Who is this choice relevant to?

Hosts looking for seeds and extra texture

If you want the bread itself to add texture alongside smooth dips, check whether your chosen variety actually contains seeds. Remember to check the allergen information for your guests, too.

Hosts who value wholemeal bread

If you want to serve wholemeal bread, look for the explicit ‘wholemeal’ label. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholegrain products contain more fibre than white products made with refined flour; ‘brown’, ‘multigrain’ and ‘tiger’ don’t mean the same thing as wholemeal.

Planning a small gathering

If you don’t need a whole loaf, you could choose a half loaf or individual rolls. Before buying, think about what you’ll do with any leftovers; bread you won’t use soon can be frozen.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether seeds, wholemeal bread or a suitable quantity matters most for your gathering. Then check the details of the individual loaf: these features don’t automatically go together.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Seeds and texture Check the ingredients for the seeds you want and read the allergen information; ask about it if you’re buying unpackaged bread. When serving smooth dips, I want the bread itself to have some texture too, rather than relying on the name ‘tiger bread’. For around 37% of consumers, the presence of seeds is the top priority when making this choice.
Wholemeal and fibre Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label and compare fibre content on a like-for-like basis, such as per 100 g. If I want wholemeal bread on the drinks table, a brown colour shouldn’t be my only clue. Around 36% of consumers say choosing wholemeal is their top priority.
Quantity and storage Choose between a whole or half loaf and rolls; if you’re buying part-baked bread, check the preparation instructions. For a small group, I want to serve enough without having lots of bread left over. A suitable portion is the top priority for around 27% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking a tiger crust for seeds or wholemeal bread

    The crust and colour don’t tell you whether a loaf contains seeds or is wholemeal. You could end up with a different kind of bread from the one you had in mind for your gathering.

    For wholemeal bread, check the product name; for seeds, check the ingredients list for the exact variety you’re buying.

  • Not asking about allergens in unpackaged bread

    When you’re buying bread for several guests, it’s important to know which allergens are present in the variety you’ve chosen. Don’t rely on the appearance of seeds or the name of the bread.

    For packaged bread, read the label. For unpackaged bread, ask about the allergen information before buying, especially if gluten-containing cereals, sesame or nuts are relevant to your guests.

  • Buying a whole loaf without a plan for leftovers

    A whole loaf may be more than you need for a small gathering. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread dries out in the fridge.

    Consider a half loaf or rolls, and freeze any bread you won’t use soon. If you choose part-baked bread, remember to allow time to prepare it just before serving.

Brands to compare

Compare individual varieties from each brand: a tiger crust, a wholemeal label and a mention of seeds each tell you something different.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn includes AH Wholemeal Tiger Bread, whole loaf, in its bread range.

  • The explicit wholemeal label is helpful if you’re looking for wholemeal tiger bread.
  • Albert Heijn notes that product information can change. Check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens, especially if you’re looking for seeds.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists a half wholemeal farmhouse tiger loaf.

  • A half loaf could suit a smaller gathering where you want to serve wholemeal bread.
  • The wholemeal label doesn’t confirm that the bread contains seeds, so check the ingredients for the specific loaf.

PLUS

PLUS lists a half Korenlanders wholemeal farmhouse tiger loaf, as well as individual part-baked tiger rolls.

  • The different formats give you the choice of a half loaf or part-baked rolls to serve fresh.
  • Part-baked rolls need time to prepare. Check the ingredients and allergen information for each product; the shape of the bread doesn’t tell you whether it contains seeds.

ALDI

ALDI lists tiger bread varieties, as well as a farmhouse wholemeal multigrain loaf with grains and seeds.

  • The separate multigrain loaf is worth considering if seeds matter more to you than a tiger crust.
  • The multigrain loaf isn’t the same product as the tiger bread. Don’t assume that ALDI’s tiger bread varieties contain seeds too.

Dirk

Dirk lists options including brown tiger bread and Bakker van der Akker white farmhouse tiger bread.

  • The varieties listed give you a choice of brown or white tiger bread for your gathering.
  • If seeds are a must, check the label of the variety you’ve chosen rather than relying on the words ‘tiger’ or ‘brown’.

Joybuy products for a drinks party

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does tiger bread always contain seeds?

No. The name ‘tiger bread’ doesn’t confirm that the bread contains seeds. Check the ingredients for the variety you’ve chosen. For example, ALDI describes grains and seeds in a separate wholemeal multigrain loaf; that description doesn’t automatically apply to its tiger bread.

How can I check allergens in bread for my guests?

For packaged bread, read the allergen information; for unpackaged bread, ask about it before buying. Be specific about ingredients that matter to your guests, such as gluten-containing cereals or sesame. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that sellers must also inform consumers about allergens in unpackaged food.

What should I do with bread left over after the gathering?

Freeze any bread you won’t use soon, and avoid storing it in the fridge, where it dries out according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Check the storage instructions on the packaging for the type of bread you’ve chosen.