Choose a square white loaf or toastie bread if you want evenly shaped slices for a sweet breakfast; Albert Heijn describes its Extra lang lekker casino wit as soft and square. That shape doesn’t guarantee a thick or sturdy slice, so check the slices or ask about the available thickness before choosing bread for generous toppings or French toast. If fibre is a priority at breakfast every day, compare wholemeal and brown bread too: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises replacing white bread with these as much as possible.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Breakfast lovers who enjoy generous sweet toppings
If you use jam, peanut butter, honey or fruit spread, you’ll want a slice that holds together when topped. Check the actual thickness and how sturdy it is; the words ‘square loaf’ or ‘toastie bread’ don’t tell you this on their own.
Toast and sandwich makers
An evenly shaped loaf can be handy for toast, French toast or sandwiches. Albert Heijn describes Extra lang lekker casino wit as a square loaf for uses including toasties and club sandwiches; check separately that the slices are the thickness you want.
Everyday breakfast eaters who consider fibre
If you often eat white bread but want to compare fibre content too, check the nutritional information on the exact pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises replacing white bread with wholemeal or brown bread as much as possible.
What should you look for when choosing?
| What to look for |
What to check when buying |
Who it matters to |
| A slice for sweet toppings |
Check the thickness of pre-sliced bread, or ask what slice thickness is available if you’re buying a whole loaf. |
If I use generous toppings or make French toast, I want to know in advance whether the slice will be sturdy enough for what I have in mind. Around 42% of consumers put this question about slice thickness first. |
| Fibre for everyday eating |
Compare fibre per 100 g on the same basis; also consider wholemeal and brown bread if fibre is the deciding factor. |
When bread is a regular part of my breakfast, I want to consider its nutritional value as well as my preference for white bread. Around 33% of consumers put this fibre comparison first. |
| Freshness and portions |
Check the storage advice and decide whether you can freeze the bread in portions straight away. |
If I only eat a few slices at a time, I want to store the rest without throwing away bread unnecessarily. Portioning is the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a square loaf means thick slices
‘Square loaf’ and ‘toastie bread’ describe a loaf shape or intended use, not a set slice thickness. As a result, a pre-packed loaf may be sliced more thinly than you’d like for generous toppings or French toast.
If possible, check the slices before buying. If you’re buying a whole loaf, ask the baker what slice thickness they can offer, or cut it to your preferred thickness at home.
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Assuming all white bread has the same nutritional value
Jumbo lists 2.4 g of fibre per 100 g for its white bread; that figure doesn’t automatically apply to another white loaf. Serving sizes can vary too.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g of the products you’re considering. If fibre is your top priority for everyday breakfasts, include wholemeal and brown bread in your comparison too, as the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises.
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Buying a whole loaf without a storage plan
If you only use a few slices at a time, the rest may dry out or go stale before you get round to eating it.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises freezing bread in portions straight after buying it, then taking out only what you need each time.
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Assuming the bread contains iodine-enriched baker’s salt
The type of bread alone doesn’t tell you what salt was used in a particular loaf. This may matter if you’re specifically looking for iodine-enriched baker’s salt.
Check the ingredients list on the exact pack for the type of salt listed.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers white farmhouse loaves, tiger bread and square white loaves, among other options.
- Albert Heijn describes Extra lang lekker casino wit as soft and square, and suggests it for toasties and club sandwiches.
- The name doesn’t guarantee thick slices; check the thickness separately if you’re planning to add generous sweet toppings.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers whole and half loaves, including white bread with nutritional information listed per 100 g and per slice for comparison.
- Jumbo lists 2.4 g of fibre per 100 g for its white bread, with each slice weighing 35 g.
- This information doesn’t tell you whether the bread has thick slices or comes in a square-loaf or toastie shape.
PLUS
PLUS offers square white loaves in whole and half sizes, as well as white toastie bread.
- These different options give you a starting point when looking for bread for toast or sandwiches.
- Check the slices, ingredients and nutritional information for the product you choose rather than treating the shape name as a specification.
Lidl
Lidl lists an 800 g white loaf, which according to the product page is only available in store.
- The listed weight helps you choose between a whole loaf and a smaller purchase.
- Check the slices and label in store if thickness, ingredients or nutritional value are important to you.
ALDI
ALDI lists sliced white bread in its bakery range.
- Pre-sliced white bread is an option if you don’t want to cut a whole loaf yourself.
- If you want a thick slice, don’t rely solely on the fact that the bread is pre-sliced; check the specific product.
Dirk
Dirk lists white bread, as well as whole and half loaves, in its bread range.
- A whole or half loaf lets you choose a quantity that suits how often you eat it for breakfast.
- Ask about slicing options or check the packaging if you need a particular slice thickness.
Joybuy products for a sweet breakfast
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is square white or toastie bread automatically thickly sliced?
No. Albert Heijn describes a square white loaf as suitable for toasties and club sandwiches, but that description doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are. Check the slices themselves or ask what thickness is available.
Where can I find allergen information for white bread?
For pre-packed bread, check the label: according to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must be shown there. For unpackaged bread, ask for this information before buying and always check the specific product.
How should I store bread if I only eat a few slices at breakfast?
If you won’t eat it quickly, it’s best to freeze the bread in portions straight after buying it, as the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises. Take out only the portion you need each time and follow the storage advice on the packaging.
How can I check whether bread contains iodine-enriched baker’s salt?
Read the ingredients list for the bread you want to buy and check the type of salt listed. Don’t assume a particular recipe just because it’s white bread.