Who is this choice important for?

People buying for a short stay

For a weekend or a small group, you’ll want enough slices for the meals you have planned without ending up with lots of bread left over. Compare a half loaf with a whole loaf, and check whether you can freeze portions.

Holidaymakers keeping an eye on fibre

If bread is on the menu every day, you can compare the wholemeal label and the fibre content per 100 g. Also check separately that the type of slice and quantity suit your stay.

Groups with an allergen or gluten-free requirement

If you’re buying for several people, you’ll need to check the ingredients and allergens for the specific loaf. Even if a loaf is labelled gluten-free, you still need to check for other allergens.

What should you look for when buying?

If you need to meet an allergen or gluten-free requirement, check the label first. Then choose a quantity that suits the number of people, the length of your stay and whether you can freeze the bread.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters most to
Quantity and storage Compare a half loaf and a whole loaf with the meals you have planned. Check whether you can freeze the bread according to the packaging. For a short stay, I don’t want to end up with lots of bread left over. Getting the right quantity would come first for around 40% of consumers.
Wholemeal and fibre Check the product description and, if needed, compare the fibre content per 100 g in the nutrition information. If I eat bread every day, I want to be able to compare the fibre content of different products. This would be the main consideration for around 30% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information for the specific loaf; check that the packaging confirms it is gluten-free if required. If I’m buying for someone with a relevant allergy or a gluten-free requirement, the label must meet that need. This check would take priority for around 20% of consumers.
Type of slice and availability Check the loaf shape and slicing information on the product listing, and check availability at your chosen shop. I want to be able to buy bread while travelling that’s ready to top straight away. That would be the first thing to consider when buying for around 10% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Taking a whole loaf for a short weekend without a storage plan

    For a small group, you could have bread left over before your stay is finished.

    Count the breakfasts and lunches you have planned. Consider choosing a half loaf, or freeze portions as soon as you buy it, following the storage instructions.

  • Assuming wholemeal or gluten-free means allergen-free

    Ingredients vary from loaf to loaf. A gluten-free label doesn’t, by itself, tell you whether other allergens are present.

    Check the current ingredients and allergen information for the specific product, even if the type of bread sounds familiar.

  • Searching only for ‘medium sliced’

    Shops also use descriptions such as fine, sliced, half and whole. As a result, a search result may show a different loaf shape from the slices you’re looking for.

    Check the full product name and packaging. If needed, also search for ‘fine wholemeal half loaf’ or ‘sliced wholemeal bread’.

  • Assuming every store has the same fresh bread

    The fresh range can vary from shop to shop, as Lidl notes about its range.

    Check availability at your chosen shop or delivery postcode just before you leave, and think about what other bread would also meet your requirements.

Brands to compare

Albert Heijn

An option to explore if you’re looking for a half wholemeal loaf with storage information specific to the product.

  • One AH variant states that it can be frozen at home on the day of purchase.
  • For any other AH loaf, check the type of slice, ingredients, allergens and storage instructions again.

Jumbo

An option to compare a half fine wholemeal loaf with a separate gluten-free loaf at product level.

  • Jumbo lists 7,6 g of fibre per 100 g for Fijn Volkoren - Half.
  • The details for this half loaf don’t automatically apply to the gluten-free multiseed loaf; check the allergens for each product separately.

PLUS

An option for finding fine wholemeal loaves in whole or half sizes.

  • The category includes products such as Round Fine Wholemeal, Whole and Round Fine Wholemeal, Half.
  • Check the type of slice and ingredients for each product, and availability at each shop.

ALDI

An option if you’re looking for sliced fine wholemeal bread in a shop.

  • ALDI describes its Fijn Volkoren heel as sliced bread.
  • Check that the whole size suits your stay and that the product is available at your chosen store.

Lidl

An option for comparing fresh, pre-packed and bake-at-home loaves as different types of bread.

  • Lidl lists a fibre meter on its packaged bread.
  • The fresh range can vary by store. To compare fibre with products from other shops, check the nutrition information per 100 g.

Dirk

An option for comparing different half and whole loaves side by side.

  • The bread category includes wholemeal and square sandwich loaves in various sizes.
  • Check the type of slice, ingredients and allergens for the specific loaf you want to buy.

Joybuy products

Matching products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How should I store bread during a stay in a holiday home?

According to the Voedingscentrum, freeze any bread you don’t need straight away in portions as soon as you buy it. Also check the storage instructions and date on the packaging for the specific loaf.

What should I look for in regular bread if someone has an allergy?

Check the allergen information on the current packaging for the bread you’ve chosen. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains which allergens must be listed on labels, so don’t rely on the bread’s name or colour alone.

Does gluten-free bread contain no other allergens?

No. The gluten-free multiseed bread described by Jumbo contains soya and states that other allergens may be present. So, even with gluten-free bread, read the full allergen information on the packaging.

How can I tell whether bread contains baker’s salt?

Check the ingredients list for the specific loaf to see whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed. Don’t rely on the type of bread or the shop’s name alone.