Who is this choice relevant to?

Students who want to store bread in portions

You won’t eat a whole loaf straight away and want to defrost only the slices you need. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread in portions after buying it.

Students who regularly have bread as a meal

When choosing between white, brown and wholemeal bread, you also want to consider the type of loaf. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends replacing white bread with wholemeal or brown bread as often as possible.

What should you look for in bread for a student meal?

First, check that the slices are suitable for what you want to make. Then consider how much bread you’ll use and which type you prefer.

What to consider What should you check? Who should pay particular attention?
Firm, thick slices Look for an explicit statement about slice thickness or check the slices in store. ‘Whole’ says nothing about how thickly the bread is sliced. If I’m making a toastie or a generously topped sandwich, I want to know whether the slices are sturdy enough. For around 42% of consumers, sturdy slices are the top priority.
Making use of a whole loaf Choose a size you can finish, or divide a whole loaf into portions to freeze after buying it. I don’t eat bread every day and want to avoid wasting any slices. For around 33% of consumers, being able to store portions is the main concern.
Type of bread Check whether the bread is labelled as wholemeal; don’t rely on the colour of the crust or crumb alone. When bread often makes up my meal, I want to choose consciously between white, brown and wholemeal. Around 25% of consumers say this choice is their top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a whole loaf is thick-sliced

    ‘Whole’ describes how the loaf is sold, not the thickness of a slice. Names such as ‘farmhouse’ and ‘oven-baked’ don’t confirm whether the slices are suitable for generous toppings either.

    Look for ‘thick-sliced’ on the specific loaf, check the slices in store or ask at the bakery counter.

  • Buying a whole loaf without a plan for the leftovers

    A whole loaf may not suit you if you only need a few slices and don’t store the rest.

    Divide the loaf into portions after buying it and freeze any you won’t eat soon. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread in portions.

Bread ranges to explore

These retailers offer a range of types of bread. Check the slice thickness and packaging information for each loaf you’re considering.

Albert Heijn

A range where you can compare sliced bread, sourdough and wholemeal options.

  • The product information for AH Bruin heel says that this particular loaf can be frozen.
  • That product information doesn’t specify a set slice thickness for other Albert Heijn loaves.

Jumbo

A range that includes bread, rolls and part-baked bread.

  • You can compare different types of bread side by side.
  • If thick slices are important to you, check the slices of the specific loaf.

Lidl

A place to browse freshly baked bread in store.

  • You can check the current bread range in store.
  • Lidl says its fresh bread range may vary by store.

ALDI

A range of freshly baked bread each day, including fine wholemeal bread.

  • You can browse whole and half loaves, depending on the current range.
  • The bread category doesn’t confirm a set slice thickness, so check each product individually.

PLUS

A range where you can browse options such as basic bread, tiger bread and sourdough.

  • The different types of bread make it easy to choose one that suits your meal.
  • The type of bread alone doesn’t confirm that it’s thick-sliced.

Dirk

A range that includes wholemeal, white, multigrain and sourdough bread.

  • Dirk also has a separate range of part-baked bread.
  • Check the product information or the slices themselves if you need a particular slice thickness.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if a loaf really is thick-sliced?

Check whether the specific loaf is labelled ‘thick-sliced’ or look at the slices in store. Words such as ‘whole’, ‘farmhouse’ and ‘oven-baked’ don’t reliably indicate slice thickness on their own. If in doubt, ask to see the slices at the bakery counter.

When is a whole loaf a good choice if I live alone?

A whole loaf is practical if you’ll use the slices or can freeze some in portions. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread in portions as soon as you buy it, then taking out only what you need.

Should I choose white, brown or wholemeal bread for a daily meal?

If the type of bread matters for your daily meals, compare wholemeal and brown bread with white bread first. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends replacing white bread with wholemeal or brown bread as often as possible. Also check separately that the loaf has the slice thickness you want for your meal.

How can I check whether bread contains iodised salt?

Check the ingredients list for the specific loaf. For example, Albert Heijn lists ‘iodised salt’ for AH Bruin heel; this doesn’t tell you which ingredients are used in other breads.