Who is this choice relevant for?

Families cooking for several people

You want to serve enough white bread with your roast without buying more than your guests will eat. That’s when the difference between a whole and a half loaf matters.

Hosts serving bread with gravy

The bread is on show at the table, so you’ll want to consider the crust and crumb described for each loaf. For example, you might prefer a soft loaf or one with a firmer crust.

Small households looking to avoid leftovers

You’re buying for a few people and don’t want leftover bread to go to waste. A half loaf or freezing portions straight away may fit better with your meal planning.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, work out how much bread you’ll need with your roast. Then choose the crust you prefer, and check the label and storage instructions for the specific loaf.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Quantity and leftovers Check the weight and choose a whole or half loaf based on the number of people eating and how much you can store. When I’m cooking for several people, I want to serve enough bread without ending up with lots of leftovers. For around 50% of consumers, getting the quantity right comes first.
Crust and how you’ll serve it Read how the seller describes the crust and crumb of the specific loaf. Also check whether it’s available through the way you shop. With a roast and gravy, I want to choose between soft bread and a loaf with a firmer crust. Around 30% of consumers prioritise how they’ll serve it.
Labelling and storage Check the ingredients, allergens, fibre and salt per 100 g, as well as the storage instructions on the packaging. When I’m shopping for my household, I want to know what’s in the bread and how to store any portions we don’t use. For around 20% of consumers, this labelling and storage information is the main consideration.

Common mistakes

  • Choosing based only on ‘whole’ or ‘half’

    Loaves can vary in weight, so the size shown on the packaging doesn’t tell you on its own how much bread you’ll have left after the meal.

    Check the weight and think about how many people will want bread before choosing a whole or half loaf.

  • Choosing white bread for its fibre content

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, white bread contains fewer nutrients than wholemeal bread. The flavour you want with this meal and your everyday choice of fibre are therefore two separate considerations.

    Check the nutritional information for the specific loaf. If fibre is your main priority, compare brown and wholemeal bread too.

  • Assuming allergens from the bread’s name

    Ingredients vary by product. PLUS lists wheat, soya and milk, among other ingredients, for its whole farmhouse white loaf. This information doesn’t automatically apply to other white breads.

    If allergens matter to your choice, check the label of the specific product every time you buy it.

  • Buying a whole loaf without a plan for leftovers

    A small group may have plenty of bread left after the meal. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread you plan to eat later in portions as soon as you’ve bought it.

    Choose a half loaf or freeze the portions you won’t need straight away. Follow the storage instructions on the packaging.

Brands to compare

These supermarket ranges offer different types of white bread. Compare the specific loaf each time, along with the information that matters for your meal.

Albert Heijn

The range includes basic white bread, hearth-baked loaves and other varieties of white bread.

  • You can compare different bread styles and sizes side by side.
  • Check that your chosen loaf is available from the shop or through the ordering method you want to use.

Jumbo

The white bread range includes basic loaves, half loaves and tiger bread.

  • Whole and half loaves give you options for different group sizes.
  • For fibre, salt and allergen information, check the details for the specific loaf.

Lidl

Lidl offers both pre-packed and fresh bread; its listed 800 g white loaf is an in-store product.

  • You can weigh up pre-packed and fresh bread when shopping in store.
  • Check whether each product is available from your chosen shop or through your preferred ordering method.

Aldi

The Dutch range includes freshly baked white bread and farmhouse tiger white, with whole and half loaf options.

  • Choosing between a whole and half loaf helps you match the quantity to your group.
  • Check the product details if the crust or loaf size is a deciding factor.

Plus

The range includes white sandwich loaves and farmhouse white bread, as well as other varieties of white bread.

  • You can compare different sizes and bread styles.
  • Check the allergens for the specific product; the PLUS whole farmhouse white loaf lists wheat, soya and milk, among other ingredients.

Dirk

The range includes Bakker van der Akker white sandwich loaves and white batard bread.

  • Dirk describes its batard as having a firm crust, which may be relevant to how you present the bread at the table.
  • Check the size and product details of the variety you choose.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Should I choose a whole or half white loaf for a Sunday roast?

Choose a whole loaf if you need enough portions for several people, or a half loaf if you’re eating with a small group and want to limit leftovers. Check the weight of the specific loaf, as not all loaves are the same size.

What can I do with white bread left over after a meal?

It’s best to freeze any portions you don’t need straight away as soon as you get home. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread in portions and only taking out what you need; also follow the instructions on the packaging.

Is white bread a good choice if fibre is important?

If fibre is a priority, compare brown and wholemeal bread too, rather than looking at white bread alone. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, white bread contains fewer nutrients than wholemeal bread. Check the nutritional information per 100 g for the specific product before choosing.

Do all white breads contain the same allergens?

No, ingredients and allergens vary by product. PLUS lists wheat, soya and milk, among other ingredients, in its whole farmhouse white loaf. So always check the packaging of the loaf you’re actually buying.