Brunch hosts serving lots of topped slices
If you want to serve a platter of evenly topped sandwiches, the loaf shape and slicing style matter. Check how much bread you get and whether the slices will suit the toppings you have in mind.
Which option is right for you?
Smaller gatherings
If you’re serving other brunch breads alongside white bread, half a loaf may be enough. Compare the size with the number of guests so you don’t end up with more than you need.
Brunch hosts who check labels
If a guest has a food allergy, check the allergen information for the specific loaf. If you’d also like to compare nutritional values, look at the nutrition information on the packaging and consider serving another type of bread alongside the white bread.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to serve evenly sliced bread or individual portions. Then choose the quantity and check the details on the loaf you’re actually buying.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Slicing style and suitability for toppings | Check whether the loaf is sliced and whether the packaging or shelf label gives the slice thickness. | If I want to top lots of slices in the same way, I want to know how the loaf has been sliced before I buy it. This is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients list and allergen information for this exact product; if you’re interested in baker’s salt, check the ingredients too. | If a guest has a food allergy, I need to be able to check what’s in the bread before serving it. This is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Quantity | Compare a half or whole loaf, or the number of individual rolls, with the number of guests and the rest of the brunch menu. | When there are several types of bread on the table, I want to buy enough white bread without having lots left over. Quantity matters most to around 23% of consumers. |
| Loaf shape and availability | Check whether your shop stocks the bread you want and whether it’s sliced bread, rolls or a baguette. | If the sliced bread I want isn’t available, I want to be able to choose a different shape that still works for my brunch. Around 15% of consumers put this choice first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all white bread is medium-sliced
A name such as white bread or square white loaf doesn’t always tell you how thick the slices are. That can matter if you want to serve evenly topped sandwiches.
Check the slicing style on the packaging or shelf label, or ask in store.
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Relying on the type of bread alone when checking for allergens
Ingredients and allergen information can vary between white bread products. The varieties described by Jumbo and PLUS contain wheat and, depending on the product, may also contain soya or milk.
Read the current allergen information for the bread you’ve chosen. If you’re buying unpackaged bread, ask for this information before you buy it.
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Assuming every loaf contains baker’s salt
According to the Voedingscentrum, using baker’s salt when baking bread isn’t compulsory.
If you want to know whether a loaf has been made with baker’s salt, check the ingredients on the label.
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Choosing a whole loaf without considering the rest of the brunch
Rolls and other brunch foods affect how many slices you’ll need. Half a loaf may not be enough for a large group, while a whole loaf could leave you with more than you need for a small gathering.
Count the guests who’ll be eating bread and consider the other bread products before choosing half or a whole loaf. Check the storage and best-before information, too.
Brands to compare
These ranges include white bread in different shapes and sizes. Check the slicing style and the information on the current packaging for each product.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers, among other options, white square loaves, Zaans loaves and tiger bread in half-loaf sizes.
- Several loaf shapes to compare for your brunch.
- Check whether the slicing style of your chosen product suits your plans.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers white bread and half-size square white loaves, with product-specific information.
- Jumbo lists around 11 servings for its half-size square loaf.
- Check the packaging or ask in store to confirm the slice thickness you want.
PLUS
PLUS offers Boeren white bread in a half-loaf size if you’re looking for half a loaf.
- The product information lists ingredients and allergens.
- This specific loaf lists wheat, soya and milk among its ingredients; if you have an allergy, check the current label.
Lidl
Lidl offers an 800 g white loaf and white baguettes as different bread options.
- You can weigh up a whole loaf against baguettes for a different way to serve bread.
- Lidl advises checking the packaging for ingredients, allergens and nutritional values for food products.
ALDI
ALDI offers fresh white bread in half and whole loaves.
- Compare half and whole loaves to find the amount you need.
- Check the slicing style and allergens for the specific loaf before buying.
Dirk
Dirk offers, among other options, half and whole square white loaves, white rolls and white baguettes.
- The range includes bread for slicing as well as other shapes for your brunch.
- Check the slicing style and allergen information for each product you choose.
White rolls and baguettes at Joybuy
These white baguettes and rolls are for anyone who’d rather serve individual portions or cut their own slices. If you’re specifically looking for medium-sliced bread, check for a sliced white tin loaf or square loaf; the bread shapes below aren’t necessarily a direct substitute.
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g'woon White Baguette, 220 g
A baguette is a good choice if you’d rather cut your own pieces for brunch than serve evenly sliced sandwiches.
Weight: 220 g. Check the current allergen and best-before information on the packaging.
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g'woon White Rolls, 4 stuks, 300 g
Individual rolls are a handy option if you want to serve separate portions instead of pre-sliced sandwiches.
Pack: 4 pieces, 300 g in total. Check the current allergen information before serving them to guests.
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g'woon White Rustic Baguette, 250 g
A baguette is a good choice if you want to cut your own pieces and don’t need uniform, pre-sliced bread.
Weight: 250 g. If you’re serving guests with allergies, read the current ingredients and allergen information.
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g'woon Baguettes White, 2 stuks, 300 g
Two baguettes are a handy way to serve white bread in slices you cut yourself. Adjust the quantity to suit the rest of your brunch menu.
Pack: 2 pieces, 300 g in total. Check the current allergen and best-before information.
Frequently asked questions
Is baker’s salt compulsory in bread?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, bread doesn’t have to be baked with baker’s salt. Check the label to see whether it’s used in the loaf you’ve chosen; don’t assume based on the type of bread alone.
How do I check allergens when buying bread for guests?
Read the current allergen information for the bread before you buy it. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergens must be listed on the label of prepacked foods. If bread is unpackaged, you must be able to get allergen information another way before buying it.
Can I serve another type of bread alongside white bread?
Yes. You can serve white bread alongside another type of bread at Easter brunch so guests have a choice. The Voedingscentrum recommends choosing wholemeal or brown bread more often than white bread as part of your everyday diet. When comparing products, check the nutrition information per 100 g or per serving.
How should I store white bread until Easter brunch?
Follow the storage advice and best-before information on the packaging you buy. Jumbo and PLUS recommend storing the white breads described in a cool, dry and dark place. Check that the stated shelf life covers the day you plan to serve the bread.