If you’ll slice the bread at the table
A whole, round or rustic loaf can make a lovely centrepiece. Bear in mind that you’ll need to slice it yourself, and a part-baked loaf will need some preparation.
Which loaf shape is right for you?
If you’re serving several guests
Sliced or finely textured wholemeal bread saves you the effort of slicing and makes it easier to prepare portions in advance.
If you want to compare the labels
As well as checking the wholemeal description, look at the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information, such as fibre and salt per 100 g. If it matters to your choice, check the label to see whether baker’s salt has been used.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, check that the description and ingredients match what you’re looking for in wholemeal bread. Then choose between a loaf to slice at the table and a sliced option that’s ready to serve.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal content and nutritional information | Check the wholemeal description and ingredients; compare fibre and salt on the same basis, for example per 100 g. | If wholemeal content or ingredients determine my choice, I want to know more than the colour or name of the bread. An estimated 42% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Presentation | Check whether the loaf is whole, half or sliced, and whether a part-baked loaf needs to go in the oven. | I want to put a loaf on the table that I can slice myself, even if it takes some preparation. For around 33% of consumers, presentation comes first. |
| Serving and portions | Choose a suitable loaf shape and quantity; check how you can store any portions you don’t use. | When several guests are eating at once, I want to serve quickly without putting out more bread than necessary. An estimated 25% of consumers prioritise this practical consideration. |
Common mistakes
-
Mistaking ‘premium’, dark or multigrain bread for wholemeal
Those words alone don’t confirm that a loaf is the right choice if you’re looking for wholemeal bread. Ingredients can vary from one loaf to another too.
Look for the wholemeal description in the product information, then read the ingredients and nutritional information for the loaf you want to buy.
-
Assuming every loaf contains baker’s salt
According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So assuming it’s in every loaf isn’t a useful basis for your choice.
Check the ingredients for baker’s salt, or ask the baker if you’re buying unpackaged bread.
-
Assuming part-baked bread is ready to serve
A part-baked loaf may need to be defrosted and finished in the oven. For example, PLUS says its Korenlanders Rustiek Vloerbrood Volkoren needs baking after defrosting.
Read the instructions on the packaging and allow time for baking and cooling before serving.
-
Buying more bread than you need for brunch
If you’re serving several dishes, you may have a whole loaf left over, especially if you’re offering other types of bread too.
Consider buying half a loaf or putting out only the slices you need. Freeze any portions you won’t use in time, if the bread is suitable for freezing.
Retailers to consider
Albert Heijn
A good starting point if you want to explore wholemeal loaves in different styles, including whole oven-bottom loaves, round loaves and unsliced options, all within one range.
- Albert Heijn offers wholemeal bread in a range of shapes and slicing options.
- If a loaf has a rustic-sounding name, check separately whether it’s labelled as wholemeal.
Jumbo
Worth considering if you want to compare fine-textured, round and other loaf shapes before choosing one for brunch.
- Jumbo offers whole and half loaves as well as sliced options.
- The bread range includes other types too, so read the full product name and ingredients of the one you choose.
PLUS
A good option if you want to bake a rustic wholemeal oven-bottom loaf and slice it at the table.
- PLUS lists the ingredients and baking instructions for its Korenlanders Rustiek Vloerbrood Volkoren on the product page.
- Check the current packaging and whether the loaf is available at your chosen store.
Dirk
An option to explore if you want to pick up a wholemeal oven-bottom loaf or a wholemeal batard in store.
- Dirk has product pages for both loaf shapes.
- Dirk doesn’t offer delivery, so you’ll need to visit a store if you choose this option.
Bread options on Joybuy
This selection includes a rye bread option, round loaves and Lebanese flatbreads. For Easter brunch, think about whether you want to slice a loaf, serve portions or share flatbreads. Check the wholemeal description on the packaging of each product.
Image unavailable
Bolletje Rye Bread Bun, 500 g
A 500 g rye bread option to consider if you’re looking for a different type of bread for brunch. Before planning how to serve it, check the packaging for the exact shape, whether it’s sliced and its wholemeal description.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 2 × 550 g
Two round loaves weighing 550 g each are a good fit for a brunch where you want to slice the bread at the table. Check the wholemeal description and follow any preparation instructions on the packaging.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
This 550 g round loaf is worth considering if one loaf to slice yourself suits your table better than a pack of two. Check the packaging for the wholemeal description and any preparation instructions.
Image unavailable
Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, 6 pieces
Six Lebanese flatbreads offer a different way to serve bread from a whole oven-bottom loaf, and are ideal for sharing around the table. Check the packaging for the wholemeal description, ingredients and allergens.
Frequently asked questions
What does ‘premium’ mean on wholemeal bread?
On its own, the word says nothing about a loaf’s wholemeal content, nutritional value or flavour. If wholemeal bread is what you’re looking for, check the product description and ingredients.
Does Dutch bread always contain baker’s salt?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the label or, if you’re buying unpackaged bread, ask which salt has been used.
How should I store wholemeal bread bought before brunch?
According to the Voedingscentrum’s food storage guide, opened wholemeal bread can be kept for 2–4 days in a kitchen cupboard or 1–3 months in the freezer. Freeze any portions you won’t need straight away, and don’t eat bread that has gone mouldy.
Does a rustic, part-baked loaf still need to go in the oven?
It depends on the product. For its Korenlanders Rustiek Vloerbrood Volkoren, PLUS recommends baking for 10 minutes at 200 °C after defrosting. For the loaf you buy, follow the instructions on the packaging.