For a children’s party, start by choosing bread labelled as wholemeal, with a texture that suits the children who’ll be eating it. A whole loaf with a distinctive crust is ideal for slicing and sharing at the table; finer slices or individual portions may be more practical if ease of eating is your priority. Check the allergens, ingredients and storage instructions for the product you choose: a festive appearance doesn’t tell you anything about these.
You want to put bread on the table that feels right for a birthday, without choosing on appearance alone. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal bread provides children with nutrients including carbohydrates and fibre. Check separately whether your chosen bread also contains iodised salt.
If several children will be eating, you need to know about any allergies and dietary requirements before choosing bread. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority points to the allergen information on the label of pre-packed products. For unpackaged bread, ask the seller about the specific product.
A coarse slice or firm crust won’t appeal to every child. Lidl describes a kids’ loaf made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour as an alternative for children who prefer a finer texture. This is a feature of that specific loaf, not of all wholemeal bread.
Start by checking that it’s labelled wholemeal and considering the group’s dietary requirements. Then choose a texture and size that suit the way you plan to serve the bread.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and nutritional information | Check that it’s labelled wholemeal and compare the fibre and salt per 100 g. Check the ingredients for iodised salt. | If I’m choosing to serve wholemeal bread, I want to know what’s in the loaf rather than relying on its dark colour. For around 31% of consumers, this product information comes first. |
| Allergens and dietary requirements | Ask about allergies in advance and read the label of the specific loaf. For unpackaged bread, ask the seller for allergen information. | When children with different dietary requirements are sitting at the table, I want to be able to decide which bread is suitable for them before serving it. Around 25% of consumers give this check top priority. |
| Flavour and texture | Consider the crust, how coarse the slice is and whether it contains seeds. Choose with the children’s usual preferences in mind. | Bread that the children leave because the crust or texture is too pronounced doesn’t belong on my party table. For around 25% of consumers, how easy it is to eat is therefore the most important factor. |
| Portions and storage | Work out how much bread you need and choose between a whole loaf and individual portions. Check the storage instructions. | When I’m serving a group, I want to be able to offer portions easily and limit leftovers. For around 19% of consumers, this is the main consideration. |
According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So you can’t tell whether bread contains iodised salt from the type of bread alone.
Check the ingredients of packaged bread for baker’s salt or iodised salt, or ask the seller if the bread is unpackaged.
Ingredients and potential allergens vary from one loaf to another. Decorations or toppings may also matter for a child who can’t eat everything.
Ask parents or carers about allergies in advance and check the information for the product you’ve chosen. If needed, discuss a suitable alternative with them.
Words such as sourdough, farmhouse and tiger don’t indicate a set amount of fibre or salt, and say nothing about allergens on their own.
Compare the ingredients and nutritional information per 100 g for the specific loaves you’re considering. Then choose a texture that suits the children who’ll be eating.
A large loaf can be handy for sharing, but you’ll need a plan if it won’t all be eaten at the party.
Work out how many portions you need in advance. The Voedingscentrum recommends freezing bread in portions straight after buying it if you’re not going to use it straight away.
The features below apply to the products or product ranges mentioned. Always check the latest information for the loaf you’re buying before making your choice.
AH OerDesem Allinson wholemeal, whole loaf, is an example of a loaf that guests can slice for themselves at the table.
Jumbo Coarse Wholemeal shows the nutritional information you can compare for a specific coarse wholemeal loaf.
Lidl describes a kids’ loaf made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour for anyone looking for a finer texture.
ALDI Extra High Fibre Wholemeal Bread, whole loaf, is a product you can compare by its fibre and salt per 100 g.
PLUS Korenlanders Farmhouse Tiger Wholemeal, whole loaf, combines a whole loaf with a tiger-striped topping.
Bakker van der Akker Farmhouse Wholemeal, whole loaf, is an example of a wholemeal loaf for breakfast or lunch.
This Joybuy product is a good fit for a party table with individual pieces of bread that children can help themselves to. Flatbread has a different shape from a whole, rustic loaf for sharing; choose the format that works for the way you plan to serve it.
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The flatbread format is a good choice if you want to serve individual pieces rather than cutting slices from a whole loaf. The pack contains 6 pieces. Before serving, check the ingredients, allergens and packaging for any mention of iodised salt.
No. The shape and texture should suit the children and the way you plan to serve the bread. A rustic whole loaf is ideal for sharing at the table, while a finer slice may be a better option for children who don’t like a firm crust. Compare the ingredients and nutritional information for the specific loaf.
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. For packaged bread, check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt. If the bread is unpackaged, ask the seller.
Ask parents or carers in advance about any relevant allergies and dietary requirements, then check the bread you’ve chosen. Read the label on pre-packed bread; for unpackaged bread, ask the seller for allergen information. Don’t rely on the bread’s name or colour alone.
Yes, if the instructions for the bread you’ve chosen allow it. The Voedingscentrum recommends freezing bread in portions straight after buying it, so you can defrost the amount you need. Also follow the instructions on the packaging.
