The portion-conscious host
You want to make sure there are enough sandwiches for everyone. So, look beyond the number of loaves and check their weight and how many slices or rolls you can serve.
Which bread shape is right for you?
The host who wants to serve quickly
You want bread that’s easy to slice and top without much preparation. Individual warm rolls are another option, as long as you have time and oven space just before your guests arrive.
The label-conscious host
You take account of ingredients and allergens that may matter to your guests. Information about iodised salt or bakers’ salt may also be a reason to check the label.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether you want slices that are quick to top, bread to display on a sharing board or warm individual portions. Then check that the quantity and preparation suit your guests and when you plan to serve.
Whole white loaf
Best for: making plenty of sandwiches in advance.
Consider: its even shape makes it easy to top, but it doesn’t have the distinctive crust of the tiger bread described by ALDI.
Round or rustic white loaf
Best for: bread to display on a sharing board, where shape or crust matters.
Consider: you’ll need to decide how to divide the loaf; the slices may not all be the same size.
Part-baked rolls
Best for: warm individual portions when you can bake them shortly before your guests arrive.
Consider: you’ll need oven space and time to prepare them; follow the instructions for your chosen product.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Enough portions | Compare the weight and number of slices or rolls with how much you plan to serve. | If I want to make lots of appetisers, one pack needs to provide enough useful portions. Around 36% of consumers prioritise the number of portions. |
| Ease of serving | Check whether the bread is ready to serve or needs to be baked first. | I want to serve everything on time without a last-minute rush. Ease of serving matters most to around 29% of consumers. |
| Shape and crust | Choose between even slices and a loaf shape you’d like to display on your sharing board. | If the bread will stay on the table, I care about its shape and crust. Presentation is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Label information | Read the current packaging for ingredients, allergens and relevant nutritional information. | If guests have specific dietary needs, I want to know what I can offer them. Around 14% of consumers give checking the label top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming every pack provides the same number of portions
A whole loaf, a half loaf and a pack of rolls won’t necessarily provide the same number of appetisers.
Decide how many slices or individual rolls you want to serve, then compare pack sizes.
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Expecting part-baked rolls to be ready to serve
Part-baked rolls need oven space and time just before your guests arrive. ALDI lists a baking time of 5–7 minutes for the Kaiser rolls it describes.
Check the cooking instructions for your rolls, and allow time for preheating and serving too.
While the rolls are in the oven, you can’t use it for other appetisers.
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Assuming the label on one white loaf applies to all bread
Ingredients and allergens vary by product and can change. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use iodised bakers’ salt.
Check the current packaging before serving bread to guests with an allergy or other specific dietary requirement.
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Assuming white bread is always a high-fibre choice
The white bread described by Jumbo lists 2.4 g of fibre per 100 g. The type of bread alone doesn’t tell you the nutritional value of a specific product.
Check the nutritional information if fibre matters to your guests, and consider offering another type of bread too.
Brands to compare
These brands offer different types of white bread; compare the information for the specific product you’re planning to buy.
Albert Heijn
The online range includes AH Wit heel and other varieties of white bread.
- Albert Heijn lists around 22 slices for AH Wit heel, along with information about ingredients and allergens.
- Albert Heijn warns that product information may change, so check the packaging when you buy.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers several types of white bread, including whole and half loaves, round loaves and tiger bread.
- The Jumbo white bread described lists its ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.
- The features of this white bread don’t necessarily apply to the other types in the range.
Lidl
Lidl describes a freshly baked range of bread that’s baked in store.
- Lidl provides separate information about ingredients and allergens for its freshly baked range.
- Check the details for the bread you actually choose, especially if a guest with an allergy will be eating it.
ALDI
ALDI describes products including whole white loaves, tiger bread and white part-baked rolls.
- The pack of Kaiser rolls described contains six white wheat rolls with a baking time of 5–7 minutes.
- The range and availability may vary from store to store.
PLUS
PLUS lists products online including boeren wit, rond wit and tijgerwit, with options to have your shopping delivered or collect it.
- You can view the different types of bread individually while putting together your shopping order.
- PLUS says that ingredients, nutritional values and allergy information may change, so check the packaging.
Dirk
Dirk’s online search results include rond wit, casino wit, boeren tijger wit and batard wit.
- The range gives you options to compare sliced bread with loaves for serving on a sharing board.
- Check the weight or number of slices for each loaf you’re considering to work out how much you need.
White bread and rolls at Joybuy
These white rolls and baguettes are ideal for individual portions or bread to share at your drinks get-together. Use the stated weight and number of pieces to work out how much you need; for the baguettes, check the cooking instructions too.
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g'woon white rolls, 4 pieces, 300 g
For serving individual white rolls at your drinks get-together. The pack contains four rolls with a total weight of 300 g.
Check the current packaging for allergen and storage information.
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g'woon white baguettes, 2 pieces, 300 g
For sharing two white baguettes on your drinks board. They weigh 300 g in total; you can decide how many pieces to cut them into.
Before serving, check the current packaging for allergens and any cooking instructions.
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g'woon white baguette, 220 g
A white baguette for cutting into pieces to serve at your drinks get-together. The stated weight is 220 g.
Check the packaging to see whether it needs baking and how to prepare it.
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G'woon rustic white baguette, 250 g
For serving a rustic-style baguette on your drinks board, cut into pieces just the way you like. The stated weight is 250 g.
Check the packaging for allergens, storage advice and any cooking instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose a whole white loaf or part-baked rolls for drinks?
A whole white loaf is a good choice if you want to prepare plenty of evenly sized sandwiches in advance. Part-baked rolls are better if you want warm individual portions and have the time and oven space. The Kaiser rolls described by ALDI take 5–7 minutes to bake; allow time for preheating and serving too.
Does white bread in the Netherlands always contain iodised salt?
No, the use of iodised salt varies from loaf to loaf. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use bakers’ salt. Check the ingredients list if this matters to your choice; Albert Heijn lists iodised salt for AH Wit heel.
What should I check if a guest needs to avoid wheat?
Check the current ingredients and allergen information for the specific bread before serving it. The white bread described by Jumbo contains wheat and also lists possible traces of other allergens, so don’t rely on the words ‘white bread’ alone.
How should I store white bread until Friday afternoon drinks?
Follow the storage advice and date on the packaging of the bread you choose. Jumbo recommends storing the white bread it describes in a cool, dry, dark place; Albert Heijn says AH Wit heel can be frozen at home on the day of purchase and should then be used within one month.