Host serving generously topped slices
You want to serve herring, onion and other toppings on slices of white bread. The bread’s texture and the crust you prefer will help determine which serving style works best.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Host planning drinks or a buffet
You’re looking for individual white rolls or small portions that guests can easily help themselves to, rather than a whole loaf that needs slicing.
Shopper who wants to check the ingredients
You want to know which allergens and type of salt are in the bread you’ve chosen before serving it. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers are not required to use baker’s salt.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’ll be serving shared slices or individual portions. Then consider the texture you want and check the ingredients of the specific loaf.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Texture and presentation | Choose between slices from a whole hearth loaf, a rustic loaf or individual rolls. Check whether the crust suits the way you want to serve it. | If I want to pile herring and onion generously onto slices, I look for a bread texture that suits this way of serving. Around 40% of consumers prioritise texture and presentation. |
| Freshness and serving time | Time your purchase to when you’ll be serving the bread, and check which rolls your local shop stocks. | For drinks, I want to serve individual portions without slicing the bread, and serve it soon after buying. Around 30% of consumers say ease of serving is their top priority. |
| Ingredients and salt | Read the latest allergen information and check whether iodised salt or baker’s salt is listed in the ingredients. | When buying bread for guests with specific ingredient requirements, I want to know what’s in that particular product. Checking ingredients is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming every white loaf contains iodised baker’s salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers are not required to use baker’s salt. The type of bread alone won’t tell you which salt is in the loaf you’ve chosen.
Check the ingredients list for iodised salt or baker’s salt. If you’re buying unpackaged bread, ask which type of salt has been used.
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Assuming a premium-sounding bread name gives you the full ingredient information
Ingredients vary from product to product. Albert Heijn lists wheat, milk and soya among the ingredients in its AH Vloerbrood wit heel; other loaves may list different ingredients or possible traces.
Check the latest packaging for every loaf you choose, even if you’ve bought a similar type of bread before.
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Deciding how to serve the bread only after you’ve bought it
A whole loaf needs slicing, while individual rolls are ready-made portions. The range of fresh rolls may also vary from one branch to another.
Decide in advance how many slices or rolls you want to serve, and check what your local shop has in stock.
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Focusing only on the bread when serving herring
Your choice of bread doesn’t change the considerations around herring. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against eating salted herring during pregnancy because it may contain bacteria that can cause illness.
Bear your guests in mind when planning the meal, and assess the bread and toppings separately.
Brands and ranges to consider
Albert Heijn
AH Vloerbrood wit heel is one example if you’re looking for a whole white loaf with a clearly described crust and texture.
- Albert Heijn describes this hearth loaf as baked directly on the oven floor, with a slightly firmer texture and a crisp crust.
- The product information lists wheat, milk, soya and lactose, and possible traces of ingredients including sesame. Check the latest packaging.
Jumbo
A range to explore when comparing different white breads for a shared meal.
- Jumbo describes its bread range as extensive and says its bread is freshly baked every day.
- Compare the texture, ingredients and allergens on the label of the variety you choose.
Lidl
An option to consider if you’re looking for individual white rolls for drinks or a buffet.
- Lidl lists white Kaiser rolls, pistolets and crusty rolls among its freshly baked range.
- The fresh range may vary by branch, so check local availability and product information in store.
ALDI
Bakkersgoud rustiek wit is an example of a whole white loaf for sharing around the table.
- ALDI describes this loaf as white, with a golden-brown crust and a soft centre.
- Check the packaging if ingredients or allergens are important to your choice.
PLUS
PLUS Beiers Vloerbrood wit heel is worth considering if you’re looking for a white hearth loaf made with rye and sourdough powder.
- PLUS’s ingredient information lists wheat flour, rye flour, sourdough powder and baker’s salt, among other ingredients.
- Check the latest label for allergens and ask your chosen shop about availability.
Dirk
Bakker van der Akker Vloerbrood zonnepit is a white hearth loaf with sunflower seeds.
- The sunflower seeds make this a different product from white hearth bread without seeds.
- Check the information on the loaf you’re actually buying for its ingredients and allergens.
White bread and rolls at Joybuy
These products include white rolls and baguettes for individual portions or a shared Flag Day table. Choose a shape that suits your serving plans, and check the latest packaging if the crust, preparation or ingredients are important to your decision.
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g'woon white rolls, 4 rolls, 300 g
Four individual rolls are a good fit for a table where guests can help themselves. Check the packaging if the crust or allergens are important to your choice.
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G'woon White Rustic Baguette, 250 g
Slice this white rustic baguette into portions to share around the table. Check the latest ingredient information if you need to take allergens into account.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Natural Rustic Baguette, 4 × 135 g
Four baguettes give you individual portions of bread. When planning your meal, allow time for thawing and baking, and follow the preparation instructions on the packaging.
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g'woon White Baguette, 220 g
This white baguette is an option if you want to slice the bread yourself for the table. Check the crust and the latest allergen information before deciding whether it’s right for your meal.
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g'woon Baguettes White, 2 baguettes, 300 g
Two white baguettes let you put bread in different places around the table. Check the latest packaging for the texture you want and whether the salt used is iodised.
Frequently asked questions
Which white bread goes well with herring on Flag Day?
A whole hearth loaf works well for shared slices with toppings, while individual white rolls suit portions for drinks or a buffet. If you choose a whole loaf, check that its texture and crust suit the way you want to serve the herring.
Does Dutch white bread always contain iodine?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers don’t have to use baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list for iodised salt or baker’s salt, or ask which type of salt has been used if you’re buying unpackaged bread.
Which allergens should I check for in white bread?
Check the allergen information for the specific product, as ingredients vary. For AH Vloerbrood wit heel, Albert Heijn lists wheat, milk, soya and lactose, as well as possible traces of ingredients including sesame, lupin, almond and hazelnut.
Does your choice of bread change what to consider about eating herring during pregnancy?
No. Choosing a different bread doesn’t remove the risk from salted herring. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against eating salted herring during pregnancy because it may contain bacteria that can cause illness.
Can I buy a whole white loaf in advance for Flag Day?
You can, as long as the storage method suits the loaf you’ve chosen and your plans. Albert Heijn says AH Vloerbrood wit heel can be frozen at home on the day of purchase. Follow the latest storage and serving instructions on the packaging.