If you’re serving sandwiches
You’re looking for slices that are easy to top and can be cut into smaller pieces if needed. Check not only that the bread is wholemeal, but also the thickness and size of the slices.
Who is this choice important for?
If you’re looking for wholemeal bread
You want to see that the bread is labelled wholemeal, rather than judging it by its dark colour or a multigrain name. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists fibre, vitamins and minerals as characteristics of wholemeal bread.
If you need to consider allergens
You’re buying for guests whose choice depends on the ingredients or allergens. Check the current packaging; for unwrapped bread, ask what allergen information is available before buying.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether wholemeal, ease of serving or allergens matter most to your group. Then check the slice and the product information for the bread you’re actually planning to buy.
| What to look for | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal | Look for the explicit ‘wholemeal’ label on the packaging or next to unwrapped bread; don’t judge by colour alone. | I want to be sure that the bread I’m serving is sold as wholemeal. For around 40% of consumers, choosing wholemeal comes first. |
| Slice and portion size | Check whether it says ‘medium-sliced’, or look at the slices before you buy. | If I’m making sandwiches and cutting them into smaller pieces, I want slices that are practical for this. Ease of serving is the deciding factor for around 30% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the latest ingredients and allergen information. If the bread is unwrapped, ask which gluten-containing cereals it includes if necessary. | If a guest needs to avoid certain allergens, I want to know the relevant information before buying bread. For around 20% of consumers, this check is the top priority. |
| Availability | Check the product you’ve chosen and its availability at your shop. Albert Heijn, PLUS and Dirk show different wholemeal breads online, but their listings don’t tell you how each loaf is sliced. | I want to be able to pick up the bread during my planned shop. For around 10% of consumers, availability at their chosen shop comes first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming dark or multigrain bread is wholemeal
The colour and a multigrain name don’t tell you on their own whether bread is sold as wholemeal.
Check the explicit product description on the packaging or on the shelf.
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Taking ‘whole’, ‘half’ or ‘fine’ to mean a particular slice thickness
Those words don’t guarantee that the slices are the thickness you want. This matters especially if you’re planning to make sandwiches or serve small portions.
Look for ‘medium-sliced’ or check the slices in the shop.
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Overlooking allergens in unwrapped bread
The ingredients in unwrapped bread can still matter to your guests; its appearance won’t tell you what’s in it.
Ask about allergen information before buying and, if relevant, which specific gluten-containing cereal it includes. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority stresses that the cereal type must be specified.
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Assuming the bread contains iodised salt without checking the label
The term wholemeal bread doesn’t tell you which type of salt has been used.
If the type of salt matters to your choice, check the ingredients list for the bread in question.
Brands to start with
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn shows wholemeal breads in different formats online.
- The range overview can help you compare whole, half and sliced loaves.
- Check the slice thickness and availability at your shop for the product you choose.
Jumbo
Jumbo features wholemeal bread as a category in its online recipes and serving tips.
- The recipes may give you ideas for serving sandwiches.
- Check each specific loaf separately for its wholemeal label, slice and ingredients.
Lidl
Lidl describes a wholemeal kids’ loaf made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour.
- It’s a useful option to explore if you’re looking for a finer-textured wholemeal loaf.
- Finer milling doesn’t tell you anything about slice thickness, so check the loaf you choose.
Aldi
At Aldi, you can look specifically for wholemeal bread for your coffee morning.
- For a specific loaf, check the product description, slice and current ingredients.
Plus
PLUS shows a wholemeal bread category online, including whole and half loaves.
- The different formats give you a starting point for finding the size you want.
- ‘Whole’ and ‘half’ don’t confirm that a loaf is medium-sliced.
Dirk
Dirk shows a range of wholemeal breads in its online search results, including half loaves.
- You can compare product names and loaf sizes.
- Check that a search result is actually for bread and that the slice suits your serving plans.
Products at Joybuy
This product selection is for individually portioned rye bread to serve with coffee. If you’re specifically looking for medium-sliced wholemeal bread, check both the wholemeal label and the slice thickness for this product.
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TastyBasics rye bread – 9 pieces
An option if you’d like to serve individual portions of rye bread with coffee. Before buying, check that the slices and wholemeal labelling match what you’re looking for; if you have allergies, check the latest packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find allergen information for unwrapped bread?
Ask before you buy the bread. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says customers must be informed about the specified allergens in unwrapped foods. For gluten-containing cereals, it must also be clear which type of cereal is involved.
Is ordinary wholemeal bread automatically gluten-free?
No. The term wholemeal doesn’t mean that bread is gluten-free. Check the latest ingredients and allergen information for the specific product, taking your guest’s needs into account.
How should I plan how much bread I’ll need for a coffee morning?
Work out how much you need based on the number of portions you want to serve, and check the storage instructions for the bread you choose. This can also help you decide whether a whole or half loaf better suits your plans.