worth exploring if you’re looking for something online to top for a snack. Check the product format and information per item before choosing based on slice weight.

TastyBasics rye bread, 9 pieces

TastyBasics rye bread, 9 pieces

For anyone looking for individual pieces of rye bread for snacks. Check the weight per piece and whether any preparation is needed if you want a substantial slice that’s ready to eat.

View at Joybuy
Bolletje rye bread roll, 500 g

Bolletje rye bread roll, 500 g

For anyone considering a rye bread roll rather than a slice confirmed to be thick-cut. Check the product format and any information about individual slices if size is important for your topped snack.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Which of the Frisian rye breads compared has the heaviest slice?

Of the two products compared at Jumbo, Bolletje Fries rye bread has a higher stated portion weight, at around 55.5 g per slice, than Van Dijk’s Ambachtelijk Fries rye bread, at around 50 g per slice. This doesn’t tell you which bread is physically cut thicker.

Is rye bread automatically gluten-free?

No. The product information for the Bolletje, Van Dijk’s and Brood van Soma breads discussed here lists rye and wheat or other gluten-containing ingredients. Always check the latest allergen information and packaging before buying a specific product.

Does all Dutch rye bread contain iodised baker’s salt?

No, you can’t assume that: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. The ingredients list for the Brood van Soma Volkoren rye bread sold by PLUS includes iodised salt; check the label on any other product.

How should I store Bolletje Fries rye bread after opening?

Follow the instructions on the packaging. Jumbo states that Bolletje Fries rye bread has a limited shelf life after opening and should be kept sealed in the fridge.

Can I get the rye bread I see online delivered?

That depends on the product, your address and your chosen delivery time. First choose your address and time slot at the supermarket, then check whether the rye bread you want is available for your order.