Hosts on a budget
You’re buying bread for several guests and want to know whether an in-store offer will still be available when you shop. If it’s a limited-time offer, check that the bread is in stock at your local store too.
Who is this relevant to?
Anyone planning the number of servings
You want to work out in advance how much bread you’ll need. The weight or stated serving count gives you a better guide than simply knowing it’s a ‘whole’ loaf.
Hosts checking ingredients
You’re serving bread to guests with different dietary requirements or allergies and want to check the ingredients and allergens on the chosen pack before serving.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how much bread you want to serve your group. Then check which buying and labelling details matter most for your guests.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| In-store offers and availability | Check the offer period, how you need to buy the product and whether it’s available in store on the day you shop. | When I’m shopping for a group, I don’t want to rely on an offer that’s ended or bread that isn’t in store. An estimated 36% of consumers prioritise this practical budgeting consideration. |
| Quantity and preparation | Check the loaf’s weight or stated serving count. For bake-at-home bread, check the preparation instructions too. | When I’m preparing bread for several guests, I want to estimate how much I’ll need and when to get started. Around 29% of consumers put planning for a group first. |
| Fibre and salt | Compare the nutritional information for the exact varieties on the same basis, such as per 100 g. | When choosing between wholemeal loaves, I want to compare the stated fibre and salt content side by side. An estimated 21% of consumers put this nutritional information first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the exact pack before serving. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to check whether the bread I’ve chosen is suitable before putting it on the table. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this check. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a limited-time in-store offer will always be available
Lidl lists an offer on its Tiger wholemeal whole floor-baked loaf from 5 to 11 October, for in-store purchases only. That doesn’t mean the bread will necessarily be available on the day of your coffee morning.
Check that the offer is still valid and the bread is in stock at your local store before planning how much to buy. Have another loaf in mind if the offer doesn’t coincide with your shopping day.
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Assuming a ‘whole’ loaf always weighs the same
The word ‘whole’ on its own doesn’t tell you the weight or number of slices. PLUS lists its Coarse wholemeal whole loaf at 800 g; Albert Heijn lists its AH wholemeal floor-baked whole loaf as 22 servings of 35 g.
Use the weight or serving information for your chosen variety to plan how much you’ll need for your guests.
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Assuming all wholemeal bread has the same nutritional value
Albert Heijn’s product information lists 6.3 g of fibre and 0.65 g of salt per 100 g for its AH wholemeal floor-baked whole loaf. PLUS lists 6.8 g of fibre and 1.01 g of salt per 100 g for its Coarse wholemeal whole loaf. These values apply to the products named.
Read the nutrition table for the variety you’re buying, and only compare values when they’re based on the same quantity.
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Checking for allergens after serving
Wholemeal bread isn’t automatically suitable for every guest. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority points out that allergens must be clearly stated on the label.
Ask guests in advance which ingredients they need to avoid, check the exact pack and keep it available while serving.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
For its AH wholemeal floor-baked whole loaf, Albert Heijn lists serving information, nutritional values and allergen information.
- The stated 22 servings of 35 g can help you plan for your guests.
- Check the pack you buy, as product information can change.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s online range includes products such as Fine wholemeal bread.
- The current product listing can help you choose your variety in advance.
- Check your basket again before you shop; a specific variety may no longer be available online.
Lidl
Lidl lists its Tiger wholemeal whole floor-baked loaf as an in-store product in a limited-time offer.
- The stated offer period tells you when the deal is available.
- Lidl says up-to-date information and availability for food products can be found in store, so check with your local branch.
Aldi
Aldi lists a wholemeal loaf under the product name Extra high-fibre wholemeal bread.
- For this variety, Aldi provides fibre and salt information to check on the product label.
- Aldi’s comparison with standard wholemeal bread is a claim about this product, not a comparison with every other loaf.
Plus
For its Coarse wholemeal whole loaf, Plus lists a weight of 800 g, along with nutritional and allergen information.
- Knowing the weight helps you plan how much to buy for a group.
- Check the information on the exact pack, as local product details may differ.
Dirk
Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Farmer’s wholemeal whole loaf as a wholemeal loaf.
- The product name distinguishes this variety from other wholemeal loaves.
- Check the weight on the pack if you’re planning how much to serve your guests.
Wholemeal bread at Joybuy
These two Lekhaven Bakkerij varieties are bake-at-home wholemeal loaves for anyone who wants to plan ahead: one pack contains two loaves and the other contains one. Before buying, check the preparation instructions and ingredients for your chosen variety.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal wheat bread, 2 × 550 g
The pack of two loaves could suit a coffee morning where you want to serve plenty of bread. Allow time to bake them and check the baking instructions on the pack.
Check the ingredients on the exact pack if a guest needs to avoid wheat or gluten.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal wheat bread, 550 g
This 550 g loaf could suit you if you want to portion one whole loaf for your guests. Allow time to bake it and check the baking instructions on the pack.
Check the ingredients on the exact pack if a guest needs to avoid wheat or gluten.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy a whole or half loaf for a coffee morning?
Choose based on how much you want to serve, not just whether it’s a ‘whole’ or ‘half’ loaf. PLUS lists its Coarse wholemeal whole loaf at 800 g; Albert Heijn lists its AH wholemeal floor-baked whole loaf as 22 servings of 35 g. Check the weight or serving count for the loaf you choose.
Can I freeze wholemeal bread in advance?
That depends on the bread’s storage instructions. PLUS says its Coarse wholemeal whole loaf can be frozen at home on the day of purchase and should be used within one month. For other loaves, follow the instructions on the pack.
Is wholemeal bread suitable for guests who need to avoid gluten?
Don’t assume it is: wholemeal bread may contain cereals that contain gluten. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly stated on the label. So check the ingredients and allergens on the exact pack before serving the bread.
Does all Dutch wholemeal bread contain iodised baker’s salt?
No, you can’t assume that every loaf does. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. For packaged bread, check the ingredients list to find out which salt is used in the variety you’ve chosen.