Which bread is right for you?

The cook planning an Italian meal for a small group

You want to choose the right amount of bread for the number of people eating and avoid having a whole loaf left over. A half loaf may be a better fit for your meal.

The host who wants to share warm bread

You want to serve bread with, for example, pasta or soup, and have the time and oven space to prepare bake-off bread.

The label-conscious bread buyer

You check the ingredients, allergens, baker’s salt and fibre in the variety you choose, rather than assuming all white bread is the same.

What should you consider when choosing?

First decide how much bread you need and how you want to serve it. Then check the nutritional information and ingredients for the variety you have in mind.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Quantity Consider whether a half or whole loaf suits the number of people eating and your plans for any leftovers. If I’m dining with a small group, I don’t want to be left with a whole loaf. For around 46% of consumers, getting the right quantity comes first.
How it’s served Check whether the bread is ready to serve or needs baking, and how many pieces are in the pack. With pasta or soup, I want to share warm bread and have time to use the oven. For around 36% of consumers, how the bread is served matters most.
Label Read the current ingredients and allergen information; check the nutritional values per 100 g if fibre is a factor in your choice. If I’m checking for allergens, baker’s salt or fibre, I want to know exactly what’s in this particular loaf. For around 18% of consumers, the label takes priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming all white bread contains baker’s salt

    According to the Voedingscentrum, using baker’s salt when baking bread is not compulsory. So you can’t tell whether it has been used just from the type of bread.

    Read the ingredients on the packaging you’ve chosen or ask your baker.

  • Guessing allergens from the type of bread

    Ingredients vary between varieties, and product information can change. The label ‘white bread’ doesn’t tell you exactly which allergens a loaf contains.

    Check the label on the pack you’ve bought before eating it.

  • Buying a whole loaf without a plan for leftovers

    If you only need part of the loaf for your meal, you’ll have bread left over to store or use later.

    Choose a pack that suits the number of people eating and follow the storage instructions for your chosen product.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn’s white bread range includes half and whole loaves, as well as other bread formats.

  • You can look through the range for a pack to suit a smaller or larger table.
  • Check whether your chosen variety is available in your local shop or for delivery.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s white bread category includes half loaves, whole loaves and varieties for toasted sandwiches.

  • The different pack formats give you options to suit the number of people eating and how you plan to use the bread.
  • Check the weight and format of the variety you choose.

Lidl

Lidl lists white bread and white sandwich loaves as part of its bread range.

  • The range includes different types of white bread.
  • Check which varieties are available in store and read the label there.

ALDI

ALDI lists both half and whole white loaves in its freshly baked daily bread range.

  • You can choose a pack size to suit the number of people eating.
  • The range may change, so check the latest information in store.

PLUS

PLUS provides information about the ingredients, allergens, nutritional values and storage of its whole white farmhouse loaf.

  • This product information helps you assess the variety you’ve chosen for its ingredients and storage advice.
  • Check the packaging itself, as product information can change.

Dirk

Dirk lists both white sandwich loaves and bake-off bread, including white baguettes.

  • This gives you the choice between bread that’s ready to serve and bread that needs baking.
  • Bake-off bread needs preparing; follow the instructions on the packaging you’ve chosen.

White bread at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does Dutch white bread always contain baker’s salt?

No. The Voedingscentrum says bread does not have to be baked with baker’s salt. Check the label for your chosen variety to see whether baker’s salt is listed as an ingredient.

What should I choose if fibre matters to me?

Compare the nutritional values per 100 g of the loaves you’re considering. The Voedingscentrum advises replacing white bread with wholemeal or brown bread as much as possible for everyday meals; check the packaging for the fibre content of a particular variety.

What should I do with bread left over after the Italian meal?

Store it according to the instructions for that bread, or choose a smaller pack in advance if you don’t need much. PLUS says its whole white farmhouse loaf can be frozen at home on the day of purchase; for other products, follow the storage advice provided.

Can I assume white bread is free from allergens?

No. PLUS lists wheat, soya and milk among the ingredients in its whole white farmhouse loaf. The allergens present depend on the variety you choose, so always check the current packaging.