Fussy eaters who respond differently to crust and crumb
A soft crumb might go down well, while the crisp tiger crust could be rejected. If possible, try a smaller amount first to see which texture the eater accepts.
Who might find this choice relevant?
Households looking to stick with a familiar sandwich
If you want to keep buying tiger-style bread but are also mindful of fibre, compare the wholemeal description and nutritional information per 100 g for specific loaves. The word ‘tiger’ alone tells you nothing about the type of grain used.
Sourdough fans who need to factor in a trip to the shop
If rustic sourdough is important to you, both its flavour and crust and its availability matter. Jumbo says its rustic sourdough loaves are baked in store and cannot be ordered online; Lidl also says its rustic wholemeal sourdough is only available in store.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the texture the eater will accept. Then check the product description, nutritional information and ingredients of the bread you actually want to buy.
Tiger bread
When: a familiar sandwich is appealing and a crisp crust is not a problem.
Trade-off: the tiger pattern does not tell you whether the bread is white, brown or wholemeal.
Rustic sourdough
When: the eater is happy with a rustic crust and a more pronounced bread flavour.
Trade-off: sourdough alone tells you nothing about whether the bread is wholemeal or which allergens it contains; the loaf you want may also only be available in store.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Crust and crumb | Check the texture of the crust and, if in doubt, try a smaller amount first. | If the crust is rejected, a loaf with a crumb they like is no use to me. Around 33% of consumers would put acceptance of the texture first. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for an explicit wholemeal description and compare the fibre per 100 g on the label. | I want to stick with the familiar tiger style, but also base my choice on the nutritional information. For around 27% of consumers, wholemeal bread with a stated fibre value would be the top priority. |
| Sourdough method | Check that the bread is described as sourdough, rather than simply listing a sourdough ingredient. | Rustic sourdough matters more to me than the familiar tiger crust, as long as the eater likes the flavour. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this preference for sourdough. |
| Availability and quantity | Check what your local store has available and, if possible, choose an amount you can use or freeze according to the product instructions. | When I try bread for a fussy eater, I want to be able to take some home without having lots left over. For around 20% of consumers, this practical consideration would carry the most weight. |
Common pitfalls
-
Assuming ‘tiger’ means ‘wholemeal’
The tiger pattern describes the crust, not the type of grain used. White tiger bread and wholemeal tiger bread are different choices.
Check the product description and nutritional information per 100 g; don’t rely on the name or colour of the bread alone.
-
Assuming sourdough means gluten-free
Sourdough refers to a method of preparation. It does not mean that the bread is free from wheat, gluten or other allergens.
Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact loaf, including any ‘may contain’ statements.
-
Assuming every loaf contains bakers’ salt
According to the Voedingscentrum, baking with bakers’ salt is not compulsory. So you cannot tell whether it is present from the type of bread alone.
Look for ‘bakers’ salt’ or ‘iodised salt’ on the label, or ask the baker which salt was used.
-
Buying a whole loaf before trying it
The crust in particular can determine whether a fussy eater will eat tiger bread or rustic sourdough.
If possible, start with half a loaf or a bread roll. If you freeze it, follow the instructions for the product you have chosen.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s online bread range includes both tiger bread and separate OerDesem products.
- According to Albert Heijn’s product information, AH Tijger volkoren heel is a wholemeal wheat loaf with 6,7 g of fibre per 100 g.
- This product contains cereals containing gluten. Check the current packaging of the loaf you choose for allergen and ingredient information.
Jumbo
Jumbo sells tiger bread and also describes a separate range of rustic sourdough loaves.
- According to Jumbo’s product information, Boeren Tijgerbrood Volkoren - Half contains 7,3 g of fibre per 100 g.
- Jumbo lists wheat, barley and gluten for this tiger bread. Jumbo says its rustic sourdough loaves are not available to order online.
Lidl
Lidl lists wholemeal tiger bread and rustic wholemeal sourdough separately.
- Having separate product types makes it easier to search specifically for a tiger or sourdough option.
- Lidl says its rustic wholemeal sourdough is ‘only available in store’. Check the label and availability of the exact loaf there.
PLUS
PLUS lists wholemeal tiger bread and a part-baked Korenlanders Boeren tijger volkoren loaf.
- According to PLUS’s product information, the wholemeal tiger bread reviewed contains 6,4 g of fibre per 100 g; PLUS also provides freezing instructions for it.
- The products reviewed contain wheat and barley. Check the packaging for any other allergen information too.
Dirk
Dirk’s bread range includes both sourdough and tiger bread options, including Bakker van der Akker Boeren tijger wit heel.
- The product description makes clear that this particular tiger bread is a white loaf, not a wholemeal one.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and availability of your chosen loaf at your local store.
Joybuy products related to this topic
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is tiger bread the same as sourdough?
No. Tiger bread gets its name from the crust; sourdough refers to the use of a sourdough starter in the preparation. Tiger bread may contain a sourdough ingredient without being the same product as a separately marketed rustic sourdough loaf.
Which bread should I try first for a fussy eater?
Start with the crust and crumb the eater is most likely to accept. Tiger bread may suit someone who prefers a familiar sandwich, provided they are happy with a crisp crust; try rustic sourdough if a more pronounced flavour and crust are welcome too. A smaller amount means less is left over if the bread isn’t to their taste.
Is dark tiger bread automatically wholemeal?
No. A dark crust or the word ‘tiger’ in the name does not confirm that the bread is wholemeal. Check the wholemeal description, ingredients and nutritional information per 100 g for the exact product.
Does bread in the Netherlands always contain iodised bakers’ salt?
No. The Voedingscentrum says baking with bakers’ salt is not compulsory. Check whether the label for your chosen loaf mentions ‘bakers’ salt’ or ‘iodised salt’, or ask the baker.
What should I check for allergens in tiger bread or sourdough?
Read the current allergen information for the exact product. The wholemeal tiger breads reviewed from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS contain cereals containing gluten; other ingredients and ‘may contain’ statements vary from loaf to loaf. The term ‘sourdough’ does not mean that a loaf is gluten-free.