Snack lovers who want thick slices
If you want a thick slice with plenty of topping, a whole or unsliced loaf lets you choose the thickness yourself. Bear in mind that you’ll need to slice it, or ask whether the shop has a suitable bread slicer.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Shoppers who pay attention to grain type
If you’re looking for wholemeal bread on your first shop, check the wording on the packaging. According to the Voedingscentrum, ‘wholemeal’ bread is made with wholemeal flour; the term doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are.
Shoppers who don’t use much bread at a time
A half loaf may be a better fit for how much bread you use. If you still choose a whole loaf to slice yourself, check the storage instructions. PLUS advises freezing its Boeren volkoren heel on the day of purchase and using it within one month.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to choose the slice thickness yourself. Then compare the nutritional information and how much bread you’ll actually use.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Slice thickness | Check whether the loaf is unsliced, or look at the thickness of the pre-sliced bread. Ask about a bread slicer if needed. | I want to be able to cut a thick slice myself for generous toppings; around 42% of consumers prioritise having control over slice thickness. |
| Grain type and labelling | Look for the wholemeal label and compare fibre and salt per 100 g on the current packaging. | If I eat the same bread every day, I want to compare the grain type and nutritional information; around 33% of consumers give this top priority. |
| Quantity and storage | Choose a whole or half loaf based on how much you’ll use, and follow the freezing instructions for your chosen bread. | I don’t want to be left with unused bread while my eating habits are still changing; using it up and storing it properly matters most to around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘wholemeal’ means ‘thickly sliced’
According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal describes the flour used, not the slice thickness. So a pre-sliced wholemeal loaf may not be what you’re looking for if you want thick slices for snacks.
Check the slices before buying, or choose a loaf you can slice yourself.
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Choosing a whole loaf without a storage plan
A whole loaf gives you the option to slice it yourself, but the quantity needs to suit how much you use. The Voedingscentrum lists bread as one of the foods that is often wasted.
Consider buying a half loaf, or check how to freeze suitable portions of your chosen bread.
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Guessing the ingredients from the slice thickness
A thick slice doesn’t tell you which grains or allergens the bread contains.
Check the current ingredients and allergen information for the specific loaf.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists both whole and sliced loaves online.
- You can compare both types of loaf side by side.
- Check whether the slice thickness of your chosen loaf suits your plans.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s online bread range includes whole, half and sliced loaves.
- You can choose a size that suits how much bread you use.
- Check the slicing and product information for the individual loaf.
Lidl
Lidl lists stores that have a bread slicer.
- A bread slicer can be useful if you want to choose the slice thickness yourself.
- Check with your local store whether the slicer is available for the bread you want to buy.
ALDI
ALDI lists both finely sliced wholemeal bread and a separate wholemeal variety with product-specific nutritional claims.
- Compare the current nutritional information for each loaf if fibre or salt matters to you.
- A claim about one loaf doesn’t tell you anything about the slice thickness or ingredients of other ALDI breads.
PLUS
PLUS lists a range of wholemeal breads online, including whole and half loaves.
- PLUS Boeren volkoren heel also comes with storage instructions to consider when choosing.
- Check the current packaging when you buy, especially the nutritional and allergen information.
Dirk
Dirk’s bread range includes wholemeal, multigrain, half and whole loaves.
- You can look for a whole loaf alongside other types of bread.
- Check the individual loaf if a particular slice thickness is essential for you.
Loaves for slicing yourself
These round loaves are worth considering if you want to cut thick slices yourself. Before buying, check whether the loaf comes unsliced and whether the preparation fits into your plans.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g
If you want to cut thick slices yourself, check whether this round loaf comes unsliced.
Check the steps needed for defrosting, baking and cooling. Look at the current packaging for the wholemeal label, ingredients and allergens.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round 550 g
If you want to choose the slice thickness yourself, check whether this round multigrain loaf comes unsliced.
Multigrain doesn’t automatically mean wholemeal. Check the current ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions, including any steps for defrosting and baking.
Frequently asked questions
Does wholemeal mean bread is thickly sliced?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal describes the flour used in the bread, not the width of the slices. Check whether the loaf is unsliced, or look at the pre-sliced bread.
How should I store a whole loaf if I don’t yet know how much I’ll use?
Choose a size you can use up, or check the freezing instructions for the specific loaf. PLUS advises freezing its Boeren volkoren heel on the day of purchase and using it within one month.
Can I tell from the slice thickness whether bread contains gluten?
No. Slice thickness doesn’t provide information about ingredients or allergens. Check the current allergen information for the bread you choose.
Can I assume that every loaf contains iodised baker’s salt?
No, don’t assume this for an individual loaf. For packaged bread, check the ingredients list; for unpackaged bread, ask which salt has been used.