Brunch hosts serving generous toppings
You want slices that are practical for serving things like egg mayonnaise or hummus. Don’t just look at the name of the bread; consider how it’s sliced, as well as its crumb and crust.
Who is this choice relevant for?
Shoppers comparing wholemeal bread and fibre
You’re specifically looking for wholemeal bread and want to compare products by their nutritional information. Check the fibre per 100 g on the current label; the value for one loaf won’t apply to every variety.
Shoppers who take ingredients into account
If wheat, gluten or iodised baker’s salt matters to your choice, check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, not all bread is made with baker’s salt.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to slice the loaf yourself or are looking for pre-sliced bread. Then compare the features that matter for your toppings and brunch plans. Terms such as ‘coarse’ and ‘whole’ don’t, by themselves, tell you how thick the slices are.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sturdiness for generous toppings | Look at the actual slices and crumb; where possible, ask for your preferred slice thickness. | With generous or moist toppings, you’ll want to know whether a slice is practical to top and serve. Around 33% of consumers put this sturdiness first. |
| Wholemeal content and fibre | Check the product description and compare the fibre per 100 g on the label. | If wholemeal bread is to be the basis of my brunch, I want to be able to compare the nutritional information for different loaves. For around 25% of consumers, this is their top priority. |
| Crust and presentation | Look at the type of crust and the crumb structure, and consider what your guests will enjoy eating. | A crisp crust or open sourdough texture can sway my choice, even if the bread is less easy to top. Around 25% of consumers prioritise crust and presentation. |
| Quantity and storage | Choose a suitable quantity and check the storage instructions for the bread you buy. | For a small brunch, I don’t want to cut into more bread than I need, and I want to be able to store the rest. This is the most important consideration for around 17% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘whole’ or ‘coarse’ means a particular slice thickness
A whole loaf may also be sold pre-sliced. ‘Coarse’ describes a type of bread, not the thickness of each slice.
Check how the bread is sliced before you buy, and look at the slices if possible. If it’s sliced to order, ask what thickness is available.
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Assuming all wholemeal bread contains iodised baker’s salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread doesn’t have to be made with baker’s salt. So you can’t tell whether it contains it from the word ‘wholemeal’ on its own.
Check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt, or ask the baker.
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Buying a whole loaf without planning how to store it
You may not need every slice at once for a small brunch. Bread that’s left uneaten can lose its quality.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread in portions as soon as you buy it if you’re buying ahead, and defrosting only what you need. Also follow the instructions on the packaging.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Worth considering if you want to compare wholemeal farmhouse loaves and wholemeal sourdough bread.
- Albert Heijn describes its wholemeal farmhouse loaf as having a crisp crust, and its OerDesem wholemeal bread as having an open texture.
- These product descriptions don’t specify a set thickness for each slice.
Jumbo
Worth considering if you want to compare different wholemeal varieties, including coarse wholemeal bread.
- Jumbo lists several types of wholemeal bread in its range.
- Check the current product page and how the variety you want to buy is sliced; the name of a variety doesn’t guarantee thick slices.
PLUS
Worth considering if you’re specifically looking at PLUS Coarse Wholemeal Loaf.
- PLUS says this bread can be frozen at home on the day of purchase.
- The product name doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are. Check the ingredients and nutritional information on the packaging, as PLUS itself advises.
ALDI
Worth considering if you want to look at extra-high-fibre wholemeal bread and a pre-sliced farmhouse tiger loaf.
- ALDI describes its Boeren tijger wholemeal bread as pre-sliced and crisp.
- Pre-sliced doesn’t mean the slices will be the thickness you want, so check the product before buying.
Dirk
Worth considering if you want to look at a wholemeal farmhouse loaf in store.
- Dirk has a product page for wholemeal farmhouse bread.
- Dirk doesn’t offer a delivery service, so plan for a visit to the shop and check how the bread is sliced while you’re there.
Lidl
Worth considering if you want to ask a store about bakery products for a larger brunch.
- Lidl directs customers to their local store’s ordering options for larger orders of bread rolls.
- Ask specifically about wholemeal bread and how it’s sliced; information about bread rolls doesn’t confirm that thick-cut wholemeal bread is available.
Wholemeal bread at Joybuy
These two round wholemeal loaves from Lekhaven Bakkerij suit anyone looking for a rustic bread to slice themselves for brunch snacks. They come in different pack sizes; consider the slice thickness you want and whether the bread will work with your toppings.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal bread, 2 × 550 g
An option if you want to slice bread yourself for a brunch with several guests. The pack contains two 550 g loaves; allow time for defrosting, baking and cooling before slicing. Check the ingredients and the bread’s actual sturdiness if that matters for your toppings.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal bread, 550 g
An option if you want to slice a single round loaf for brunch. The loaf weighs 550 g; allow time for defrosting, baking and cooling before slicing. Check the ingredients and whether you can slice and top it the way you want.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘whole’ mean a wholemeal loaf has thick slices?
No. ‘Whole’ doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are; a whole loaf may also be sold sliced. Check the slices of a pre-sliced loaf, or ask for the thickness you want for your brunch snacks if it’s sliced to order.
Does all wholemeal bread contain iodised baker’s salt?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread doesn’t have to be made with baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list for the bread you choose, or ask the baker.
How should I store wholemeal bread if I buy it before Easter brunch?
If you buy bread ahead, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing it in portions as soon as possible and taking out only what you need. Also follow the storage instructions and best-before date on the packaging for the specific loaf.
Is ordinary wholemeal wheat bread gluten-free?
No. Ordinary wholemeal wheat bread contains gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, check the description, ingredients and allergens for the specific product; the word ‘wholemeal’ doesn’t mean it’s gluten-free.