Who is this choice relevant to?

Parents making party snacks

You’ll want slices you can top, cut into pieces or use with cutters. So, look beyond the wholemeal label and check the slice thickness and texture of the bread too.

Organisers catering for allergies

If you’re serving bread to a group, ask about any relevant allergies in advance and check the ingredients in both the bread and the toppings you choose. If the party is at a school or nursery, also agree how food will be handed out.

Organisers of a small party

If bread is just one of several snacks, half a loaf may be a better fit than a whole loaf. Just make sure the version you choose has the slice thickness you want.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide what you want to make with the slices. Then check the label and choose a loaf size that suits the number of snacks you’re planning.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Slice and texture Check that the bread is sliced and assess whether the slices are thick enough for your planned toppings or cutters. For mini sandwiches, I want slices that are easy to prepare and serve. Around 36% of consumers prioritise how practical the slices are to use.
Wholemeal and baker’s salt Check that the bread is explicitly labelled wholemeal; look for baker’s salt in the ingredients if that matters to your choice. When I choose wholemeal bread, I also want to know whether it contains baker’s salt. This product information is a priority for around 29% of consumers.
Allergens and group arrangements Read the current ingredients and allergen information, and agree with the school or nursery how food will be handed out. If a guest has an allergy, I need to know which bread and toppings I can serve. Allergens and group arrangements are the main concern for around 21% of consumers.
Amount of bread Plan how many snacks you’ll make and compare a whole loaf with half a loaf. For a small group, I don’t want to buy more bread than I need for the snacks. Around 14% of consumers prioritise choosing the right amount.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘sliced’ means ‘medium-thick slices’

    A pack labelled simply ‘sliced’ doesn’t tell you whether the slices will work with your toppings, mini sandwiches or cookie cutters.

    Check the slices on the packaging or ask in store. If you’re unsure, try one loaf before buying for the whole group.

  • Relying on the wholemeal label alone

    The name doesn’t tell you which allergens or warnings are listed on the label of the exact loaf you’re buying. Your choice of toppings matters too.

    Ask about allergies in advance, read the latest product information and take care to avoid cross-contact between the bread and toppings when preparing the snacks.

  • Assuming every loaf contains baker’s salt

    According to Voedingscentrum, bread made with baker’s salt is relevant if you’re keeping an eye on children’s iodine intake. That doesn’t tell you which ingredients are in any particular loaf.

    Check the ingredients list of the bread you want to buy for the words ‘baker’s salt’.

  • Automatically buying a whole loaf

    For a small group with several snacks to choose from, a whole loaf may be more than you need.

    Plan how many bread-based snacks you want to make and see whether half a loaf of wholemeal bread with the right slice thickness will be enough.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

The wholemeal range includes whole and half loaves, as well as sliced options.

  • A half loaf may be a good fit for a smaller number of party snacks.
  • Check that the slices of your chosen loaf are the thickness you want.

Jumbo

The range includes wholemeal bread in whole and half sizes, including Fijn Volkoren.

  • For Jumbo Fijn Volkoren, you can use the published ingredients information to check the label for that specific loaf.
  • The name Fijn Volkoren doesn’t confirm that the slices are medium-thick; check the pack you choose.

Lidl

Lidl describes its wholemeal kids’ bread as being made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour.

  • This is an option to consider if a finer bread texture matters for your snacks.
  • Check the current pack for slice thickness, ingredients and allergens before choosing it for your group.

ALDI

ALDI lists, among other options, a half-sized sliced farmhouse wholemeal multigrain loaf.

  • The half size is worth comparing if you’re making just a few bread-based snacks.
  • Sliced doesn’t automatically mean medium-thick; check the slices and the label for this loaf.

PLUS

The wholemeal range includes different types of loaf, including half loaves.

  • You can compare a half loaf and a whole loaf with the number of snacks you’re planning.
  • Check the slice thickness and allergens for the individual product.

Dirk

Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker wholemeal loaves in different varieties and sizes.

  • A half-sized wholemeal loaf may suit a smaller party group.
  • A name such as ‘casino’ or ‘farmhouse wholemeal’ doesn’t confirm the slice thickness; check each loaf individually.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use wholemeal bread for snacks at a children’s party?

Yes, wholemeal bread can be used as the base for party snacks with toppings. Choose the slice thickness to suit what you want to make, and adjust the quantity to fit in with the rest of the food.

Does baker’s salt contain iodine?

Yes, the Dutch Commodities Act Decree defines baker’s salt as iodised table salt. Check the ingredients list for the bread you choose: the definition doesn’t mean that every loaf is made with baker’s salt.

What should I check if I’m serving bread at school?

Ask about any relevant allergies in advance and check the latest ingredients and allergen information for both the bread and the toppings. Also agree with the school on the arrangements for preparing and serving food.

How can I tell if slices are medium-thick?

Don’t rely on the word ‘sliced’ alone. Check the slices on the packaging or ask in store about their thickness, especially if you want to use cutters or make mini sandwiches.