If you make generously topped snacks
If you want a thick slice for toppings, toast or a toastie, you’ll want to choose how thickly to cut the bread. A whole loaf gives you that freedom; check the crust and crumb too before you choose.
Who might be interested in thick-cut bread?
If you buy wholemeal bread every day
If wholemeal matters more to you than a rustic look, start by checking the type of bread and its ingredients. Then see whether you can buy it as a whole loaf if you want thick slices.
If you need to check ingredients carefully
If you have questions about allergens, seeds or the type of salt used, the information for the specific loaf matters more than its appearance or slice thickness. Read the label, or ask for the product information if the bread is unpackaged.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to choose the slice thickness yourself. Then compare the type of bread and the information you need for your purchase.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Slice thickness and ease of cutting | Check whether the loaf is whole, and look at the crust and crumb if you want to cut thick slices yourself. | If I’m adding generous toppings, I want to choose the thickness myself without the bread falling apart as I cut it. Around 42% of consumers put this need first. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check whether the bread is wholemeal and compare the fibre content in the nutrition information; choose a whole loaf if you also want to slice it yourself. | If bread is a regular choice for breakfast or lunch, I want to know what type of bread and nutritional value I’m buying first. Around 33% of consumers put this first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information; check the packaging for baker’s salt or iodised salt to find out what type of salt was used. | I need to check before buying whether the ingredients suit my needs. This is the first consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a thick slice is a sturdy slice
Even a thick slice can tear or become soft under moist or heavy toppings. Thickness alone doesn’t tell you how well the crumb will hold up.
If you want to choose the thickness yourself, look for a whole loaf and check the crust, crumb and how easy it is to slice in store.
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Assuming sourdough or rustic bread is made with iodised salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt when baking bread isn’t compulsory. So the style of bread won’t tell you what type of salt was used.
For packaged bread, check the ingredients for baker’s salt or iodised salt. If the bread is unpackaged, ask which type was used.
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Relying on the name of the bread alone
A name such as wholemeal or sourdough doesn’t replace the product-specific information about ingredients, allergens and nutritional value.
Check the label on the loaf you’re actually buying. If the bread is unpackaged, ask about allergens before you buy it.
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Buying a whole loaf without a plan for storing it
Slicing thick pieces yourself is handy, but a whole loaf may be more than you can use quickly.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises freezing bread in portions as soon as you buy it. Then take out what you need.
Brands and shops to explore
These ranges include types of bread you could consider for thick slices. Check whether each loaf is available whole and what product information is provided.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers, among other things, whole wholemeal hearth bread and sliced bread from the Liefde & Passie range.
- A whole hearth loaf is an option if you want to choose the slice thickness yourself.
- Check whether your chosen variety is whole or sliced, and read the ingredients and allergen information.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists hearty multigrain and wholemeal varieties, as well as rustic sourdough loaves.
- These types of bread offer different starting points if you care about flavour, wholemeal bread or slicing it yourself.
- Check whether each variety is available as a whole loaf; the name of a bread doesn’t determine its slice thickness.
PLUS
PLUS offers whole Korenlanders wholemeal loaves, hearth breads and sourdough varieties.
- With the whole varieties, you can choose the slice thickness you want.
- Check the variety and current availability at your local shop or in your delivery area.
Dirk
Dirk offers, among other things, a wholemeal batard and a whole wholemeal hearth loaf.
- The whole hearth loaf is an option if you want to cut thick slices yourself.
- Check how easy the specific loaf is to slice; its name doesn’t tell you for certain how well it will support toppings.
Lidl
Lidl lists a rustic wholemeal sourdough loaf and provides ingredient and allergen information for its freshly baked bread.
- The product information helps you check the ingredients of a specific variety.
- Check in store whether the bread you want is available as a whole loaf and can be sliced the way you like.
ALDI
ALDI lists both whole and pre-sliced loaves, including a whole wholemeal loaf.
- A whole loaf gives you the freedom to choose the slice thickness yourself.
- Nutrition claims for one specific loaf don’t automatically apply to other varieties; compare the product information.
Round loaves to slice yourself
These two round loaves may suit you if you want to cut thick slices for a snack. Check whether your chosen variety arrives as a whole loaf, whether it needs any preparation and how easy it is to slice.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g
A round loaf to consider if you want to cut thick slices for toppings. Check how the bread is delivered, whether it needs any preparation, and whether the crust and crumb are easy to slice the way you like.
Before buying, read the full ingredient and allergen information and check the packaging to see what type of salt was used.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round 550 g
A round multigrain loaf to consider if you want to cut thick slices yourself. Check how the bread is delivered, whether it needs any preparation, and whether the crumb is suitable for the toppings you want to use.
Refer to the full information for this specific loaf for details of its ingredients, allergens and the type of salt used.
Frequently asked questions
Does bread in the Netherlands have to be made with iodised baker’s salt?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt when baking bread isn’t compulsory. Check the ingredients on packaged bread, or ask which type of salt was used if the bread is unpackaged.
How can I check for allergens in unpackaged bread?
Ask for the allergen information for the specific bread before buying it. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that sellers must also tell customers about allergens present in unpackaged food.
Is sourdough automatically wholemeal?
No. The term sourdough doesn’t confirm that a loaf is wholemeal. Check the product name and ingredients if you’re specifically looking for a wholemeal loaf that you can cut thickly yourself.
How should I store a whole loaf if I only need a few thick slices?
Divide the loaf into portions and freeze them as soon as you buy it, as the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises. That way, you can take out what you need each time. Also follow the storage instructions for the bread itself.