Which option is right for you?

Breakfast lovers who want to serve bread at the table

If you want to slice your own bread for a leisurely breakfast, compare the shape of a wholemeal bloomer, bâtard or round loaf. Albert Heijn, Lidl and Dirk offer examples of these styles of bread.

Label checkers

If fibre, salt, ingredients or allergens influence your choice, compare the nutritional information per 100 g and read the packaging of the bread you buy.

Breakfast lovers who want to serve up quickly

Pre-sliced wholemeal bread is a practical option if you want evenly sized slices that are easy to top. Check the packaging if the quantity of bread or how to store leftover slices matters too.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide whether you mainly want a loaf to put on the table or ready-sliced bread. Then compare the information on the label and check whether your preferred style of loaf is available in your shop.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Loaf shape and presentation Decide whether you want a bloomer, bâtard or round loaf that you can slice yourself. If I want to put slices of bread on the table, the shape matters more to me than the convenience of pre-sliced bread. An estimated 27% of consumers prioritise presentation.
Ease of slicing and portions Check whether the bread is pre-sliced and whether the quantity is right for breakfast. If I want to prepare sandwiches quickly, I prefer evenly sized slices and want to avoid leftovers. An estimated 20% of consumers prioritise this convenience.
Label information Compare fibre and salt per 100 g; also read the ingredients and allergen information. I want to know what is in the bread before judging it by its appearance, especially if allergens matter to me. An estimated 33% of consumers make label information their top priority.
Availability and storage Check what your shop stocks and think about what you’ll do with any leftover bread. If I want a particular type of bread for Sunday, I need to be able to buy it without getting more than I can use. An estimated 20% of consumers consider this the most important factor.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘rustic’ or ‘premium’ tells you about nutrition

    A style of bread doesn’t tell you how much fibre or salt a particular loaf contains, or which ingredients and allergens are in it.

    Compare the nutritional information per 100 g, then choose a shape that suits your breakfast.

  • Assuming all bread contains iodised salt

    According to RIVM, not all bread is made with iodised salt. The term ‘wholemeal’ doesn’t tell you whether it is.

    If the type of salt used matters to your choice, check the current ingredients list for the specific loaf.

  • Buying a whole loaf without a plan for the leftovers

    If most of the loaf is left after breakfast, you’ll need a storage plan to help reduce waste.

    Consider buying a smaller loaf if one is available, or freeze any unused slices in portions soon after buying.

  • Assuming online availability matches what’s in your local shop

    A loaf shown on a product page may not be available in every shop at the time you want it. Lidl says its bakery range can vary by store.

    Check local availability and opening times before setting out to buy a particular loaf.

Brands to compare

These brands offer different options to compare when it comes to loaf shape and label information. Always check the details for the specific variety you intend to buy.

Albert Heijn

The wholemeal baker’s bread range includes bloomer and round loaves for anyone who wants to slice their own bread.

  • Several loaf shapes to compare for your breakfast table.
  • Albert Heijn warns that product information can change, so check the packaging.

Jumbo

Jumbo is worth considering if you want to compare a fine wholemeal loaf with published nutritional information.

  • According to Jumbo, its Fine Wholemeal Bread contains 7.6 g of fibre and 1.0 g of salt per 100 g.
  • These figures apply to this variety, not to every wholemeal loaf from Jumbo.

Lidl

Lidl offers a rustic wholemeal wheat sourdough loaf if you’re looking for this particular style of bread.

  • A specific sourdough option to consider as a loaf for the table.
  • Lidl says this bread is only available in store, and its bakery range can vary by store.

ALDI

ALDI offers an extra-fibre wholemeal loaf for shoppers who mainly want to compare labels.

  • The product page gives you a starting point for checking the fibre and salt content of this variety.
  • Compare the current nutritional information with that of the bread you might otherwise choose; a claim about one product doesn’t tell you about the whole range.

PLUS

A round fine wholemeal loaf from PLUS is worth considering if you want to compare the shape with the ingredients and nutritional information.

  • The product page lists information about ingredients, allergens, fibre and salt for the variety reviewed.
  • Check the current packaging, especially if allergens are an important factor in your choice.

Dirk

Dirk offers a wholemeal bâtard and bloomer to compare as options for your breakfast table.

  • Both shapes are worth considering if you want to slice and serve the bread yourself.
  • Use the label for the specific variety to compare nutritional values.

Wholemeal bread on Joybuy

This round wholemeal loaf is a good fit for a breakfast where you want to slice the bread yourself. When choosing, also bear in mind that it needs to be finished in the oven, and check the packaging for label information.

Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g

A round wholemeal loaf for anyone who wants to slice their own bread at the breakfast table.

Weight: 550 g. Follow the instructions on the packaging when finishing the bake. Compare fibre and salt using nutritional information that clearly gives figures per 100 g; also check the ingredients list if the type of salt used matters to your choice.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose wholemeal bread for a leisurely Sunday breakfast?

Choose a loaf shape to suit how you want to serve it: slice a bloomer, bâtard or round loaf yourself, or choose pre-sliced bread to save time. Check the ingredients, allergens, fibre and salt separately on the current label; ‘premium’ isn’t a nutritional measure.

Does all bread in the Netherlands contain iodised baker’s salt?

No, you can’t assume that all bread does: according to RIVM, not all bread is made with iodised salt. If the type of salt matters to your choice, check the ingredients list for the bread you want to buy.

What should I do with wholemeal bread left over after breakfast?

Ideally, freeze any slices you won’t use soon in portions shortly after buying. According to the Voedingscentrum’s storage guide, opened wholemeal bread can be kept in a kitchen cupboard for 2 to 4 days and in the freezer for 1 to 3 months; freezing it for longer may make it drier.

Should I check for allergens in wholemeal bread?

Yes. Wholemeal doesn’t mean bread is free from gluten or other allergens. Read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging for the specific variety, even if you’ve bought that type of bread before.