If you’re shopping for a group
You want to buy enough bread without ending up with lots left over. For whole and half loaves, check the weight and think about how many slices you’ll actually serve.
Which option suits you?
If you want to serve each guest a roll
Individual rolls are handy for burgers or filled rolls. If you’re buying bake-at-home rolls, make sure you have enough oven space: ALDI says its De Afbakker white Kaiser rolls take 5–7 minutes to bake. Lidl notes that its freshly baked range varies by store.
If you want to check the labels
If you have specific ingredient requirements, check the packaging of the bread you choose. Voedingscentrum says bread does not have to be made with baker’s salt; the label will tell you whether it has been used.
What should you look for?
First decide whether you want to slice a loaf, bake rolls at home or take ready-to-serve rolls with you. Then match the number of portions and the label information to your group.
Whole white loaf
Choose this if: you want to cut slices or smaller pieces yourself for a group.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to portion the loaf yourself, and you may have more left over than you would with a smaller pack.
White bake-at-home rolls
Choose this if: you want to serve individual rolls and can use an oven just before the meal.
Bear in mind: baking takes time and oven space. Follow the instructions for the product you choose.
Shop-baked rolls
Choose this if: you want to take rolls with you without having to bake them at home.
Bear in mind: Lidl says its freshly baked range can vary by store; ask about ordering options if you need a large quantity.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity for your group | Compare pack weights within the same type of bread and work out how many portions you need. | When I’m shopping for a group, I want enough slices without having lots of bread left over. For around 46% of consumers, the number of useful portions is the main consideration. |
| Ease of serving | Check how many rolls are in each pack and, for bake-at-home rolls, how long they take to prepare. | For burgers or filled rolls, I want to give everyone their own roll without having to slice bread on the spot. For around 36% of consumers, ease of serving comes first. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | Check the ingredients and allergens for each product; look at the label to see whether baker’s salt has been used. | If an ingredient matters to my group, I want to read the label for the exact bread I’m buying. For around 18% of consumers, checking this is the most important consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming different bread packs contain the same amount
A half loaf, a whole loaf and a bag of rolls won’t necessarily give you the same number of useful portions.
Check the weight and number of pieces, then plan how much you actually want to serve at the barbecue.
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Assuming every store stocks the rolls you want
Lidl says its freshly baked range can vary by store. This matters especially if you need a particular type of roll or a large quantity.
Check what your local store has available, and ask about ordering options in advance if you need a large quantity.
Otherwise, you may need to make an extra trip to the shops.
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Assuming a type of bread tells you whether it contains baker’s salt or allergens
According to Voedingscentrum, bread does not have to contain baker’s salt. Ingredients and allergens can also vary from one product to another.
Read the label on the bread you choose. Check specifically for baker’s salt if its presence matters to your choice.
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Treating barbecue bread and your everyday bread as the same choice
Voedingscentrum lists 1,2 g of fibre per 45 g slice of white bread cut by hand, and advises replacing white bread with wholemeal or brown bread as much as possible for everyday use.
Choose your barbecue bread separately from your usual everyday bread; you could also offer a brown or wholemeal alternative for guests who prefer it.
Brands to compare
ALDI
ALDI lists both whole white loaves and white rolls to bake at home.
- According to ALDI, De Afbakker white Kaiser rolls contains six rolls weighing 300 g in total, with a baking time of 5–7 minutes.
- These rolls need time and oven space at home.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers several types of white bread, including half tiger bread and half tin loaf.
- A half loaf could be a good choice if you need fewer slices.
- Check the weight before comparing a half loaf with a whole loaf.
PLUS
PLUS lists products including PLUS Boeren white loaf, weighing 800 g.
- The ingredients list for PLUS Boeren white loaf includes baker’s salt.
- Check the packaging of the loaf you actually choose for its ingredients and allergens; information about one product does not apply to the whole range.
Dirk
Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Casino white loaf as a whole white loaf.
- A whole tin loaf gives you slices to share among your guests.
- Decide in advance whether a whole loaf will provide the number of portions you need.
Lidl
Lidl lists white Kaiser rolls, pistolets and schnitt rolls in its freshly baked range.
- Shop-baked rolls don’t need to be baked again at home.
- Lidl says its fresh range varies by store; ask about ordering options if you need a large quantity.
White rolls and baguettes on Joybuy
These products are white rolls and baguettes to serve individually or portion yourself for the barbecue. Choose a pack that suits your group, and check the preparation instructions and ingredients for the product you select.
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g'woon white rolls, 4 pieces, 300 g
For anyone who wants to hand out rolls to each guest. The pack contains 4 white rolls weighing 300 g in total; check the ingredients and preparation instructions on the packaging.
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G'woon white rustic baguette, 250 g
For anyone who wants to slice and share bread, or make filled pieces. This white rustic baguette weighs 250 g; check the preparation instructions on the packaging.
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g'woon white baguette, 220 g
For anyone who wants to serve a white baguette alongside the barbecue or share it in pieces. This version weighs 220 g; check the packaging to see whether it needs to be prepared.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose a whole white loaf or individual rolls for a barbecue?
Choose a whole loaf if you want to cut your own portions; go for individual rolls if you want to give each guest their own. Bake-at-home rolls also need time and oven space, while Lidl says the availability of shop-baked rolls can vary by store.
How do I work out how much white bread I need?
Start with the number of portions you want to serve, then compare the weight or number of pieces in each pack. A half loaf, a whole loaf and a bag of rolls are not necessarily equivalent quantities.
Does all white bread contain baker’s salt?
No. Voedingscentrum says baker’s salt is not compulsory when making bread. If its presence matters to your choice, check the ingredients list for the specific product.
Is white bread a high-fibre choice for everyday eating?
No. Voedingscentrum lists 1,2 g of fibre per 45 g slice of white bread cut by hand, and advises replacing white bread with wholemeal or brown bread as much as possible for everyday use. You can make your barbecue bread choice separately from what you eat every day.