Who is this for?

Carers of crust-sensitive eaters

Looking for a soft, predictable sandwich that’s easy to spread. A square sandwich loaf or tin loaf can be a good starting point; check the crust and the actual slice thickness of the bread you choose.

Families looking to make a gradual switch

Want to take account of what’s being eaten now without losing sight of brown and wholemeal bread. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises replacing white bread with these types as much as possible.

Households checking for allergens

Need information about the exact loaf before choosing. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for prepacked products is shown on the label; ask about it before buying unwrapped bread.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the texture the eater will accept, then check the slices of the bread itself. Nutritional value and ingredients can help you choose between suitable loaves.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Soft crumb and crust Check whether the crust is soft or crisp. If you’re unsure, try a half loaf first. If a hard crust is a sticking point at the table, I want a sandwich with a predictable feel in the mouth. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this texture requirement.
Slice thickness and lunch convenience Check whether the bread is pre-sliced, how thick the slices look and whether they fit in a lunchbox. For everyday lunches, I want slices I can spread and pack without needing to cut them first. The right slice thickness is a priority for around 29% of consumers.
Fibre and making the switch Compare the fibre per 100 g on the current packaging and try switching to brown or wholemeal bread in a manageable step. If white bread is familiar for now, I want to try another type of bread without changing the whole lunch at once. This switch is the most important factor for around 21% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the label on the exact prepacked loaf, or ask about allergen information before buying unwrapped bread. If an allergen is relevant, I need to know what’s in this particular loaf before I take it home. This check is the top priority for around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Choosing a crisp crust for someone who only accepts soft bread

    ALDI describes its Farmhouse Tiger White as having a crisp crust, while Dirk describes its White Batard as having a firm crust. These differences matter if the crust itself is a barrier.

    Check the crust before you buy, and only try a loaf with a more substantial crust if that texture suits the eater.

  • Assuming all white breads contain the same allergens

    PLUS lists wheat, soya and a milk ingredient among the ingredients in its Half Farmhouse White. That ingredients list doesn’t automatically apply to another white loaf.

    Check the current packaging for the exact product. For unwrapped bread, ask about allergen information before you buy.

  • Assuming white bread has the same nutritional value as wholemeal

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises replacing white bread with brown or wholemeal bread as much as possible, and highlights fibre as an important difference.

    If white bread is the familiar choice for now, try brown or wholemeal bread when it feels manageable, rather than changing every sandwich at once.

  • Assuming ‘sliced’ also means ‘medium-sliced’

    A label saying that bread is sliced doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are. That difference matters if a consistent sandwich shape is important.

    Look at the slices through the packaging or ask at the bakery counter for the cut you want. A half loaf can be handy for trying an unfamiliar slice thickness.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

The white bread range includes square sandwich loaves and half loaves, among other shapes.

  • You can tell sliced and unsliced options apart when choosing.
  • Check the slice thickness and current product information for the exact loaf.

Jumbo

The white bread category includes square sandwich loaves, toast bread and half loaves.

  • A half square sandwich loaf is an option if you want to try a smaller amount.
  • The shape doesn’t confirm medium-thick slices, so check the product you choose.

Lidl

The bread range includes prepacked loaves and bread from the fresh-from-the-oven range.

  • In store, you can assess the crust, shape and visible slice thickness.
  • According to Lidl, its fresh-from-the-oven range may vary by store.

Aldi

ALDI describes both white tin bread and Farmhouse Tiger White.

  • The descriptions of the loaf shape and crust give you useful clues when choosing by texture.
  • According to ALDI, Farmhouse Tiger White has a crisp crust; check whether it suits the eater.

PLUS

The white bread category includes square sandwich loaves, farmhouse loaves and half loaves, among others.

  • PLUS lists the ingredients for its Half Farmhouse White, which you can check for that specific loaf.
  • The wheat, soya and milk ingredient in that loaf tell you nothing about the ingredients in other PLUS loaves.

Dirk

The bread range includes White Batard and white square sandwich loaves, among others.

  • Dirk describes the firm crust of its White Batard, so you can take that into account.
  • A firm crust may not be the best fit if the eater wants soft bread.

Related products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is white bread an everyday choice for a fussy eater?

White bread can be a practical choice if the eater accepts it, but the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises replacing white bread with brown or wholemeal bread as much as possible. Consider what change to another type of bread feels manageable for this eater.

How do I compare the fibre in white breads?

Compare the nutritional information per 100 g on the current packaging of the breads you’re considering. The name ‘white bread’ doesn’t tell you the exact amount of fibre.

Do I need to check for allergens in white bread?

Yes. If allergens are relevant to your household, check the exact loaf. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for prepacked products is shown on the label; for unwrapped bread, this information must be available before you buy.

How should I store the white bread I’ve chosen?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging of the loaf you’ve chosen. PLUS says its Half Farmhouse White should be stored somewhere dry and dark; don’t assume the same advice applies to another product.

How can I check whether a white loaf contains baker’s salt?

Look for ‘baker’s salt’ in the ingredients list for the specific loaf. PLUS lists it for its Half Farmhouse White, but the ingredients in that loaf don’t automatically apply to other white breads.