Who is this choice relevant to?

Snack makers who care about the slice

For sandwiches and toasties, you’ll want slices that suit the filling and how you’re preparing them. Look at the sliced bread itself or check the packaging before relying on a description such as ‘white bread’.

Families eating bread over several days

If you don’t need the whole loaf at once, you can freeze portions as soon as you get home and take out what you need for each snack. This follows the storage advice from the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.

Shoppers who want to check the label

If ingredients, allergens, fibre or baker’s salt matter to your choice, compare the current packaging of the loaves you’re considering.

What should you look for when buying?

What to consider What to check when buying Who is it important to?
Slice thickness Check whether the bread is sliced and whether the slices suit the filling or toastie you want to make. For a filled snack, I want slices that suit the filling, rather than relying on an unclear description. For around 27% of consumers, how well the slices work is the top priority.
Nutritional information Compare the fibre per 100 g on the label; consider brown or wholemeal bread too if you’re not set on white bread. If bread is the basis for snacks over several days, I want its nutritional information to factor into my choice. Around 20% of consumers put this first.
Loaf size and shop Check whether a half or whole loaf suits how much you’ll use, and whether your chosen shop stocks the variety you want. When I’m shopping for a few snack occasions, I want to be able to choose a suitable size. This is the main consideration for around 13% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information; if you wish, check whether baker’s salt is listed. If I need to avoid an ingredient or allergen, the label must be clear before I choose a loaf. For around 20% of consumers, this check comes first.
Storage Think about how much bread you’ll use straight away and, if needed, freeze the rest in portions as soon as you get home. For snacks spread across the holiday, I want to avoid having leftover bread go to waste. Around 20% of consumers put storage first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming all white bread is medium-sliced

    A description such as ‘white bread’ doesn’t confirm how thick the slices are. The loaf you choose may therefore be less suitable for the snack you want to make.

    Look at the slices in the shop or check the product packaging before you buy.

  • Choosing white bread when fibre is your main priority

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, white bread contains fewer nutrients than brown and wholemeal bread. Assess a white variety with a different recipe using its own nutrition table.

    Compare the fibre per 100 g and consider brown or wholemeal bread too if the white colour and texture aren’t essential.

  • Assuming every loaf contains baker’s salt

    Baker’s salt has iodine added to it, but according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use it.

    Check the ingredients list to see whether baker’s salt is included, or ask about it when buying unpackaged bread.

  • Buying a whole loaf without a plan for the leftovers

    If you only need a few slices, you may have bread left over before you’ve finished the loaf.

    Choose a size that suits how much you’ll use, or follow the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s advice and freeze the bread in portions as soon as you get home.

Brands to compare

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists several types of white bread online, including square and tiger loaves.

  • The range includes half and whole loaves.
  • Check whether each loaf is sliced and whether the slices suit your snack.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s white bread range includes square, tiger and toastie loaves.

  • There are several types and sizes to compare.
  • Check the information on the specific loaf you choose for ingredients, allergens and nutritional value.

Lidl

Lidl lists an 800 g white loaf as an in-store product.

  • The product listing gives the loaf’s weight.
  • Check the slice thickness and packaging in store; Lidl says food ingredients are listed on the packaging.

ALDI

ALDI describes a whole white tin loaf with a soft crumb.

  • The loaf shape is specified, so you can take it into account when choosing.
  • Don’t assume the slices are a particular thickness based on the shape; check the loaf in store.

PLUS

PLUS lists several white loaves online, including square, tiger and round loaves in half and whole sizes.

  • You can compare different shapes and loaf sizes.
  • Check the latest product information or label for the slice thickness and ingredients of your chosen loaf.

Dirk

Dirk’s bread range includes half and whole square white loaves, alongside other types of white bread.

  • A half or whole square loaf gives you a choice of size.
  • Before buying, check the slices and allergen information for the specific loaf.

Joybuy products for these snacks

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘white bread’ mean the loaf is medium-sliced?

No, that product description doesn’t confirm the slice thickness. Look at the loaf or check the current packaging, and see whether the slices suit the filling or preparation you have in mind.

Does all white bread contain baker’s salt?

No, according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. If this matters to your choice, check the ingredients list or ask about it when buying unpackaged bread.

How can I check for allergens in white bread?

Read the allergen information for the loaf you want to buy, and ask the seller for details about unpackaged bread. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains which allergens must be listed on labels for prepacked foods.

What should I do with bread I won’t need until later in the holiday?

Follow the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s advice: freeze it in portions as soon as you get home, then take out what you need. That way, you don’t have to use the whole loaf at once.

When should I choose brown or wholemeal bread instead of white bread?

Consider brown or wholemeal bread when nutritional value matters more to you than choosing white bread. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends replacing white bread with these varieties as much as possible; for a particular snack, you can also think about the texture you want.