First-time shopper buying a small grocery shop
You’re looking for a simple loaf for everyday use and don’t want to buy a larger pack than you can finish.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Someone living alone who doesn’t eat much bread
A half loaf may better suit how much you eat. If you have space in your freezer, you can also freeze a whole loaf in portions as soon as you buy it, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
Shopper with specific requirements for their bread
You want to check whether a loaf is wholemeal, what nutritional information is provided, and what the ingredients and allergen information say. If baker’s salt matters to you, check for it separately.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the type of bread you want to eat, then choose a pack size that suits how much you use. Finally, check the label for anything that matters to you.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Simple everyday bread | Check which type of bread you’re buying and whether it’s a whole or half loaf. Compare the same type and weight. | If I’m looking for a reliable staple for my first grocery shop, I don’t want to choose a speciality loaf I don’t need. Around 46% of consumers prioritise a simple choice of bread. |
| Wholemeal bread and the label | Check the ingredients, fibre per 100 g and, if it matters to you, whether baker’s salt has been used. | I want to choose a bread type carefully for everyday use and be able to see what’s in it. Around 36% of consumers prioritise information about wholemeal bread and its ingredients. |
| Portion size and waste | Work out whether you’ll finish a half loaf or can freeze a whole loaf in portions straight away. | If I only eat bread occasionally, I want to avoid having some left over to go stale. Around 18% of consumers prioritise reducing waste. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a half loaf and a whole loaf contain the same amount
Loaves can vary in weight and type, so the description on the pack alone won’t tell you how much bread you’re actually buying.
Check the type and weight of the bread before comparing two packs.
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Buying a whole loaf without a plan for the rest
If you don’t eat many slices, some of the loaf may go stale or be left over.
Choose a half loaf if that suits you better, or freeze a whole loaf in portions as soon as you buy it. Take out only what you need each time, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
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Assuming every loaf contains baker’s salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread does not have to be made with baker’s salt. The type of bread or its artisan appearance won’t tell you whether it has been used.
Check the ingredients list, or ask which salt has been used if the bread is unwrapped.
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Relying on the name of the bread if you have an allergy
Ingredients and allergen information relate to the specific product. A previous purchase doesn’t necessarily tell you anything about the pack you’re choosing now.
Check the latest information before buying, and ask about allergens if the bread is unwrapped. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains which allergens must be listed on labels.
Brands and shops to explore
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers basic wholemeal bread as well as other types. That gives you a choice within one shop for your first grocery shop.
- You can compare a basic option with other breads in the range.
- Check the exact product and weight; different types of bread aren’t necessarily comparable.
Jumbo
Jumbo is worth considering if you want to check the product information for a basic wholemeal loaf.
- The product information for Jumbo Fijn Volkoren includes details such as ingredients and fibre per 100 g.
- Check the details for the specific loaf. Information for a basic option won’t automatically apply to premium or speciality breads.
Lidl
Lidl lists Fijn volkoren as an option for anyone looking for a basic loaf while shopping.
- The product page lists a pack size of 800 g.
- According to Lidl, this option is only available in store.
ALDI
ALDI offers Fijn volkoren as both a whole and a half loaf, making it easy to choose the quantity you need.
- You can choose between a whole and a half loaf of the basic option.
- Check the weight and product information for the option you pick up.
PLUS
PLUS offers basic wholemeal loaves alongside other types of bread, including sourdough.
- You can decide first whether you want a basic wholemeal loaf or another type of bread.
- When comparing, look at the type and weight of the bread, not just the name of the product.
Dirk
Dirk offers several whole wholemeal loaves for anyone looking for everyday bread for their first grocery shop.
- The options shown include Rond volkoren and Boeren volkoren.
- Check the type and weight of each loaf before choosing.
Bread products on Joybuy
These products offer different types of bread and pack sizes to explore for your first grocery shop. Lebanese flatbread, rye bread and a round loaf that needs baking aren’t used in the same way as a standard whole or half sliced loaf, so check which type suits your meals.
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TastyBasics rye bread, 9 pieces
Rye bread to consider if you’re looking for a pack of 9. Before buying, check the ingredients, allergen information and storage advice for this option.
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Souq Lebanese wholemeal bread, 6 pieces
A different shape of bread from a standard whole loaf, in a pack of 6. Check whether this Lebanese bread suits the meals you’re buying bread for, and read the storage and allergen information.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij wholemeal round loaf, 550 g
A round loaf to consider if you’re looking for this shape and don’t mind preparing it before eating. Allow time to defrost and bake according to the product instructions; the stated weight is 550 g.
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Bolletje Rye Bread Bun, 500 g
A rye bread product to consider if you’re looking for a 500 g pack. Check the exact shape of the bread and how it’s portioned before deciding whether the pack suits your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Does every loaf in the Netherlands contain baker’s salt?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread does not have to be made with baker’s salt. For packaged bread, check the ingredients list. If the bread is unwrapped, ask which salt has been used if this matters to you.
What should I look for when comparing white and wholemeal bread?
Check the type of bread and the nutritional information for the specific products, such as fibre per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes wholemeal bread as containing fibre, vitamins and minerals. Also consider which flavour and pack size you’ll actually use.
What should I do if I won’t finish a whole loaf quickly?
Choose a half loaf or freeze a whole loaf in portions as soon as you buy it. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends taking out only what you need each time.
How do I check for allergens in bread?
Read the latest ingredients and allergen information for the exact loaf you’re buying. If the bread is unwrapped, ask about allergens before you buy it. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are listed on food labels.