Who is this relevant to?

Soup lovers on a tight daily budget

You’re looking for a whole or round white loaf to serve with split pea soup. Consider the shape of the loaf and how many people will be eating too: not every loaf provides the same number of slices.

Shoppers who want to freeze bread

You’d like to save some bread for another soup meal. Albert Heijn and PLUS advise freezing the whole white loaves mentioned on the day of purchase; always follow the instructions on the packaging.

Households that check the label

You want to check the ingredients and allergens before buying, or find out whether baker’s salt or iodised salt has been used. Check the current packaging for the specific product.

What should you look for?

First, work out how much bread you’ll need with the split pea soup. Then check whether you can store any leftovers and whether the label meets your household’s needs.

What to considerWhat to check when buyingWho it matters to
Shopping budget Compare the weight, loaf shape and number of people who’ll be eating it. When I serve bread with split pea soup, I want to stay within my shopping budget without having lots left over. For around 50% of consumers, budget comes first.
Serving and storage Check whether the loaf is whole, half or round, and read the storage and freezing advice. When serving several people, I want to have enough bread and be able to save any leftovers for another time. For around 30% of consumers, this is the main consideration.
Label and nutritional information Read the ingredients and allergen information; compare fibre and salt per 100 g, and check which type of salt is listed. If someone at home needs to watch what they eat, I want to know what’s in the bread and which type of salt has been used. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this information on the label.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming all white bread is the same

    Round loaves, tin loaves and square loaves come in different shapes. Their weight and number of slices can vary too, so comparing them by name alone won’t tell you much about how much you can serve.

    Check the shape, weight and number of people eating before you choose.

  • Assuming all white bread contains baker’s salt

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So you can’t tell whether it’s included just from the description ‘white bread’.

    Check the packaging to see whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed among the ingredients.

  • Buying a whole loaf without a plan for the leftovers

    If you have bread left after your soup meal, you’ll need to eat it in time or store it appropriately.

    Choose a size that suits the number of people eating, or follow the freezing advice on the packaging.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

AH Wit heel is a whole white loaf with information about its ingredients, allergens and storage.

  • The ingredients list includes iodised salt; Albert Heijn also advises freezing the loaf on the day of purchase.
  • Product information may change. Check the packaging, especially if the ingredients or allergens are important to your choice.

Jumbo

Jumbo Witbrood has nutritional information online per 100 g and per slice.

  • For this white bread, Jumbo lists 2,4 g of fibre per 100 g, along with the ingredients and allergen information.
  • Check the current packaging if an ingredient or the possible presence of an allergen is important for your household.

ALDI

ALDI describes Wit brood heel as a whole white tin loaf with a soft crumb.

  • The loaf shape is useful if you’re looking for a whole tin loaf to serve with soup.
  • Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging before serving the bread.

Dirk

Dirk stocks options including Bakker van der Akker Rond wit heel and Casino wit heel.

  • According to Dirk, the round loaf is soft and airy, and goes well with soup.
  • Round and square loaves are different shapes; check the weight and label for each product.

PLUS

PLUS Boeren wit heel is a whole white loaf with information about its ingredients, nutritional value and storage.

  • For this loaf, PLUS provides details including fibre and salt per 100 g, as well as freezing advice.
  • Check the current packaging if allergens or storage conditions are important to your choice.

Lidl

Lidl lists an 800 g white loaf, sold in store.

  • The stated weight gives you a useful starting point for judging the size.
  • Check the packaging in store for ingredients, allergens and storage advice.

Joybuy products

Matching products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I freeze white bread for another split pea soup meal?

Yes, if the storage advice for your chosen loaf allows it. For the whole white loaves mentioned, Albert Heijn and PLUS advise freezing them on the day of purchase; follow the packaging instructions for storing and defrosting the bread.

How do I compare the fibre in white bread?

Compare the fibre listed per 100 g for the loaves you’re considering. Albert Heijn lists 1,6 g per 100 g for AH Wit heel, while Jumbo lists 2,4 g per 100 g for Jumbo Witbrood. For everyday use, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises replacing white bread with wholemeal or brown bread as much as possible.

Does Dutch white bread always contain baker’s salt?

No, don’t assume it does: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list for each loaf; AH Wit heel, for example, lists iodised salt.

What should I check if I have a food allergy?

Before buying, read the current ingredients and allergen information for the specific loaf. AH Wit heel lists wheat, barley and soya, among other ingredients; Jumbo Witbrood contains wheat and may also contain milk, nuts, sesame and soya, among other allergens. Don’t assume another white loaf has the same ingredients.