Who is this choice relevant to?

Catering teams looking for thick slices to fill

For teams that want to choose the slice thickness for generously filled lunch sandwiches. A whole loaf is one option, provided the team or supplier can cut it to the desired thickness.

Canteens looking to offer wholemeal bread

For canteens that consider whether the tiger bread is wholemeal, as well as checking its nutritional information. The tiger-patterned crust alone does not tell you whether the bread is wholemeal.

Serving counters offering unpackaged sandwiches

For food providers who need to make allergen information available for the sandwich they serve, including its filling. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that consumers must be informed about allergens present in unpackaged foods.

What should you consider when choosing?

Whole tiger loaf

When: you need thick slices that you can cut to your preferred thickness for filled sandwiches.

Trade-off: slicing takes preparation. If the canteen does not slice the bread itself, arrange for the supplier to do so in advance.

Pre-sliced tiger bread

When: serving sandwiches quickly matters more than choosing the slice thickness yourself.

Trade-off: the slices as supplied determine what kind of filled sandwich you can make.

Tiger rolls

When: you want to serve individually filled rolls rather than sandwiches made with slices of bread.

Trade-off: a tiger roll does not give you a thick slice; a bake-at-home version also requires oven planning.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Slice thickness Choose a whole loaf if you want to slice it yourself. Otherwise, ask the supplier in advance whether they can provide slices of your preferred thickness. If I’m making generously filled sandwiches, I want to be able to choose a slice thickness that suits the filling. Around 42% of consumers prioritise this.
Wholemeal and fibre Check whether the product is labelled as wholemeal, and look at the fibre per 100 g or per portion in the latest nutritional information. If I also want to offer a wholemeal option, the type of bread matters more than choosing the slice thickness. This is a priority for around 33% of consumers.
Serving and stock management Check the allergen information for the complete sandwich and choose a bread format that suits preparation, serving and expected demand. At a busy serving counter, I want to serve sandwiches quickly and have information about the bread and filling to hand, without preparing more than we need. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a whole loaf will automatically be cut into thick slices

    A whole tiger loaf gives you the option of slicing it yourself, but it does not mean that a shop or bakery will cut it to order.

    Before placing a larger order, agree the slice thickness you want and who will cut the bread. Try the chosen slice with the filling you plan to use.

  • Assuming the tiger-patterned crust means the bread is wholemeal

    Tiger bread comes in different varieties. The crust or colour does not confirm that a loaf is wholemeal.

    Check the product description and the latest nutritional information if wholemeal bread or fibre content is one of your selection criteria.

  • Checking only the bread in unpackaged sandwiches

    Allergen information must cover what you serve, including the filling and any other ingredients used. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority sets out the information requirements for unpackaged foods.

    Record the information for the complete sandwich and keep it available at the serving counter. Follow the applicable food safety procedures when preparing and presenting food.

  • Assuming every loaf contains iodised baker’s salt

    The baker’s salt agreement encourages the use of iodised salt; it does not guarantee that every individual tiger loaf contains it. The RIVM also describes this approach as encouraging use through an agreement.

    Check the label or ask the supplier for the product specification before making any claims about iodised baker’s salt.

Relevant brands and retailers

The product formats listed below can help you compare types of bread and preparation requirements. Before ordering, check the current product range and whether slicing to order is available.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists products including Wheat Tiger Bread.

  • A specific tiger bread variety to assess by type of bread and product information.
  • For thick slices, check the format supplied and any slicing arrangements with your chosen shop.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists products including White Farmhouse Tiger Bread and a half wholemeal loaf.

  • The product descriptions make it easier to search for the type of bread you want.
  • Check whether the specific product is supplied whole or sliced, and what slice thickness is available.

Lidl

Lidl lists a tiger roll as an individual bread roll.

  • A product format for anyone looking to serve filled rolls.
  • An individual roll is not a substitute for thick slices from a whole loaf. Check the latest ingredients and allergen information.

ALDI

ALDI lists white, brown and wholemeal farmhouse tiger loaves. The product description for the wholemeal variety says it is pre-sliced.

  • You can compare the bread varieties by their individual descriptions.
  • If you want to choose the slice thickness yourself, check whether your chosen variety is available unsliced.

PLUS

PLUS lists a whole wholemeal tiger loaf, a whole white farmhouse tiger loaf and tiger rolls.

  • Whole loaves are a relevant option when the canteen wants to slice the bread itself.
  • Tiger rolls do not provide slices. For a bake-at-home option, check that preparation suits the canteen.

Dirk

Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker White Farmhouse Tiger Bread (whole) and tiger rolls as a bake-at-home product.

  • The whole white loaf gives you the option of choosing the slice thickness yourself.
  • Arrange for the supplier to slice the bread in advance; the bake-at-home rolls are a different lunch option.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need a whole tiger loaf for thick slices?

A whole loaf is a suitable option if you want to choose the slice thickness yourself. If you want the bread delivered in thick slices, ask the shop or bakery in advance whether they can provide the thickness you need.

Is brown tiger bread automatically wholemeal?

No. The colour or tiger-patterned crust does not confirm that the bread is wholemeal. Choose a variety explicitly labelled as wholemeal and check the latest product information. In its guidance on bread, the Voedingscentrum distinguishes between white, brown and wholemeal bread.

What allergen information is needed for unpackaged canteen sandwiches?

The information must cover the allergens in the sandwich as served, including the filling. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, providers of unpackaged foods must inform consumers about allergens present. Make sure the latest information for the ingredients you use is available at the serving counter.

Does tiger bread always contain iodised baker’s salt under the Commodities Act?

No. The baker’s salt agreement does not guarantee that every tiger loaf contains it. The official 2008 publication of the agreement says that producers’ organisations encourage its use among their members. In 2024, the RIVM also described the addition of iodised salt to bread as something encouraged through this agreement. Check the product specification if iodised baker’s salt is relevant to your choice.

How long can opened wholemeal bread be stored?

The Voedingscentrum recommends storing opened wholemeal bread for 2–4 days in a kitchen cupboard or 1–3 months in the freezer. Open an amount that matches expected demand, and follow the storage instructions on the packaging of your chosen bread.