Buffet planner looking to get the quantity right
You want enough wholemeal bread for several guests, without opening more packs than necessary. The weight per pack makes it easier to compare different sizes.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Host who wants variety without lots of leftovers
You’re considering whole loaves, half loaves or rolls and want to be able to store any unused portions. The Dutch Nutrition Centre provides storage guidance for wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard and freezer.
Buffet planner checking labels for guests
You want to check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for each bread you choose. This is especially important if a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide how much bread you want to serve, then choose between a whole loaf, smaller packs or individual rolls. Next, consider how you’ll store any leftovers and whether the labels meet your guests’ needs.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Check the pack weight and work out how many portions you want to put out for the expected number of guests. | If I’m laying out sandwiches for lots of guests, I want enough equal portions without opening too many packs unnecessarily. For around 40% of consumers, quantity comes first. |
| Leftovers and storage | Choose a whole or half loaf based on how much you expect to be eaten, and see whether you can freeze any unused bread in portions. | If I don’t know how many guests will have bread, I want to be able to store any leftover portions. Around 30% of consumers prioritise reducing food waste. |
| Serving style | Decide whether you want to lay out sandwiches or offer rolls that guests can help themselves to. | For a buffet where guests help themselves, I want to put out portions that work for this setup. For around 20% of consumers, ease of serving is the main consideration. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for each option, including fibre and salt per 100 g. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in each bread. For around 10% of consumers, checking the label comes first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming wholemeal means gluten-free
The wholemeal breads from Jumbo and PLUS that were reviewed list ingredients containing gluten. The term ‘wholemeal’ doesn’t mean a bread is suitable for someone who needs to avoid gluten.
Ask guests in advance which ingredients they need to avoid, and check the ingredients, allergens and any warnings about possible cross-contamination on every loaf you buy.
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Opening more bread than the buffet needs
If fewer guests have bread than expected, you’ll be left with opened loaves that need to be used up or stored promptly.
Choose a combination of whole and half loaves to suit the number of guests. The Dutch Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread in portions as soon as possible after buying it if you plan to use it later.
Wholemeal bread brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn describes a wholemeal loaf under its own brand; the product information can help you compare labels.
- The AH Volkoren heel product page lists more than 6 g of fibre per 100 g.
- Before shopping, check the current product page and the label on the option you choose.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s own-brand range includes Fijn Volkoren, one option for sandwiches on your buffet.
- The product information for Jumbo Fijn Volkoren gives you a starting point for checking the ingredients in your chosen bread.
- Check the current label for this option for wheat, barley and other allergen declarations.
Lidl
Lidl lists an 800 g fine wholemeal loaf, which the product page says is only available in store.
- The listed weight helps you plan the total quantity of bread.
- Check which option you’re actually buying in store and read its label.
ALDI
ALDI describes an extra-fibre-rich wholemeal loaf as a separate option in its bread range.
- The name makes it easy to identify the option to look for in store.
- Don’t assume anything about the nutritional value or suitability for guests based on the product name; check the packaging for that option.
PLUS
PLUS lists both an 800 g wholemeal farmhouse loaf and a 400 g half Korenlanders Boeren tiger wholemeal loaf.
- The two sizes give you a choice when tailoring the amount of bread for your buffet.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for each option; the label on one PLUS loaf doesn’t automatically apply to another.
Dirk
Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Boeren volkoren heel as a whole loaf for anyone planning to serve sandwiches.
- The product name distinguishes the whole loaf from smaller sizes.
- Check the weight and ingredients on the packaging when comparing this loaf with other options.
Bread for your buffet at Joybuy
These products offer different options for your buffet: a 500 g Bolletje product and round wholemeal bread from Lekhaven Bakkerij, available as a single loaf or a pack of two. Choose the size that suits your guests, and remember to prepare the round bread before serving.
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Bolletje Rye Bread Bun 500 g
A rye option to consider alongside other buffet breads. The product name gives the weight as 500 g; if guests need to avoid allergens, check the label for ingredients including wheat and rye.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 2 × 550 g
Two round wholemeal loaves for a buffet where you want to put out more bread. Allow time for defrosting, baking and cooling before slicing; if guests have allergies, check the label for wheat and gluten.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g
One round wholemeal loaf if you want to serve less of this option than you would with the two-pack. Allow time for defrosting, baking and cooling, and check the label for wheat and gluten if guests have allergies.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose a whole or half loaf of wholemeal bread?
A whole loaf is a good choice if you’re expecting lots of sandwiches; a half loaf can be more convenient if you want to offer several types or expect less bread to be eaten. Work out the quantity based on your guests and consider whether you can store any unused portions.
Can I buy wholemeal bread in advance and freeze it?
Yes, you can freeze wholemeal bread in portions in advance. According to the Dutch Nutrition Centre, it can be kept in the freezer for 1 to 3 months; it gives 2 to 4 days as the storage time in a kitchen cupboard. Take only the amount you need for the buffet out of the freezer.
Can someone who needs to eat gluten-free have regular wholemeal bread?
Don’t assume that regular wholemeal bread is gluten-free. The wholemeal breads from Jumbo and PLUS that were reviewed list ingredients containing gluten; for every guest who needs to avoid gluten, check the label on the exact product.
How can I tell whether wholemeal bread contains iodised salt?
Read the ingredients list on the bread you’re buying. Albert Heijn lists iodised salt in the AH Volkoren heel that was reviewed, but this doesn’t tell you anything about the ingredients in another option or another brand.