Who is this type of bread suited to?

Making sandwiches for a group

Want to make several filled sandwiches at home without slicing the bread yourself? Check whether the packaging or product page clearly states the slice thickness you want.

Picnickers with chilled fillings

Taking fillings that need to stay chilled, such as egg mayonnaise? The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends using a cool bag.

Small picnic groups

If you only need a few slices, half a loaf may be closer to the amount you expect to eat. Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS also list half loaves of white bread.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you want to make evenly sized sandwiches at home or would rather check the slice thickness of shop-bought bread yourself. Then choose a whole or half loaf based on how many slices you need.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Evenly sized sandwiches Check that the packaging or product page explicitly says the bread is medium-sliced. The terms tin loaf and square sandwich loaf do not confirm the slice thickness. If I’m making sandwiches for a group at home, I want slices I can stack without having to do any extra cutting. An estimated 36% of consumers prioritise an even slice.
Transporting chilled fillings Decide which fillings need to stay chilled and take a cool bag for them. When I’m carrying chilled fillings, I want to stop them being left out of the fridge for too long on the way. For around 29% of consumers, keeping those fillings safe during transport is the top priority.
Getting the right amount Work out how many slices you expect to use and compare a half loaf with a whole one. For a small group, I don’t want to bring more bread than we’re likely to eat. Around 21% of consumers give most weight to choosing the right amount.
Labelling and dietary needs Read the ingredients and allergen information. If you’re interested in baker’s salt, check the ingredients list or ask the baker. If ingredients or allergens matter to my group, I want to be able to check the label before setting off. An estimated 14% of consumers put this product information first.

Common mistakes when choosing picnic bread

  • Assuming all white bread is medium-sliced

    White bread, tin loaf and square sandwich loaf do not automatically tell you how thick the slices are. You should check the slice thickness separately, even when buying half a loaf.

    Before choosing bread for evenly sized sandwiches, look for an explicit description of the slice thickness on the packaging, shelf label or full product page.

  • Taking chilled fillings without a cool bag

    Choosing bread and transporting fillings safely are two separate decisions. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends carrying chilled products in a cool bag and throwing away perishable food that has been out of the fridge for more than two hours.

    Take chilled fillings out of the fridge shortly before you leave and carry them in a cool bag.

  • Assuming the bread contains iodine based on its type

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt when baking bread is not compulsory. White bread alone therefore does not confirm that baker’s salt has been used.

    Check the ingredients list or ask the baker if baker’s salt is important to your choice.

  • Buying a whole loaf without a plan for the leftovers

    You may have slices left over after a small picnic, while half a loaf may not be enough for a larger group.

    Work out how many slices you need in advance and choose an amount to match. Follow the storage advice on the packaging for any leftover bread.

Brands to compare

These supermarket ranges offer some options for white bread. Check the slice thickness and size of the loaf you choose; a product appearing in a range does not confirm that it is medium-sliced.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists several types of white bread, including half loaves.

  • Half a loaf may suit a small group.
  • Check the slice thickness of the individual loaf.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s white bread range includes half loaves of casino white bread and white toastie bread.

  • You can compare different types of white bread and half loaves.
  • Check whether each product’s slice thickness suits the sandwiches you want to make.

Lidl

Lidl lists an 800 g white loaf that is only available in store.

  • You can check the loaf and its product information in store.
  • Lidl says its fresh bread range may vary by store; check the slice thickness too.

Aldi

Aldi describes a whole white tin loaf with a soft crumb.

  • The tin shape is easy to recognise if you’re looking for rectangular slices.
  • The shape described does not confirm that the loaf is medium-sliced.

PLUS

PLUS’s white bread range includes whole and half loaves of casino white bread.

  • You can compare a whole loaf with a half loaf to find the right amount.
  • Check the slice thickness of the option you choose.

Dirk

Dirk lists whole and half loaves of casino white bread, as well as other white bread options.

  • A half loaf of casino white bread is an option for a smaller group.
  • A small loaf or a casino loaf does not automatically have the medium slice you want.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is iodised baker’s salt compulsory in Dutch bread?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt when baking bread is not compulsory. Check the ingredients list or ask the baker if this matters to your choice.

How can I take filled sandwiches to a picnic safely?

Take any fillings that need to stay chilled in a cool bag and remove them from the fridge shortly before you leave. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends throwing away perishable food that has been out of the fridge for more than two hours.

Is white bread an obvious everyday choice as well as a picnic option?

No. Choosing practical bread for evenly sized sandwiches is separate from your usual choice of bread. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends replacing white bread with wholemeal or brown bread as often as possible.