Who is this relevant to?

Anyone comparing everyday loaves

You’re looking for a wholemeal loaf for breakfast and lunch, and want to know whether loaves of different weights and types are comparable.

Anyone stocking up on bread

You want to use a whole loaf without throwing away slices, so you pay attention to its size and freezing instructions.

Anyone who reads labels carefully

You check whether a loaf is wholemeal and look at its ingredients, allergens and, if relevant, whether it contains baker’s salt.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the type and size of loaf, then check whether the storage instructions and label suit the way you plan to use it.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Loaf weight Compare whole loaves of the same type by weight, and check whether any claim applies for a limited time. If I need bread every day, I don’t want to mistake a smaller loaf for an equivalent-sized alternative. Around 36% of consumers put this comparison first.
Wholemeal labelling Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on packaged bread; if it’s unwrapped, ask what type of bread it is. For breakfast or lunch, I want to be sure I’m choosing wholemeal bread, even if another loaf looks dark. This is the main concern for around 29% of consumers.
Size and storage Check whether the size suits how much bread you eat, and follow the freezing instructions for your chosen loaf. If I won’t get through a whole loaf quickly, I want to be able to store the slices rather than throw them away. This is the main concern for around 21% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the up-to-date ingredients and allergen information. If necessary, check whether baker’s salt is listed. If I need to avoid an ingredient or keep an eye on baker’s salt, I need information about this particular loaf. Around 14% of consumers prioritise checking the label.

Common mistakes

  • Comparing whole loaves without checking their weight

    One whole loaf may not weigh the same as another. So the size description alone tells you little about how much bread you’ll get.

    Check the weight and compare loaves of the same type.

  • Assuming every loaf contains baker’s salt

    According to the Voedingscentrum, bread does not have to be made with baker’s salt. So whether it’s included varies from loaf to loaf.

    Read the ingredients list, or ask what kind of salt has been used if the bread is unwrapped.

  • Buying a whole loaf without a storage plan

    The Voedingscentrum lists bread as a product that is often wasted. If the loaf is too large for how much you eat, you could end up with unused slices.

    Choose a suitable size or follow the freezing instructions on the packaging. PLUS says its Grof volkoren heel loaf can be frozen on the day of purchase and should be used within one month.

  • Mistaking multigrain or dark bread for wholemeal

    These descriptions alone don’t confirm that a loaf is wholemeal. According to the Voedingscentrum, packaged wholemeal bread must be labelled ‘wholemeal’.

    Check the product name, and ask what type of bread it is if it’s unwrapped.

Brands and shops to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists standard wholemeal bread and OerDesem varieties online.

  • You can browse different types of bread in its online range.
  • Check the type of bread for each OerDesem variety; the range name doesn’t confirm that every variety is wholemeal.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s own-brand wholemeal loaves include fine, coarse, round and half-size varieties.

  • There are different textures and sizes to suit how much bread you eat.
  • Check which variety you’re choosing: shape, texture and size vary.

Lidl

Lidl lists Fijn volkoren, weighing 800 g, as an in-store-only product.

  • The stated weight makes it easier to compare loaf sizes.
  • You’ll need to visit a shop to buy this loaf; check the packaging and availability there.

ALDI

ALDI describes a range of freshly baked wholemeal bread, including fine wholemeal and varieties with different ingredients.

  • ALDI says the wholemeal breads it describes are made with 100% wholemeal flour.
  • Check the product name and ingredients for each variety; claims about one loaf don’t automatically apply to the whole range.

PLUS

PLUS lists the ingredients, nutritional information and storage instructions online for its 800 g Grof volkoren heel loaf.

  • PLUS says this variety can be frozen at home on the day of purchase.
  • These instructions apply to this variety; check the packaging of the loaf you actually choose.

Dirk

Dirk lists several wholemeal loaves, including a round loaf and a floor-baked loaf.

  • You can browse the individual types of bread online.
  • Check the weight of your chosen loaf before comparing it with another whole loaf.

Wholemeal bread on Joybuy

If you’re considering a round wholemeal loaf for everyday use or your Flag Day meal, this 550 g loaf needs to be thawed and baked before serving, so plan ahead.

Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal bread, 550 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal bread 550 g

This whole, round loaf is a good choice if you can use a 550 g loaf and have time to thaw and bake it.

Follow the preparation instructions. If you have dietary restrictions, check the latest allergen information. If it matters to you, also check the packaging to see whether baker’s salt is listed.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How can I identify wholemeal bread if I’m also checking the fibre content?

Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on packaged bread, and check the nutritional information if you want to compare fibre content. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal bread is made from the whole grain; the fibre content varies from product to product.

What should I do if I can’t get through a whole loaf quickly?

Choose a size that suits how much bread you eat, or freeze portions if the product instructions allow it. PLUS says its Grof volkoren heel loaf should be frozen on the day of purchase and used within one month. For other loaves, follow the instructions on their packaging.

Can I order Lidl Fijn volkoren online?

Lidl lists Fijn volkoren, weighing 800 g, as an in-store-only product. Check the packaging of your chosen loaf in store.

Does Dutch wholemeal bread always contain iodised baker’s salt?

No. According to the Voedingscentrum, bread does not have to be made with baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list on packaged bread, or ask what kind of salt has been used if the bread is unwrapped.