The host serving plenty of toppings
If you’re serving eggs, cheese, spreads or roasted vegetables, you’ll want slices that are easy to top. Rustic or wholemeal sourdough is one option; choose a loaf shape and thickness that suit your toppings.
Which bread is right for you?
The wholemeal bread fan
If you want wholemeal bread on the brunch table, check the product name and ingredients. Sourdough describes how the bread is made, not whether it’s wholemeal. For packaged bread, compare the fibre per 100 g if needed.
The shopper checking ingredients
If you’re buying bread for someone with an allergy or coeliac disease, check the latest allergen information; sourdough isn’t automatically gluten-free. If the type of salt used matters to you, check whether the product lists baker’s salt or iodised salt. According to the Voedingscentrum, not all bread is made with baker’s salt.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide what you want to serve on the bread. Then compare the type of loaf, when you can prepare or buy it, and the information you need before purchasing.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Bread for generous toppings | Choose between a whole loaf and smaller baguettes, depending on how you want to serve the toppings. | If I’m serving plenty of savoury toppings, I want slices that are easy to top. For around 33% of consumers, the texture of the bread would be the deciding factor. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for ‘wholemeal’ in the product name or ingredients, and compare the fibre per 100 g for packaged bread. | I want to choose a wholemeal loaf for brunch, rather than just bread made with sourdough. Wholemeal would be the first thing around 25% of consumers look for. |
| When you’re serving it | Check whether you’re buying the bread in store or baking it at home, and read the preparation instructions for bake-at-home bread. | If I want to serve bread just before eating, buying or baking it needs to fit my schedule. Around 25% of consumers would put serving time first. |
| Ingredients and salt | Check the latest allergen information; if relevant, also look at the type of salt listed. | Before buying, I need to know which allergens the bread contains for my guests, or I want to be able to check the type of salt used. For around 17% of consumers, this information would be the main consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming sourdough means wholemeal
Sourdough and wholemeal describe different properties of bread. A sourdough loaf can also be white.
Look specifically for ‘wholemeal’ if that’s what you want, and, for packaged bread, compare the fibre per 100 g if you like.
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Assuming sourdough is gluten-free
The proving method doesn’t tell you whether the bread contains gluten or other allergens. A sourdough baguette, for example, may contain wheat or spelt.
For packaged bread, read the latest ingredients and allergen information. For unpackaged bread, ask about allergen information before buying.
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Treating fresh in-store bread like an online order
Jumbo says its rustic sourdough loaves are only available in store. Lidl says its fresh bread range may vary by branch.
Check what your local store has before planning your brunch around a particular loaf. Choose bake-at-home bread if preparing it at home suits your schedule better.
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Assuming every loaf is made with baker’s salt
According to the Voedingscentrum, bread does not have to be made with baker’s salt. The name ‘sourdough’ doesn’t tell you which type of salt has been used.
If this matters when you’re buying, look for ‘baker’s salt’ or ‘iodised salt’ on the label, or ask the baker.
Brands and ranges to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn features products including AH Liefde & Passie Nederlands desem volkoren.
- A specific wholemeal sourdough option to assess by bread type and ingredients.
- Albert Heijn notes that product information may change. Check the packaging; the loaf mentioned was marked ‘in store only’.
Jumbo
Jumbo has a dedicated range of rustic sourdough loaves.
- According to Jumbo, the loaves in this range are proved for more than 24 hours with fresh sourdough starter.
- Jumbo says these loaves are only available in store and cannot be ordered online.
Lidl
Lidl features products including a rustic wholemeal wheat sourdough loaf.
- The product name makes both the wholemeal and sourdough choices clear.
- Lidl says its fresh bread range may vary by branch.
PLUS
PLUS features several Korenlanders sourdough loaves and a white sourdough baguette to bake at home.
- The different loaf shapes give you various ways to serve bread at brunch.
- Check the allergens for each product: the white sourdough baguette lists wheat and spelt.
Dirk
Dirk includes sourdough in its wider bread range.
- You can include the bread range in your plans if you want to buy several things for brunch in one shop.
- Check which specific sourdough loaves your store offers before buying.
ALDI
ALDI offers freshly baked bread and bread to bake at home as general options for brunch.
- The bread range includes several types and preparation methods.
- If you have a particular sourdough in mind, check which products are available when you shop.
Bread options at Joybuy
These bread options are for anyone looking to serve wholemeal bread or baguettes at Easter brunch. Check the ingredients and preparation instructions for each product before deciding whether it suits your toppings and schedule.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round 550 g
A round wholemeal loaf for serving slices with your brunch toppings. Allow time to defrost and bake at home, following the instructions on the packaging.
If anyone has an allergy, check the latest product information. Also check the type of salt used if that matters to you.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Natural Rustic Baguette 4 × 135 g
Four baguettes to share at brunch. Plan ahead to allow them to defrost, and follow the packaging instructions for baking.
If you’re looking for wholemeal bread, don’t rely on the word ‘rustic’ alone; check the ingredients. If anyone has an allergy, also check the latest allergen information.
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G'woon White Rustic Baguette 250 g
A white baguette for anyone looking to serve a sharing side at brunch. Check the packaging for ingredients, allergens and any serving or baking instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Is sourdough bread gluten-free?
No, not automatically: sourdough describes how the bread is made and doesn’t mean it’s free from gluten. Check the ingredients and allergen information for the bread you’re buying; the white sourdough baguette from PLUS, for example, lists wheat and spelt.
How do I check allergens in bread from an in-store bakery?
Ask the retailer for allergen information before buying. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, sellers of unpackaged food must provide information about 14 allergens; check which information applies to the specific bread.
Does sourdough bread always contain baker’s salt?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, bread does not have to be made with baker’s salt. If you want to know which type of salt was used in a particular loaf, read the label or ask the baker.
Can I bake sourdough baguettes just before Easter brunch?
Yes, if you buy a baguette designed to be baked at home and you have time to prepare it. The white sourdough baguette from PLUS comes with baking instructions; always follow the directions on the packaging of the product you buy.