Organiser on a tight budget
You want to have enough white bread for your coffee morning without buying more than you need. So, look beyond whether you’re buying a whole or half loaf and check the loaf’s size too.
Who is this choice important for?
Organiser of a small coffee morning
You’re not expecting many guests to eat bread, or you’re serving other snacks too. A half loaf may be a better match for what people are likely to eat.
Host who needs to check labels
You want to check the loaf’s ingredients and allergens before serving, and find out whether baker’s salt has been used.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how many guests are likely to eat bread and what other snacks you’ll be serving. Then compare the loaf sizes and check the label of the bread you plan to serve.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Enough bread for your budget | Compare the loaf sizes and check whether it’s a whole or half loaf. | If I’m buying bread for a coffee morning on a limited budget, I want to serve enough without buying more loaves than I need; around 36% of consumers prioritise this consideration. |
| Getting the amount right | Choose a whole or half loaf to suit the number of guests likely to eat bread and any other snacks you’re serving. | If only a few guests are coming, I’d rather not have bread left over; around 29% of consumers put getting the amount right first. |
| Label and ingredients | Read the allergen information for the exact loaf you’re buying and check whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed. | I want to check before the get-together whether the bread is suitable for any reported allergies and what ingredients have been used; for around 21% of consumers, label information is the main consideration. |
| Loaf shape | Choose a shape that suits how you want to slice and serve the bread. | If guests will be making their own sandwiches, I want a loaf shape that’s easy to serve; for around 14% of consumers, loaf shape matters most. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all white bread contains baker’s salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So, you can’t tell whether it’s present just from the type of bread.
Check the label for baker’s salt or iodised salt, or ask which ingredients have been used if you’re buying unpackaged bread.
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Choosing bread for guests without reading the label
Allergens vary by product. Jumbo and PLUS list wheat among the allergens for some specific white breads; soya, milk or possible traces of other allergens may also be relevant.
Ask guests about any relevant allergies in advance and check the packaging of the exact loaf you’re serving.
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Buying a whole loaf without thinking about leftovers
If only a few guests are likely to eat bread, or you’re serving other snacks too, a whole loaf may be more than you need for the get-together.
Consider buying a half loaf. If you buy a whole one, follow the storage or freezing instructions for that product if you have any left over.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn stocks AH Wit heel and various other white bread shapes, including tiger and casino loaves.
- For AH Wit heel, Albert Heijn lists around 22 slices, as well as the ingredients and allergens.
- AH Wit heel is listed as available in store only. Check the packaging and availability at your local shop when you buy it.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s white bread range includes half tiger loaves, casino white bread and round white loaves.
- For a specific whole white loaf, Jumbo lists the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.
- Don’t use that product information for a different type of loaf; check the label of the one you choose.
Lidl
Lidl’s range of freshly baked bread includes an 800 g white loaf.
- Lidl’s product information gives the weight of this loaf.
- This product is listed as available in store only. Check the label and availability in store.
Aldi
Aldi stocks white bread in half and whole sizes, as well as casino white bread and farmhouse tiger white bread.
- Being able to choose between a half and whole loaf helps you buy the right amount for the number of people likely to eat bread.
- The description of a soft crumb and a tin-shaped loaf applies to Aldi’s specific whole white loaf, not all its varieties.
Plus
Plus stocks products such as Boeren wit heel and Korenlanders Rond Wit heel, with product information on ingredients and storage.
- For Plus Boeren wit heel, baker’s salt and ingredients including wheat, soya and milk are listed, along with advice on freezing.
- Check the packaging of the loaf you choose, as product information can change.
Dirk
Dirk stocks Bakker van der Akker white breads in a range of shapes, including round, casino and tiger loaves.
- The different shapes give you a choice to suit how you want to serve the bread.
- Check the size and label for each variety; information for one shape won’t necessarily apply to another.
Related Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Does all white bread contain baker’s salt?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So, check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt, or ask about it when buying unpackaged bread.
Which white bread should I choose if I want to avoid leftovers?
A half loaf may suit a small group, especially if you’re serving other snacks too. If you choose a whole loaf, check the storage or freezing instructions for that specific product.
Which allergens should I check in white bread for guests?
Check the allergen information on the packaging of the exact loaf you’re serving. Product information from Jumbo and PLUS lists wheat for some specific white breads; depending on the product, soya, milk or possible traces of other allergens may also be listed.
Does white bread have the same fibre content as wholemeal bread?
No. If fibre is important to you, white bread and wholemeal bread aren’t interchangeable. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends replacing white bread with wholemeal or brown bread as much as possible; compare the fibre per 100 g on the labels of the products you’re considering.