Weekend breakfast eaters who want to plan how much they need
If you want to work out how much bread you’ll need in advance, a whole loaf doesn’t have to be the default choice.
A half loaf of white bread suits a small weekend breakfast when you only need a few slices. If you’re having breakfast with more people, or can freeze the rest according to the packaging, a whole loaf may fit your plans better. Then choose the type of bread you’d like to serve, and check the storage instructions and allergens for the exact product.
If you want to work out how much bread you’ll need in advance, a whole loaf doesn’t have to be the default choice.
You could opt for half a loaf, or check whether and when a whole loaf can be frozen.
You might be looking for slices for toasties, rolls to serve individually or bread with a different crust texture.
For your weekend breakfast, first work out how much bread you need. Then choose the type of bread and, finally, read the label of the product you’re planning to buy.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Check whether it’s a whole loaf, half a loaf or individual rolls, and read the pack size on the packaging. | If I’m having breakfast with a small group, I don’t want to be left with lots of uneaten slices. For around 34% of consumers, getting the right amount would be the main consideration. |
| Type of bread | Decide whether you want slices, rolls or a baguette, and check whether the product needs to be prepared before serving. | I’d choose a different type for toasties than I would for serving rolls at the table; an estimated 33% of consumers would focus mainly on how they plan to use the bread. |
| Label and storage | Check the allergens, nutritional information and storage or freezing instructions for the exact product. | If I want to store the bread or need to check certain ingredients, I need the information on the packaging. Around 33% of consumers would choose this as their first consideration. |
If a small group only eats part of it, the rest may go uneaten. A whole loaf works best when you also know what you’ll do with the leftover slices.
Choose a smaller quantity, or check whether the whole loaf can be frozen according to the packaging.
According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. The type of salt used can therefore vary from one loaf to another.
If iodine matters to your dietary choices, check the ingredients list on packaged bread or ask the baker about unpackaged bread.
A name such as white, casino or farmhouse white doesn’t tell you everything about that product’s ingredients, allergens or nutritional values.
Read the allergen information and, if it matters to your choice, compare the fibre and salt per 100 g on the packaging.
Albert Heijn’s range includes AH Wit heel and other types of white bread.
Jumbo’s range includes whole and half white loaves, as well as casino bread.
Lidl lists an 800 g white loaf and a range of bread baked in store.
ALDI lists whole white bread and also describes a range of bread baked fresh daily.
PLUS Boeren wit heel is an 800 g white loaf with nutritional information provided.
Dirk lists several whole white loaves, including boeren tijger wit and casino wit.
These options are individual white rolls and a white baguette for a weekend breakfast. Compare their type and quantity with what you’d like to serve; they aren’t a direct substitute for a whole or half sliced loaf.
No image available
An option if you’d like to serve individual rolls at breakfast. The pack contains four rolls, weighing 300 g in total; check the packaging if you want to store them.
No image available
A white baguette for anyone who’d rather serve something other than sliced bread or individual rolls. Check the preparation instructions on the packaging before use.
You can if the instructions for the loaf you choose allow it. Albert Heijn says AH Wit heel can be frozen on the day of purchase; PLUS says the same for PLUS Boeren wit heel and recommends using the loaf within one month. Follow the instructions on the packaging for any other loaf.
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list for packaged bread, and ask what type of salt has been used for unpackaged bread.
Check the allergen information on the packaging of the exact loaf you choose. Don’t rely on the name of the bread or the ingredients of a different variety.
Half a loaf can be a good choice if you only need a few slices. But if you can freeze the rest of a whole loaf according to the packaging and use it later, a whole loaf can also suit a small household.