If you want to serve an attractive bread board
You want a loaf that can be placed whole on the table and sliced there. Check the wholemeal description separately from the loaf’s shape or rustic name.
Who is this choice relevant to?
If you’re preparing sandwiches for a group
Even slices make sandwiches easier to prepare. If you’re buying the bread in advance, check the allergen information and storage instructions too.
If you compare ingredients and nutritional information
You want to be able to see on the label whether the bread is wholemeal and which ingredients and allergens it contains. Compare nutritional values on the same basis, for example per 100 g.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’ll serve the loaf whole or prepare the sandwiches in advance. Then check the wholemeal description for each loaf and what you’ll need to have it ready in time.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who does this matter to? |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation | Choose between a whole round loaf or hearth-baked loaf to slice yourself, and pre-sliced bread for making sandwiches. If you choose a rustic loaf, check separately that it is described as wholemeal. | If I’m serving the bread on a board, I want a shape that suits the presentation. This is the top priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Wholemeal and ingredients | Read the wholemeal description and ingredients list; compare fibre and salt only on the same basis, such as per 100 g. If you’re buying for guests, check the current allergen information too. | When choosing bread for guests, I want to check the grain and ingredients rather than judge by colour. Around 33% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
| Preparation and storage | Check whether you can get the bread in time, and follow the storage, defrosting or freezing instructions for the product you choose. | If I have a set date, I want to be able to prepare the bread in time and know what to do with any leftovers. Convenience and planning matter most to around 25% of consumers. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming a rustic appearance means the bread is wholemeal
A dark crust, visible grains or an artisan-style name doesn’t confirm that bread is wholemeal. According to the Voedingscentrum, packaged wholemeal bread is labelled as wholemeal.
Read the product description and ingredients list before choosing a loaf shape for the table.
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Checking allergens only once your guests arrive
Allergens vary from one loaf to another. PLUS lists wheat, among other allergen information, for Grof volkoren heel; this information may change if the product is updated.
Ask about any relevant allergies in advance and keep the current packaging until after serving.
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Buying bread early without a storage plan
Preparing a whole loaf requires different planning from making sandwiches with sliced bread. Storage instructions also vary by product.
Choose an amount that suits your guests and check before buying whether, and when, you can freeze or bake the bread you’ve chosen.
Bread brands to consider
Albert Heijn
A place to look at wholemeal hearth-baked loaves and wholemeal baker’s bread if presentation matters.
- Albert Heijn lists products including AH Vloerbrood volkoren heel.
- Check the current packaging: ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change.
Jumbo
Offers wholemeal breads in different shapes and textures to suit a range of ways to serve them.
- Jumbo lists products including round coarse wholemeal, fine wholemeal and firm wholemeal sunflower seed bread.
- Check the ingredients for each loaf and make sure your chosen variety suits your plans.
ALDI
An option if you want to compare a rustic wholemeal loaf with a sliced variety.
- ALDI describes Bakkersgoud rustiek extra volkoren as sliced bread with grains.
- Fibre or salt claims for a different ALDI loaf don’t automatically apply to this variety.
PLUS
Worth considering if you want to assess a coarse wholemeal loaf with product information and storage advice.
- For Grof volkoren heel, PLUS lists 6,8 g of fibre and 1,01 g of salt per 100 g, along with ingredients and freezing advice.
- Check the packaging again when you buy, as product information may change.
Dirk
Lists a wholemeal hearth-baked loaf for anyone who wants to put a whole loaf on the table.
- The range includes Vloerbrood volkoren heel.
- Check the nutritional information and allergens on the current packaging.
Lidl
An option for fine wholemeal bread if a shop visit fits your plans.
- Lidl lists Fijn volkoren in an 800 g size.
- The product page says this bread is only available in store; check local availability.
Joybuy breads for a coffee morning
These Joybuy products suit different ways of serving bread: Lebanese flatbread to share, round loaves to slice yourself, and a rye product whose shape you should check on the packaging. Choose according to your table set-up and how much preparation you need to do.
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Souq Lebanese wholemeal bread, 6 pieces
This flatbread is a good fit for a table where guests can help themselves to pieces and pair them with dips. It’s a different style of bread from a Dutch wholemeal hearth-baked loaf, so check the current ingredients and allergen information if you’re buying for guests.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 2 × 550 g
Two round loaves are a good option if you want to serve the bread whole and slice it for a group. Allow time to defrost, bake and cool them; check the current packaging for baking times and allergen information.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
This round loaf is a good choice for slicing at the table when one loaf is a better fit for your gathering. Allow time to defrost, bake and cool it, and check the packaging for baking times and allergen information.
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Bolletje Rye Bread Bun, 500 g
This rye product could be an alternative if you’d like to serve a different type of bread alongside wholemeal wheat bread. Check the shape on the packaging before buying: the product title says ‘bun’, while the description refers to sliced rye bread.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if rustic-looking bread is wholemeal?
For packaged bread, check the wholemeal description on the label and read the ingredients list. According to the Voedingscentrum, a dark colour or rustic appearance alone doesn’t confirm that bread is wholemeal.
Which allergens should I check for my guests?
Read the allergen information for the bread you’re actually serving. For Grof volkoren heel, PLUS lists wheat, barley and soya, among other allergens. Don’t apply this information to other breads, and keep the current packaging to hand when serving.
Can I buy wholemeal bread in advance for a coffee morning?
Yes, as long as you follow the storage or freezing instructions for the bread you choose. PLUS advises freezing its Grof volkoren heel on the day of purchase and using it within one month. Check the packaging for any other bread.
Does wholemeal bread always contain iodine?
Don’t assume that all wholemeal bread gets its iodine from the same source. The Voedingscentrum names bread baked with iodised baker’s salt as an important source of iodine in the Netherlands. Check the ingredients for a particular loaf or ask the baker.
Can I get Lidl Fijn volkoren delivered?
Don’t count on delivery for Lidl Fijn volkoren based on the product page: Lidl says the bread is only available in store. Check current availability before planning your coffee morning.