Host with fussy eaters
You want to serve bread that suits different preferences. White bread alongside fine wholemeal gives guests a choice between a familiar white slice and a wholemeal option.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Shopper looking to try wholemeal
You’re looking for a finer texture than coarse bread, but want to be sure you’re buying wholemeal. Check the legally required product description of the bread you choose.
Label-conscious bread shopper
You may need to account for allergens or want to know whether baker’s salt has been used. In that case, the information for the specific product matters more than its name or the colour of the packaging.
What should you consider when choosing?
First, think about which breads your guests are likely to eat. Then compare the product description, nutritional information and size of the options you’re planning to serve.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check the legally required product description and compare the fibre per 100 g in the breads you’re considering. | If I want to offer wholemeal without immediately choosing coarse bread, I look for a finer variety whose description confirms it is wholemeal. For around 42% of consumers, making the switch to wholemeal is the top priority. |
| Guests’ preferences | Consider serving white bread alongside fine wholemeal if your guests expect a range of flavours and textures. | If guests mainly want a familiar white slice, I don’t want to serve only wholemeal. For around 33% of consumers, making sure guests will enjoy the bread is the top priority. |
| Size and availability | Check whether a half loaf or rolls would suit the size of your group, and see what the shop has available. | For a small coffee morning, I want to avoid having lots of bread left over. The right size and practical availability are the top priorities for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming brown or multigrain bread is wholemeal
Colour and the word ‘multigrain’ don’t, on their own, tell you whether bread is wholemeal. You could end up taking home a different loaf from the one you had in mind for your coffee morning.
Look for ‘wholemeal’ in the legally required product description and compare the fibre per 100 g in the specific products.
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Assuming every loaf contains baker’s salt
According to the Voedingscentrum, using baker’s salt when baking bread is not compulsory. So don’t assume it has been used based solely on the type of bread.
If this matters to your choice, check the label or ask the baker which salt was used in the bread.
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Choosing a whole loaf without considering how many people will be eating
If you serve both white and wholemeal to a small group, you could end up with some of each loaf left over.
Estimate how many guests will be eating beforehand, and see whether a half loaf or rolls would better suit the group.
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Assuming the online range will be available in store
The fresh bread range can vary from one branch to another, as Lidl explains for its stores. So a variety shown online may not be available at your local shop.
Check what’s available locally shortly before buying, and use the same label criteria if you choose an alternative.
Brands to compare
These supermarket chains offer options to help you choose between white and wholemeal bread. Compare the breads themselves, as ingredients, sizes and in-store ranges can vary.
Albert Heijn
Supermarket chain with bread categories for white and wholemeal.
- You can look at white and wholemeal options in the same shop.
- Check the ingredients on the packaging of the bread you choose.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s overview of its own-brand wholemeal bread includes fine, coarse and half-loaf options.
- A half loaf could suit a smaller group or work well alongside another type of bread.
- Check which varieties are available when you shop.
Lidl
Alongside other breads, Lidl lists a variety made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour.
- The ‘finely milled’ description helps you find a texture that differs from coarse wholemeal.
- Lidl says its fresh bread range can vary from one branch to another.
ALDI
ALDI’s daily fresh bread range includes white and fine wholemeal bread.
- According to ALDI, its wholemeal breads are made with 100% wholemeal flour.
- Check the allergen information and other ingredients on the label of the bread you choose.
PLUS
The product information for PLUS Round Fine Wholemeal describes it as wholemeal wheat bread.
- That description gives you a specific point of comparison with other breads.
- Check the current packaging; PLUS says product information may change.
Dirk
Dirk lists breads such as white and wholemeal, with a range of sizes available.
- A smaller size can be handy if you want to serve two types of bread.
- Compare the nutritional information on the label of each individual loaf.
Related Joybuy products
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Frequently asked questions
Should I always choose fine wholemeal instead of white bread for a coffee morning?
No, you can serve fine wholemeal alongside white bread if your guests have different preferences. The Voedingscentrum recommends replacing white bread with wholemeal or brown bread as much as possible; for this occasion, you can also make allowances for guests who prefer white bread.
Is brown or multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No, the colour or name doesn’t confirm that it is. Check the legally required product description: for example, PLUS Round Fine Wholemeal is described as wholemeal wheat bread. Also compare the fibre per 100 g in the breads you’re considering.
Does every loaf of bread in the Netherlands contain baker’s salt?
No, according to the Voedingscentrum, using baker’s salt when baking is not compulsory. If it matters to your choice, check the label or ask the baker which salt was used in the bread.
What should I check if a guest needs to avoid certain allergens?
Check the allergen information for the exact bread you plan to serve, including varieties labelled wholemeal. Where relevant, also look for a statement about possible cross-contamination, and don’t rely on the bread category alone.