Choose a thicker slice if you want bread for generous toppings or a toastie, but check each product to make sure the slice suits your meal and how you plan to prepare it. If wholemeal bread and fibre matter more to you, check the labelling and nutritional information rather than focusing on slice thickness alone. If you don’t eat bread very often, a half loaf or freezing it in portions straight away may suit your needs better.
If you’re adding generous toppings or making a toastie, the main thing is whether the slice works for what you’re making. Check the thickness of the specific loaf; it won’t tell you whether the bread is wholemeal.
For a quick meal, the type of bread matters more than the thickness of the slice. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights the fibre in wholemeal bread. Check the wholemeal labelling and available nutritional information when choosing.
Choosing the right amount and having a plan for storing it may matter more than a thick slice. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises freezing bread in portions straight after buying it if you won’t eat it soon.
First decide whether you want slices that work well with generous toppings or for making a toastie, or whether the type and quantity of bread you use matter more. These are separate considerations: a thick slice isn’t automatically wholemeal, and you don’t have to eat a whole loaf in one go.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Slice thickness and sturdiness | Look at the slice and check whether the bread works with your toppings or toastie maker. | If I’m adding generous toppings, I want a slice that works well as a light meal. Around 40% of consumers prioritise this practical sturdiness. |
| Wholemeal bread and fibre | Check that it’s labelled wholemeal and, if listed, look at the fibre per 100 g. | If I’m mainly focusing on the type of bread, a thick slice doesn’t tell me enough to make my choice. Around 40% of consumers prioritise wholemeal bread and fibre. |
| Portion size and storage | Compare whole and half loaves, and check the use-by and storage information. | I don’t eat bread every day and want to store the rest before it goes stale. Portion size and reducing waste are the main considerations for around 20% of consumers. |
Multigrain and wholemeal don’t mean the same thing. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain refers to the use of different types of grain; the name alone doesn’t tell you that the bread is wholemeal.
If wholemeal is your priority, choose bread that is clearly labelled as wholemeal.
The name alone doesn’t tell you how a slice will work with your toppings, preferred portion size or toastie maker.
Check the packaging or product photo, or look at the bread in the shop, and judge the slice for yourself.
If you live alone and don’t eat bread often, you may end up with bread that goes stale. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises freezing bread in portions straight away if you plan to eat it later.
Choose a half loaf if that better suits your needs, or divide a whole loaf into portions as soon as you buy it.
Ingredients can vary from one loaf to another. If you need to avoid certain ingredients, the name of the bread type isn’t enough to assess a particular product.
Read the ingredients and allergen information for the specific product. For unpackaged bread, ask the seller for details.
Albert Heijn lists a range of wholemeal breads online, including sliced options.
Jumbo lists a range of wholemeal breads online, including finer and coarser varieties.
Lidl includes a fibre indicator on packaged loaves for anyone who wants to compare fibre content.
ALDI’s bread range includes wholemeal loaves in both whole and half sizes.
No. Slice thickness doesn’t tell you anything about the type of grain used or the nutritional value. Check whether the bread is labelled as wholemeal and, if available, look at the fibre per 100 g.
If you won’t eat it soon, it’s best to freeze the bread in portions straight after buying it and take out what you need. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping opened wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2–4 days or in the freezer for 1–3 months. Check the information for your bread, too.
For pre-packaged bread, check the ingredients and allergen information on the label. For unpackaged bread, ask the seller for information about the specific variety.
Don’t assume that all bread is made with baker’s salt. If the type of salt used matters to you, check the ingredients information or ask the seller.
