If you shop just before mealtime
A fresh sourdough roll is a good choice if you want to serve the rolls without baking them at home. When you shop, check the current range and the ingredients of the roll you choose.
Buy a fresh sourdough roll if you’re shopping just before mealtime and don’t want to bake it at home. Part-baked sourdough rolls let you shop earlier and choose when to bake them, but you’ll need time to prepare them and a suitable appliance. For both types, check the ingredients, allergens and whether iodised salt is listed: the word ‘sourdough’ doesn’t tell you enough about these.
A fresh sourdough roll is a good choice if you want to serve the rolls without baking them at home. When you shop, check the current range and the ingredients of the roll you choose.
Part-baked sourdough rolls let you bake them just before serving. Check the preparation instructions, pack size and storage instructions after opening.
Compare the fibre per 100 g, check whether iodised salt is listed and read the allergen information. The details for each product matter, especially for rolls made with different grains, kernels or seeds.
First decide whether you want to serve the rolls straight away or bake them at home. Then compare the ingredients and nutritional information of products that suit the occasion.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| When you’ll serve them | Check whether the roll is ready to eat or part-baked, and what preparation the bake-at-home product requires. | I want to serve the rolls without waiting for an oven; this is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Sourdough and type of bread | Check whether sourdough or sourdough starter and yeast are listed in the ingredients; also consider whether you want white, spelt or multiseed rolls. | What matters to me is what’s actually in the roll, not just the name on the shelf. Around 25% of consumers say this is their most important consideration. |
| Salt, fibre and allergens | Check whether iodised salt or bakers’ salt is listed, compare the fibre per 100 g and read the allergen information. | If certain ingredients matter to the people I’m serving, I want to be able to check the label before buying. This is the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
| Number of rolls | Compare individual rolls with multi-packs, and check how to store an opened pack. | I want enough rolls for everyone at the table without unnecessary leftovers. This is the top priority for around 19% of consumers. |
The ingredients lists for the white sourdough products mentioned from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS also include yeast. So the product name alone doesn’t tell you which raising agents have been used.
Read the full ingredients list if the composition of the roll is important to your choice.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using bakers’ salt in bread is not compulsory. So you’ll need to check which salt has been used in each sourdough roll.
Look for ‘iodised salt’ or ‘bakers’ salt’ on the label, even if you’re considering organic bread.
A multiseed or spelt roll may contain several gluten-containing grains and sesame. The term ‘multigrain’ also doesn’t confirm that all the grains used are wholemeal.
Read the ingredients and allergen information. Only assume a product is wholemeal if this is explicitly stated on the packaging.
A pack of four part-baked rolls can be handy for a group, but you may have leftovers if you’re serving fewer people.
Choose the number of individual rolls and packs to suit your expected group, and follow the storage instructions after opening.
Albert Heijn’s range includes a white sourdough roll and an organic multiseed version.
Jumbo offers part-baked white sourdough rolls in a pack of four.
At PLUS, you can compare an individual white sourdough roll with spelt rolls for baking at home.
Lidl lists a white roll in its freshly baked in-store range.
ALDI lists an individual white roll for in-store purchase.
Dirk lists a rustic multigrain roll in a pack of four for baking at home.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using bakers’ salt in bread is not compulsory. Check the label on the specific roll to see whether it lists ‘iodised salt’ or ‘bakers’ salt’.
No. The sourdough products mentioned contain wheat or spelt, among other ingredients; depending on the product, they may also contain other gluten-containing grains. Read the ingredients and allergen warning, and only assume a product is gluten-free if it is explicitly labelled as such.
Yes, if the instructions for that particular product say you can. The instructions for the PLUS spelt rolls say to preheat the air fryer to 200 °C and bake for four minutes; for other rolls, follow their own preparation instructions.
No. Compare the type of bread, ingredients and nutritional information for each product, including the fibre per 100 g. The term ‘sourdough’ alone doesn’t tell you how much fibre or salt a roll contains.