Who is this choice for?

Host looking for bread with a distinctive crust

You want bread that’s easy to top and share at Easter lunch. The crust and presentation matter more to you than a specific sourdough or wholemeal label.

Bread buyer who checks grain type and ingredients

You want to know whether a bread is wholemeal and what its nutritional information and ingredients say. You also check whether iodised salt has been used, rather than trying to work it out from the bread’s name.

Buyer planning ahead for guests

You need to be able to check the allergens in your chosen loaf before buying, and want to know whether you can freeze it until lunch.

What should you look for when buying?

Tiger bread and sourdough describe different features. For Easter lunch, first compare the bread you want to serve, then check the details for that specific variety.

Tiger bread

Choose this if: the distinctive tiger crust is important to your choice of bread for the table.

Bear in mind: the crust doesn’t tell you whether the bread is white, brown or wholemeal, or whether it’s made with sourdough.

Wholemeal sourdough

Choose this if: a confirmed wholemeal base and sourdough flavour matter more to you than a tiger crust.

Bear in mind: not all sourdough bread is wholemeal. Jumbo also states that its sourdough breads are only available in store.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Crust and presentation Check whether the bread is labelled tiger bread or sourdough, then choose a whole loaf, sliced loaf or rolls to suit how you plan to serve it. If I want to share bread at the table, the crust and shape matter to me. For around 31% of consumers, presentation is the top priority.
Grain type and nutritional information Check the wholemeal label, nutritional information per 100 g and ingredients list; check which type of salt has been used, too. I want to compare grain types and ingredients rather than rely on the word ‘sourdough’ alone. Around 31% of consumers give this top priority.
Allergens Read the label for the exact variety or, if buying unwrapped bread, ask for the latest allergen information before you buy. When I’m buying for guests with allergies, I need to know which allergens are in this particular bread. This is the main concern for around 23% of consumers.
Planning and storage Check where the variety is available and follow the storage and freezing advice on the packaging. I want to be able to buy bread ahead without storing it for longer than necessary. For around 15% of consumers, planning comes first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming sourdough means wholemeal

    Sourdough describes how bread is made, not the type of grain or its overall nutritional value. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, white bread has a different composition from wholemeal and brown bread.

    If wholemeal is one of your requirements, look for an explicit wholemeal label, then compare the ingredients and nutritional information of the breads you’re considering.

  • Assuming all bread contains iodised baker’s salt

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, iodine is added to special baker’s salt, but bakers aren’t required to use it. The name tiger bread or sourdough doesn’t tell you whether it has been used.

    For packaged bread, check the ingredients list for iodised salt or baker’s salt. If you’re buying unwrapped bread, ask which type of salt has been used in that particular variety.

  • Relying on the bread’s name if you have allergies

    The name and crust don’t give you all the information about ingredients or allergens. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that sellers must also provide customers with allergen information for unwrapped foods.

    Before buying, check the information for the exact variety and, if you’re buying unwrapped bread, ask a member of staff if needed.

  • Buying bread ahead without a storage plan

    Not every variety can be bought in the same way: Jumbo states that its sourdough breads are only available in store. Storage instructions can also vary from product to product.

    Check the availability of the bread you want and follow the storage advice on the packaging. The product page for AH Extra lang lekker tijger wit heel says it can be frozen at home on the day of purchase.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

A tiger bread option with product information you can check online before you shop.

  • The product information for AH Extra lang lekker tijger wit heel lists ingredients including wheat flour, baker’s yeast, rice flour and iodised salt.
  • This is a white tiger loaf, not a confirmed wholemeal or sourdough variety. Check the current packaging when you buy it.

Jumbo

An in-store option if you’re specifically looking for sourdough bread.

  • Jumbo describes a sourdough range made with fresh sourdough starter and a proving time of more than 24 hours.
  • According to Jumbo, this range is only available in store. Check whether each loaf is wholemeal; the sourdough range doesn’t confirm a tiger crust.

Lidl

An in-store option if you’re looking for a loaf explicitly described as wholemeal wheat sourdough.

  • Lidl describes its rustic wholemeal sourdough bread as wholemeal wheat sourdough.
  • According to Lidl, this product is only available in store. Check the ingredients and allergens on the loaf you buy.

ALDI

A place to look for brown and wholemeal options with a tiger crust.

  • ALDI lists Boeren tijger bruin heel and Boeren tijger volkoren heel; the wholemeal variety is available pre-sliced.
  • The tiger label on these loaves doesn’t confirm that they’re made with sourdough. Check the packaging for more product information.

PLUS

An option if you want to order bread online and are considering tiger rolls for Easter lunch.

  • PLUS offers online ordering with delivery or collection, and lists PLUS Tijgerbollen Per Zak 200 g.
  • Tiger rolls aren’t the same product as a whole tiger loaf. Check the ingredients and whether the variety is labelled sourdough.

Dirk

A place to look at tiger bread and sourdough as separate types of bread.

  • Dirk lists both types in its bread category and describes Bakker van der Akker Boeren tijger wit heel as white tiger bread.
  • Sourdough preparation isn’t confirmed for this white tiger bread. Read the information for the variety you choose.

Bread options at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is sourdough bread always wholemeal?

No. Sourdough describes how the bread is made, while ‘wholemeal’ refers to the type of grain. So check the product name and compare the ingredients and nutritional information of the breads you’re considering.

Does bread always contain iodine because of baker’s salt?

No, you can’t tell from the type of bread. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bakers aren’t required to use iodised baker’s salt. For packaged bread, check the ingredients list; for unwrapped bread, ask which type of salt has been used.

How can I check allergens in unwrapped bread?

Before buying, ask for the allergen information for the exact variety. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that sellers of unwrapped foods must give customers information about allergens, so don’t rely on the bread’s name or appearance alone.

Can I buy bread before Easter lunch?

Yes, as long as you follow the storage instructions for the bread you choose. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2 to 4 days, or in the freezer for 1 to 3 months. For packaged bread, also check the date and the specific storage advice on the packaging.