For filled canteen lunches, choose sliced white casino or tin bread if the supplier confirms the required slice thickness: the name ‘casino’ alone does not mean the bread is medium-sliced. Also check the number of slices and the allergen information. For everyday lunches, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends replacing white bread with wholemeal or brown bread as much as possible.
When you need to prepare filled sandwiches quickly, consistent slices make a difference. Check whether white casino or tin bread is supplied sliced, and whether the slice thickness suits the fillings you have in mind.
For a regular lunch, you’ll need to consider the weight of the bread, the number of usable slices, whether loaves are whole or half-size, and availability at your chosen branch.
These canteens need up-to-date allergen information, including when bread is sold loose. For everyday lunches, it’s also worth considering the choice between white, brown and wholemeal bread.
First, check whether the bread is supplied sliced and whether the slice thickness suits the fillings. Then work out how much you need and arrange the allergen information before serving.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Consistent slices | Confirm that the bread is supplied sliced, and ask about the slice thickness or number of slices. If needed, try the slices with the fillings you plan to use. | When I’m making lots of sandwiches at once, I want the slices to be usable and consistent. For around 36% of consumers, consistent slices are likely to be the top priority. |
| Quantity and leftovers | Compare whole and half-size loaves by weight and number of usable slices; match your order to the expected number of lunches to be served. | When lunch numbers vary, I want to have enough bread ready without ending up with unnecessary leftovers. Around 29% of consumers are likely to prioritise quantity and minimising leftovers. |
| Allergen information | Check the current packaging or supplier specification. If you’re serving loose bread, make information about any allergens present available to consumers, as the NVWA advises. | When I serve loose bread, I need to be able to answer questions about any allergens it contains. This is likely to be the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Everyday bread choices | Decide what place white bread should have alongside wholemeal or brown bread. Compare the nutritional information on the current labels if the range’s nutritional make-up is a factor. | For everyday lunches, I don’t want to offer only white bread; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends replacing white bread with wholemeal or brown bread as much as possible. This choice of bread is likely to matter most to around 14% of consumers. |
The shape of the loaf and the thickness of the slices are two different things. The name of the bread alone doesn’t tell you whether the slices will suit your canteen fillings.
Ask for a current product specification or sample loaf, and try the slices with the fillings you plan to use.
A range may include both sizes. Simply counting the loaves won’t give you a clear idea of how many lunch portions you’ll get.
Plan based on the weight of the bread and the actual number of usable slices, allowing for possible leftovers.
The information must relate to the bread you’re actually serving. The NVWA says consumers must also be given information about any allergens present in loose food.
Check the current packaging or supplier specification, and make the relevant information available before serving.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that baker’s salt contains iodine, but its use in bread is not compulsory.
Check the label or ask the baker which salt was used in the bread you’ve chosen.
Albert Heijn’s white bread range includes whole and half-size loaves.
Jumbo’s white bread category includes Casino White Bread Half and toastie bread.
Lidl lists an 800 g white loaf as an in-store product.
ALDI lists whole white bread and white casino bread in its daily fresh bread range.
PLUS lists products including whole white casino bread and half-size white casino bread in its online white bread category.
Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker white casino bread in whole and half-size loaves, and describes the half-size version as suitable for sandwiches or toasties.
No, the name ‘white casino’ doesn’t confirm that the slices are medium-thick. Check whether the product is supplied sliced and how many slices are in the loaf; a sample loaf will help you decide whether the slices suit your canteen fillings.
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says consumers must also be able to access information about any allergens present in loose bread. Make sure the information relates to the bread you’re actually serving, and check the current packaging or supplier specification.
No, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre says it isn’t compulsory to make bread with baker’s salt. Check the label or ask the baker which salt was used in the bread you’ve chosen.
White bread doesn’t have to be the only option. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends replacing white bread with wholemeal or brown bread as much as possible, so bear this in mind when putting together a range for everyday lunches.
