Buyer planning bread quantities carefully
Needs wholemeal bread that’s suitable for daily catering and wants to match the number of loaves to the portions expected, without relying on a temporary offer as the standard option.
Who are these choices relevant to?
Organiser serving bread unpackaged
Sets out bread baskets or a buffet and needs to be able to give guests information about the allergens in the bread they’ve chosen.
Planner of a multi-day event
Coordinates purchasing with serving times and checks the storage and freezing instructions for each loaf to help reduce waste.
What should you look for when choosing?
For conference catering, first decide how many portions you need and how you’ll serve them. Then check what product information and preparation are needed for your choice.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who does this matter most to? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and portions | Compare whole and half loaves, check the stated weight and decide how many portions you want from the size you’ve chosen. | When buying bread for lots of guests, I don’t want to assume every pack provides the same number of portions. Around 31% of consumers put this quantity first. |
| Storage and waste | Check the storage advice and any freezing instructions; plan how much bread to open for each serving time. | For a multi-day programme, I want to keep bread available without serving it all at once. This planning is a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Allergens when serving | Use the current allergen information for the exact loaf and make it available when serving bread unpackaged. | When guests choose bread for themselves from a basket or buffet, I want to be able to answer their questions about allergens straight away. This is the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
| Nutritional information | Read the ingredients and compare fibre and salt only when the figures are given for the same quantity, such as per 100 g. | When I want to assess the ingredients in two loaves, I need comparable nutritional information rather than just a product name. Around 19% of consumers give this priority. |
Common mistakes
-
Counting a half loaf and a whole loaf as equivalent
PLUS lists Korenlanders Boeren tijger volkoren as a 400 g half loaf. This size won’t automatically provide as many portions as a whole loaf.
For bread baskets or sandwiches, decide how many portions you expect from each pack you choose and check the weight of the exact product.
-
Assuming all wholemeal breads have the same allergen information
Ingredients and allergens can vary from product to product. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, consumers must be given information about any allergens present when unpackaged food is offered for sale.
Use the current packaging or supplier specification for each loaf you choose, and make the information available when serving.
-
Assuming every Dutch loaf contains baker’s salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt is not compulsory. The term wholemeal bread therefore doesn’t tell you which salt was used in that particular loaf.
Check the ingredients list or ask the supplier about the product you’ve chosen if baker’s salt is relevant to your plans.
Brands to consider
ALDI
ALDI Netherlands lists sliced bread options including Fijn volkoren heel and Boeren tijger volkoren heel.
- The listing of a whole, sliced loaf helps when planning how to serve it.
- For catering, check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging of the product you choose.
Lidl
Lidl Netherlands lists Tijgervolkoren heel vloerbrood as an in-store product.
- The whole floor loaf is a specific size to factor into your portion planning.
- Check with your chosen store that this product will be available on your planned purchasing day.
Jumbo
Jumbo Boeren Tijger Volkoren is an option if you want to check the ingredients before ordering.
- Jumbo provides ingredients, allergen details and nutritional information for this loaf.
- When serving, use the information for the loaf that’s actually been delivered.
PLUS
PLUS lists, among other options, a 400 g half Korenlanders Boeren tijger volkoren loaf and a whole Boeren volkorenbrood.
- The distinction between half and whole loaves makes it easier to plan the quantity you need.
- Check the current packaging, allergens and storage instructions for each option you choose.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn gives product-specific freezing instructions for AH Extra lang lekker Zaans volkoren heel.
- According to Albert Heijn, this option can be frozen on the day of purchase.
- Don’t apply these instructions to other wholemeal breads without checking first.
Dirk
Dirk lists products including Vloerbrood volkoren heel and Batard volkoren.
- The different loaf shapes give you options to consider when deciding how you want to present the bread.
- Before serving unpackaged, check the ingredients and allergens for the exact product.
Wholemeal bread and flatbread on Joybuy
These products include two sizes of wholemeal bread that need oven preparation, alongside wholemeal flatbread for a different way to serve it. Match the pack size, preparation and portions to your catering plan.
No image available
Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal bread, 2 × 550 g
The pack of two loaves lets you spread the quantity across different serving times. Allow time for defrosting, baking and cooling before slicing; if serving unpackaged, check the allergen information on the packaging.
No image available
Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal bread, 550 g
This single round loaf suits plans based on individual loaves rather than packs of two. Set aside time and oven space for defrosting and baking, let the loaf cool before slicing, and check the allergen information when serving.
No image available
Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, 6 pieces
A pack of six flatbreads is a different serving option from a whole, sliced loaf. Plan the portions separately, and check the allergen information on the current packaging before serving unpackaged.
Frequently asked questions
Does all Dutch wholemeal bread have to be made with iodised baker’s salt?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt is not compulsory. Check the label or ask the supplier which salt was used in the specific loaf.
Do I need to provide allergen information for unpackaged bread at a conference?
Yes. If you offer unpackaged bread to consumers, information about any allergens present must be available. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains this requirement for the 14 specified allergens; use the details for the exact loaf when serving.
Can I freeze wholemeal bread in advance for a multi-day conference?
You can, if the instructions for the bread you’ve chosen allow it. Albert Heijn states that AH Extra lang lekker Zaans volkoren heel can be frozen on the day of purchase, and PLUS gives the same advice for Boeren volkoren heel, with both to be used within one month. Always follow the instructions for the bread you actually buy.
Can I count a half loaf and a whole loaf as the same number of portions?
No. A 400 g half loaf, such as PLUS Korenlanders Boeren tijger volkoren 1/2, isn’t necessarily equivalent to a whole loaf. Check the weight and work out the number of portions for your bread baskets or sandwiches.