If you want to cut thick slices yourself for BBQ snacks, choose a wholemeal loaf that is explicitly described as unsliced. Pre-sliced bread saves preparation time and gives you even slices, but you can no longer choose the thickness yourself. The word ‘whole’ on its own does not confirm that the bread will be supplied unsliced.
If you’re making substantial toast or topped bread slices, you’ll want to choose the thickness yourself. Opt for an explicitly unsliced wholemeal loaf, or ask at the bakery counter whether the loaf can be supplied unsliced.
If you’re making pieces of the same size for several guests, pre-sliced wholemeal bread may be more convenient. Before buying, check that your chosen variety is available and that the fixed slice thickness suits your plans.
If you have specific requirements around grains, allergens or salt, the current label on the exact loaf is what matters. A similar bread name doesn’t tell you enough about its ingredients.
Choose this if: you want to cut your own wide, thick slices for BBQ toppings.
Bear in mind: cutting it yourself takes preparation; check that the bread will actually be supplied unsliced.
Choose this if: speed and even slices are your priorities.
Bear in mind: the slice thickness is fixed, and availability can change from one product to another.
Choose this if: you want to serve smaller pieces of toast rather than wide slices of bread.
Bear in mind: this bread shape won’t give you a large, thick slice from a whole loaf.
First decide whether you want to choose the slice thickness yourself. Then compare the label and the amount of bread you’ll need for your BBQ.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Slice thickness | Look specifically for ‘unsliced’ or ask whether the loaf can be supplied unsliced; ‘whole’ alone isn’t a guarantee. | For generous toppings, I want to be able to cut the slices thick enough myself. Around 43% of consumers put control over slice thickness first. |
| Wholemeal and ingredients | Check for the ‘wholemeal’ description and read the current ingredients and allergen information for your chosen loaf. | When I buy bread for guests, I want to be able to check what’s in it beforehand. Ingredients are the main concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Portions and storage | Choose an amount of bread to suit the number of guests and check the storage instructions on the packaging. | I might buy the bread before the BBQ and want to be able to store any leftovers. This planning matters most to around 28% of consumers. |
A whole loaf may already have been sliced. If so, you can’t choose a thicker slice for your BBQ snacks.
Look for the word ‘unsliced’ or ask at the bakery counter how the bread will be supplied.
The brown colour or visible seeds don’t tell you whether a loaf is wholemeal. According to the Voedingscentrum, you can rely on bread labelled ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging to be genuinely wholemeal.
So check the product name and label, rather than judging the bread by its appearance alone.
Ingredients and allergens can vary from one loaf to another. You should also check whether the chosen product contains iodised salt.
Read the current ingredients and allergen information before buying, especially if you need to take your guests’ requirements into account.
A large loaf may give you more slices than you’ll use at your BBQ. The Voedingscentrum also lists bread among the foods that are often wasted.
Estimate how many slices you’ll need in advance, and freeze any portions you won’t use soon.
Bread left for too long can dry out or go stale.
AH Liefde & Passie Wholemeal Unsliced is a specific option to look at if you want to cut your own slices.
Jumbo lists several types of wholemeal bread, including hearty loaves and varieties designed for toasties.
Lidl listed Tiger Wholemeal Whole Farmhouse Loaf as an in-store product for a limited time.
ALDI describes an Extra High-Fibre Wholemeal loaf in a whole-loaf shape.
PLUS lists both Coarse Wholemeal Whole Loaf and a wholemeal baguette; these bread shapes suit different types of BBQ bites.
Dirk lists Wholemeal Whole Farmhouse Loaf as an option to consider if you want to cut the bread yourself.
These two round wholemeal loaves are worth considering if you want to cut your own slices for BBQ snacks. Before buying, check whether your chosen variety is supplied unsliced; that’s the only way to choose the thickness yourself.
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If you’re serving several portions of bread at your BBQ, you could consider this pack of two round 550 g loaves. Check whether they’ll be supplied unsliced if you want to cut thick slices yourself; also check the preparation instructions and the current label.
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If one round loaf is enough for the portions you have planned, this 550 g variety is worth a look. Before buying, confirm that it’ll be supplied unsliced, and read the preparation instructions and ingredients information for this product.
No. ‘Whole’ on its own doesn’t confirm that you’ll be able to cut the bread yourself. For thick slices, look for ‘unsliced’ or ask at the bakery counter whether the bread is supplied pre-sliced.
Check whether ‘wholemeal’ is stated on the packaging. According to the Voedingscentrum, bread with this description is genuinely wholemeal; a brown colour or seeds on the outside aren’t a substitute.
You can’t assume this is the case for every loaf. If it matters to you, check the current ingredients list for the exact product for a mention of iodised salt or baker’s salt.
For opened wholemeal bread, the Voedingscentrum recommends storing it for 2–4 days in a kitchen cupboard or 1–3 months in the freezer. Divide any bread you’ll use later into portions, and follow the storage advice on the packaging too.
Read the allergen information for the exact loaf before buying or serving it. Ingredients and possible cross-contamination allergens vary by product; the bread shape or the word ‘wholemeal’ won’t tell you which allergens it may contain.
