If you like plenty of filling on your bread
For a toastie, egg or hummus, you’ll want a slice that’s easy to top and handle. Check how each bread is sliced; its shape or name alone won’t tell you how thick the slices are.
Who is this choice relevant to?
If fibre is your priority
If you want the bread in your lunch to contain more fibre, the difference between white and wholemeal matters more than the thickness of the slices. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends replacing white bread with wholemeal or brown bread as often as possible.
If you need to check ingredients and allergens
If you’re buying for someone with an allergy or want up-to-date nutritional information, read the packaging. Albert Heijn and PLUS note that online product information can change; ask for allergen information when buying loose bread.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’re looking for a slice that suits your filling or bread with more fibre. Then check how the bread is sliced and read the information on the packaging of the bread you plan to buy.
White bread
A good choice when: you want white bread for a toastie or a generously filled sandwich and can check how it’s sliced.
Consider: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, white bread contains fewer nutrients than wholemeal bread; a thick slice doesn’t change that difference.
Wholemeal or brown bread
A good choice when: you’re also looking for a type of bread that’s better suited to a fibre-focused lunch.
Consider: the taste and texture may differ from soft white bread; check separately whether the slices suit your filling.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre | Look for the term wholemeal and compare the fibre per 100 g on the latest packaging. | If fibre is my priority for lunch, I want to compare types of bread rather than judge by slice thickness. Around 50% of consumers put this need first. |
| Slice thickness | Check the slices themselves; when comparing portions, also check the weight per slice. | For a toastie or a generously filled sandwich, I’m mainly looking for a slice that suits how I’m preparing it and what I’m putting on it. Around 30% of consumers put this practical need first. |
| Label | Read the latest ingredients, allergen and nutritional information, as well as the use-by date; ask about allergens for loose bread. | When I need to check ingredients for myself or someone else, I don’t want to rely on a product page alone. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming thick-sliced bread is high in fibre
How bread is sliced doesn’t tell you what type it is. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholegrain products contain more fibre than white grain products.
If that difference is important for your lunch, choose the type of bread first, then check whether the slices are suitable for your filling.
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Relying only on the online product page
Ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change. This is especially important if you’re buying for someone with an allergy.
Check the latest packaging before use. For loose bread, ask which allergens it contains.
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Not considering the filling
The choice between white and wholemeal bread doesn’t tell the whole story of your lunch. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that both sweet and savoury fillings can contain a lot of salt, saturated fat or sugar.
So, when comparing lunch options, check the nutritional information for the filling too.
Bread ranges to help you explore
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists several types of white bread online, including whole white loaves and casino-style white bread.
- You can explore different shapes and styles within the white bread range.
- Albert Heijn notes that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change, so check the packaging.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s online white bread range includes casino-style, toastie and farmhouse white bread.
- The different types of bread give you a helpful starting point when searching.
- A name such as toastie bread doesn’t guarantee a particular slice thickness; check the bread you choose.
Lidl
Lidl lists packaged white bread and also describes a freshly baked bread range in its shops.
- If you choose your bread in store, you can see the available types for yourself.
- Lidl notes that availability depends on stock; check how the bread available in your local shop is sliced.
PLUS
PLUS lists several types of white bread online, including farmhouse white and round white bread.
- The category helps you compare different types of bread for lunch.
- PLUS warns that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change; check the latest label.
Dirk
Dirk’s bread range includes white and wholemeal bread.
- You can explore both types of bread within the same range.
- The type of bread or its crust won’t tell you how thickly it’s sliced.
Wholemeal alternatives at Joybuy
These breads are wholemeal alternatives for anyone who values fibre more than white bread and wants to slice their own. They aren’t thick-sliced white bread, so allow time for defrosting, baking and cooling before slicing.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g x 2
A wholemeal alternative if you want to slice your lunch bread to your preferred thickness. This product comes as two 550 g loaves; once defrosted and baked, let the bread cool before slicing. Check the latest packaging for allergen and preparation information.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g
A wholemeal alternative for anyone who wants to slice their own bread after baking. This loaf weighs 550 g and needs to be defrosted, baked and cooled; check the latest packaging for baking times. Check it for allergen information too.
Frequently asked questions
Does a thick slice of white bread make my lunch higher in fibre?
No. Slice thickness doesn’t change the type of bread. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholegrain products contain more fibre than white grain products; compare the nutritional information per 100 g for specific breads.
Does thick-sliced bread mean I’ll need fewer slices?
Not necessarily. The weight per slice and number of slices can vary between loaves, so compare the portion size and nutritional information on the latest packaging.
Where can I find allergen information for white bread?
For packaged white bread, check the latest ingredients list and the allergens listed on the packaging. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, sellers must also provide information about allergens in loose bread.
Can I rely on the ingredients listed on a supermarket product page?
Use the latest packaging to make your final choice. Albert Heijn and PLUS note that online information about ingredients, nutritional values and allergens can change.