Who is this relevant for?

Breakfast lovers who enjoy sweet toppings

You’re looking for a slice of white bread with a thickness that suits your topping. Check whether the bread itself is medium-sliced; a general white bread category won’t always tell you.

Families who buy bread regularly

You want to choose between packaged bread and bread from the bakery counter, and pick a size that suits the number of people having breakfast. The range may vary from shop to shop or by delivery area.

Shoppers who read labels carefully

You check the ingredients, nutritional information or allergens before choosing a loaf. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for unpackaged bread must be available in another way before purchase.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the slice thickness and loaf size you’re looking for. Then check the product information that matters for your breakfast.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Slice thickness and toppings Look for ‘medium-sliced’ on the specific loaf, or ask what slice thickness is available at the bakery counter. If I want jam, chocolate sprinkles or peanut butter on my bread, I want to know how thick the slices will be. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this combination of slice thickness and ease of spreading.
Freshness and availability Check what’s available in your shop or delivery area, along with the bread’s use-by information or storage instructions. For breakfast at a set time, I want to be able to buy bread that fits my plans. That’s why around 23% of consumers prioritise freshness and availability.
Allergens and ingredients Read the label on packaged bread; ask for allergen information before buying unpackaged bread. If I need to avoid an ingredient, I want to know the information for this specific loaf before I take it home. Around 18% of consumers give this check top priority.
Fibre and nutritional value Compare the ingredients and fibre content of the loaves you’re considering; also see whether wholemeal bread suits your preferences. If I eat bread for breakfast often, I want to weigh up my preference for white bread against fibre and nutritional value. For around 18% of consumers, this is the main consideration.
Loaf size and leftovers Choose between a half loaf and a whole loaf based on how many slices you expect to use. In a household that won’t get through a whole loaf quickly, I want to avoid having lots left over. Around 12% of consumers prioritise choosing the right loaf size.

Common misconceptions

  • All white bread is medium-sliced

    The name ‘white bread’ doesn’t automatically tell you how thick the slices are. You could end up with a different size or an unsliced loaf than you had in mind.

    Check the packaging or shelf label for the slice thickness. Ask at the bakery counter what slicing options are available.

  • An online description is enough if you have an allergy

    If you need to consider allergens, it’s the information for the specific loaf that matters. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly listed on the label of pre-packed foods, and information about unpackaged products must be available in another way before purchase.

    Read the label on packaged bread and ask how to access the allergen information for unpackaged bread.

  • White and wholemeal bread contain the same amount of fibre

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholegrain products contain more fibre than white grain products. A preference for the taste or texture of white bread doesn’t change that difference.

    If you eat bread for breakfast regularly, consider whether you’d also like to choose brown or wholemeal bread.

  • All white bread is made with iodised baker’s salt

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes bread made with iodised baker’s salt as an important source of iodine in the Netherlands. That doesn’t mean every individual white loaf is made with it.

    Check the ingredients of the loaf you’ve chosen, or ask the shop assistant which salt was used.

Brands and shops to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn has an online white bread category, which is useful for browsing products in advance.

  • You can browse the white bread range alongside your other bread shopping.
  • Check the slice thickness for the variety you choose and read the packaging for the latest product information.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists white bread online and offers delivery or collection with your grocery shopping.

  • You can combine your bread choice with delivery or collection.
  • Check whether the specific loaf is medium-sliced; the category label doesn’t tell you.

Lidl

Lidl describes its oven-fresh bread for shoppers who want to choose from the bakery counter.

  • The oven-fresh range gives you another option besides buying only pre-packed bread.
  • Lidl directs shoppers to the packaging for ingredient information. For unpackaged bread, ask about allergens and slicing options before buying.

ALDI

ALDI describes its fresh daily bread and a whole white tin loaf.

  • You can weigh up a whole white loaf against the fresh daily range in store.
  • Check the slice thickness, ingredients and size of the specific loaf.

PLUS

PLUS has an online white bread category, with delivery and collection options.

  • You can plan white bread alongside your other groceries.
  • PLUS notes that product information can change; read the packaging for the variety you choose and check the slice thickness.

Dirk

Dirk describes a bread range that includes white bread, as well as half and whole loaves.

  • The choice between a half loaf and a whole loaf can help you find the right size.
  • Check which white bread and slice thickness your shop offers before you buy.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is medium-sliced white bread always suitable for sweet toppings?

No, the slice thickness you want depends on how you eat your bread and use your toppings. Check the packaging or shelf label to see whether the loaf is medium-sliced, or ask about the slicing options at the bakery counter.

Where can I find allergen information for white bread?

For pre-packed bread, read the label on the specific product. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for unpackaged bread must be available in another way before purchase. If you can’t find it, ask at the bakery counter.

Should I choose white or wholemeal bread for breakfast every day?

If fibre is your main consideration, wholemeal bread is a better choice: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholegrain products contain more fibre than white grain products, and you can replace white bread with brown or wholemeal bread where possible. If you prefer white bread for this breakfast, still compare the information for the loaves you’re considering.

Does all white bread contain iodine from baker’s salt?

You can’t assume that this is true of every white loaf. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre links the iodine contribution to bread made with iodised baker’s salt, so check the ingredients of the loaf you’ve chosen or ask the shop assistant which salt was used.

How do I choose the right loaf size for breakfast every day?

Choose a half or whole loaf based on how many people are having breakfast and how many slices you usually eat. Also check the use-by and storage information for the specific product, especially if you expect to have bread left over.