Party planners on a budget
If several children will be eating bread, you’ll want to have enough without ending up with too much left over. Check the weight, and don’t compare a whole loaf directly with a half loaf.
Which loaf works best for you?
Hosts looking to cut down on leftovers
If you’re expecting a small or uncertain turnout, or serving plenty of other snacks, half a loaf may be enough. A whole loaf is also an option if you can store any unused slices according to the product instructions.
Households checking ingredients
If a guest’s ingredients or allergens are a concern, read the current packaging for the bread you’re serving. Nutritional values such as fibre and salt can also vary from one product to another.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how many guests are likely to eat bread and what else you’ll be serving. Then choose the right size, and check the packaging if ingredients or allergens are a concern.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Having enough bread | Compare the weight of whole and half loaves with the number of guests who will be eating bread. | If lots of children want a sandwich, I want to have enough bread to go round without having to buy more at the last minute. Around 42% of consumers put having enough bread for the group first. |
| Leftovers and preparation | Consider whether half a loaf will be enough. If you buy a whole loaf, check the storage and any freezing instructions. | With a small group and plenty of other snacks, I don’t want to be left with unused bread. Around 33% of consumers consider reducing leftovers their top priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging. Compare fibre and salt only on the same basis, such as per 100 g. | If a guest has a relevant allergy or I’m checking what’s in the bread, I want to know exactly what this loaf contains. Ingredients and allergens are the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming a half loaf and a whole loaf are the same amount
A half loaf may be ideal for a small group, but not enough for a larger one. Whole loaves don’t always weigh the same, either.
Check the weight and estimate how many guests will actually eat bread before choosing a size.
-
Assuming all wholemeal bread has the same ingredients
Ingredients, allergens and nutritional values vary by product. Information for one loaf won’t necessarily apply to another loaf from the same brand.
If a guest has a relevant allergy, find out in advance what you need to look out for, and check the current packaging for the exact loaf.
-
Buying a whole loaf without a plan for what’s left
If only a few people turn up or you’re serving lots of other snacks, some of a whole loaf may go unused.
Consider buying half a loaf, or follow the storage instructions for the whole loaf you choose. PLUS says that its Grof volkoren heel can be frozen on the day of purchase and should be used within one month.
-
Assuming every loaf contains iodine
Information about baker’s salt doesn’t tell you which ingredients are in the loaf you’re buying.
If iodine matters to your choice, check the ingredients for the specific product.
Brands compared
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s bread range includes products such as AH Tijger volkoren heel.
- A whole loaf is worth considering when several guests will be eating bread.
- Check the weight and current packaging for the product you choose.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers a range of wholemeal options, including fine and coarse loaves in whole and half sizes.
- The choice of sizes makes it easier to pick an amount that suits your group.
- Check the weight of each variety, as the sizes aren’t equivalent.
Lidl
Lidl lists an 800 g Fine Wholemeal Loaf as an in-store product.
- The stated weight helps you plan how much to buy.
- Lidl directs customers to its stores for this product.
ALDI
ALDI lists a sliced Fine Wholemeal Loaf and a separate Extra High-Fibre Wholemeal Loaf.
- The sliced Fine Wholemeal Loaf is ready to top, with no slicing needed.
- Don’t assume the two varieties have the same ingredients; check the label on the pack you choose.
PLUS
PLUS lists its Grof volkoren heel at 800 g and provides storage instructions.
- The product information says to freeze it on the day of purchase and use it within one month.
- Check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens for this specific loaf.
Dirk
Dirk features Bakker van der Akker Boeren volkoren heel as an example of a whole loaf.
- A whole loaf may be a good choice when several guests will be having sandwiches.
- Check the weight and label before comparing it with other loaves.
Joybuy products for different bread plans
These products suit different ways of serving bread: round wholemeal loaves that you bake at home, or wholemeal flatbread for snacks. Flatbread is different from pre-sliced sandwich bread, so first decide what you’d like to serve at the children’s party.
No image available
Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 2 × 550 g
Two loaves may be a good choice if you’re preparing bread for several people.
The stated total weight is 1,100 g. Allow time to defrost, bake and cool the bread before serving. If allergens are a concern, check the current packaging too.
No image available
Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, 6 pieces
This wholemeal flatbread works well if you’re planning to serve bread as a snack, perhaps with dips.
The pack contains six pieces. If you’re planning to serve standard sandwiches, choose this style of bread only if it suits your plans, and check the current packaging if anyone has allergies.
No image available
Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
This single loaf is a different quantity from Lekhaven Bakkerij’s pack of two loaves.
The stated weight is 550 g. Allow time to defrost, bake and cool the bread, and check the current packaging for allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare fibre and salt in wholemeal bread?
Use the nutritional information for the bread you’re planning to buy, and compare the same amount—for example, per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 3.4 g of fibre and 0.48 g of salt for a 50 g slice of wholemeal bread cut at home; these aren’t necessarily the values for every loaf.
Should I buy a whole or half loaf for a small children’s party?
Half a loaf may be enough if only a few guests will eat bread or you’re serving plenty of other snacks. If you expect more people to want bread, consider a whole loaf and check in advance how to store any leftovers according to the product instructions.
Can I assume that all wholemeal bread contains iodine?
No, don’t assume a particular loaf contains iodine without checking. If this matters to your choice, read the ingredients for the product you’ve chosen.
What should I look out for if a guest has a food allergy?
Ask about any relevant allergies in advance and check the current allergen information on the packaging for the exact loaf you’re serving. Information about another loaf or variety is no substitute.