Who is this useful for?

Campers who eat bread every day

For breakfast and lunch, you’ll want slices that are easy to top and take with you. So don’t just look at whether the bread is ‘fine’ or ‘coarse’—check the slice and how it should be stored too.

Small camping groups

If you only eat a few slices a day, a half loaf may suit your stay better than a whole one. Freezing it beforehand is only an option if you can choose suitable bread and have the facilities you need.

Shoppers who want to compare labels

The colour of the bread doesn’t tell you whether it’s wholemeal. Check the product name, nutritional information per 100 g, allergens and ingredients. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the label tells you whether baker’s salt has been used.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the word ‘wholemeal’ on the label, then check whether the slices suit your toppings and choose an amount that works for the length of your stay and your storage facilities.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Wholemeal and fibre Look for ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging and compare the fibre per 100 g across different loaves. If wholemeal bread is my top priority, I don’t want to judge by its brown colour. This is the main requirement for around 29% of consumers.
Slice thickness and toppings Check whether the bread is pre-sliced and, if possible, look at how thick the slices are. ‘Fine’ isn’t a standard term for medium-sliced bread. For sandwiches to eat on the go, I want slices that suit my toppings. Around 24% of consumers prioritise ease of eating and adding toppings.
Quantity and storage Choose a whole or half loaf to suit the number of people eating and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. If I’m staying for a short time with only a few people, I want to avoid having bread left over. Reducing waste is the top priority for around 29% of consumers.
Ingredients and nutritional information Check the allergens, compare the salt per 100 g and look for baker’s salt or iodised salt in the ingredients. If I need to watch out for an ingredient or the type of salt used, I want to check before buying. This label check is a priority for around 18% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming brown or fine bread is medium-sliced wholemeal

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour, while brown bread also contains white flour. ‘Fine’ also doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are.

    Check for ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging, then separately check whether the bread is sliced and whether the slices suit your toppings.

  • Buying a whole loaf without planning how much you’ll eat

    If there are only a few of you or you’re staying for a short time, you may have bread left over. Campsites also don’t always offer the same food storage options as you have at home.

    Count how many breakfasts and lunches you’re planning, consider buying half a loaf and store the bread according to the label. Buy perishable toppings in quantities that suit your facilities.

    A half loaf may mean you need to shop more often if you’re staying for longer.

  • Assuming all bread contains baker’s salt

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers don’t always use baker’s salt. So you can’t tell which type of salt has been used just from the type of bread.

    Look for ‘baker’s salt’ or ‘iodised salt’ in the ingredients list, or ask which ingredients have been used if you’re buying unwrapped bread.

Brands to compare

Albert Heijn

Product information about wholemeal bread can help you check the ingredients, allergens and storage advice before you set off.

  • For one of its wholemeal breads, Albert Heijn says it can be frozen at home and should be used within one month.
  • Check the packaging, slice and latest product information again for the loaf you buy.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists a product called Fijn Volkoren (‘Fine Wholemeal’), which may suit you if you’re looking for a finer wholemeal option.

  • The product information includes 7,6 g of fibre per 100 g and says to store it in a cool, dark place.
  • The name ‘Fijn Volkoren’ doesn’t confirm that the bread is medium-sliced; check the slices themselves.

PLUS

PLUS lists a very fine wholemeal loaf for anyone who wants to choose their own portions or slice thickness.

  • For PLUS Rond fijn volkoren heel, PLUS lists 6,7 g of fibre and 1,03 g of salt per 100 g.
  • A whole loaf means you’ll need to slice it yourself; check the latest packaging and storage instructions.

ALDI

ALDI lists a wholemeal loaf with the product description ‘Extra high in fibre’.

  • A whole loaf is an option if you want to choose the thickness of the slices yourself.
  • Compare the nutritional information and ingredients on the packaging; the product name alone doesn’t tell you whether the slices are the thickness you want.

Lidl

Lidl lists a wholemeal kids’ loaf made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour.

  • The description is useful if you’re specifically looking for a more finely milled wholemeal option.
  • Finely milled flour isn’t the same as medium-thick slices; check the bread in store.

Dirk

Dirk lists an extra-high-fibre wholemeal loaf in its bread range.

  • A whole loaf lets you cut slices to your preferred thickness, provided you have a suitable knife with you.
  • Before buying, check the latest ingredients, size and storage instructions for the loaf you’ve chosen.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is brown bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour, while brown bread is a mixture of wholemeal flour and white flour. So look for ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging.

How should I store wholemeal bread at the campsite?

Follow the storage instructions for the bread you’ve chosen. The wholemeal breads mentioned by Jumbo and PLUS should be stored in a cool, dark place. Also choose an amount to suit the length of your stay and how much bread you eat.

Can I freeze wholemeal bread before setting off?

You can if the packaging says the bread is suitable for freezing and you can transport and defrost it properly. Albert Heijn says one of its specific wholemeal breads can be frozen at home and should then be used within one month.

Does all wholemeal bread contain baker’s salt?

No, don’t assume it does. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, you can check the label to see whether baker’s salt has been used. If you’re buying unwrapped bread, you can ask about the ingredients.

Where can I check the allergens in wholemeal bread?

Check the ingredients and allergens on the latest packaging for the bread you’re buying. The Jumbo and PLUS products mentioned list wheat, barley and cereals containing gluten; don’t assume another bread has the same ingredients based on these examples.