If you’re shopping for one, first look for bread labelled wholemeal, then decide whether a half loaf or frozen portions would suit how quickly you eat it. For generous toppings, you could consider coarse or hearty bread, but check the slice itself: names like these don’t guarantee a particular thickness or sturdiness. Compare fibre and salt per 100 g, and check the packaging for allergens and whether baker’s salt is used if these matter to your choice.
If you want to top a slice of bread with something like egg or vegetables, the texture of the slice is an important factor. Descriptions such as coarse and hearty are a starting point, but look at the sliced bread to judge whether it will suit your toppings.
If you don’t eat bread every day, you could compare a half loaf with a whole loaf that you freeze in individual slices. That way, you can choose an amount that suits when you want to eat bread.
As well as the way the bread is sliced, you’ll want to check the product description, nutritional information and allergen details. For the exact loaf, also check whether baker’s salt is listed in the ingredients if that matters to your choice.
First, work out how quickly you’ll get through the bread and whether you want to freeze slices yourself. Then consider the texture and how it will suit your toppings, and compare the labels of the loaves you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Slice texture | Look at the slice itself or ask how the bread is cut; don’t assume it will be thick just because it’s described as coarse or hearty. | If I want to pile plenty of toppings onto one slice, I need to judge whether it feels sturdy enough. Around 31% of consumers prioritise how well bread holds toppings. |
| Quantity and storage | Check whether a half loaf is available, or look at the storage advice if you want to freeze slices from a whole loaf. | If I only eat bread occasionally, I don’t want to be left with a whole loaf that I can’t finish in time. Portion management matters most to around 25% of consumers. |
| Wholemeal and nutritional value | Check the product description and compare fibre and salt per 100 g on the label. | With a dark or rustic loaf, I want to know whether it’s actually labelled wholemeal and how its nutritional values compare. Around 25% of consumers prioritise these label checks. |
| Allergens and baker’s salt | Read the current allergen and ingredient information, and check whether baker’s salt is mentioned. | If a particular ingredient or type of salt matters to me, I want to check it for that specific loaf. Around 19% of consumers prioritise this check. |
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, a product can only be called wholemeal if all of its grain ingredient is wholemeal flour. Brood.net Professionals points out that the colour doesn’t tell you which flour has been used.
Check the product description and ingredients rather than judging it by the crust or crumb alone.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that baker’s salt is not compulsory. So you can’t tell whether a loaf is made with it just because it’s labelled wholemeal.
Check the ingredients list or, for unwrapped bread, ask which type of salt has been used.
If you only use a few slices, you could end up with bread left over. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also lists bread as a product that is often wasted.
Choose a half loaf if that suits how quickly you eat it, or divide a whole loaf into portions to freeze before it goes stale. Follow the storage advice for the bread you choose.
Words such as coarse, hearty and rustic don’t necessarily indicate a set slice thickness. The texture of the loaf and the thickness of each slice are also different things.
If possible, look at the sliced bread or ask the shop how it is cut before counting on thick slices.
These shops offer a starting point for comparing types of bread, pack sizes and labels. Always check how the bread is sliced and its nutritional information for the loaf you actually choose.
A good starting point if you want to browse sliced wholemeal bread and product information online.
A good starting point for searching by loaf type and descriptions such as fine, coarse and hearty.
A shop where you can compare wholemeal options by checking the current label.
A good starting point if you want to compare half and whole wholemeal loaves.
A good starting point if you want to compare nutritional information for a specific wholemeal loaf.
A good starting point for looking for half and whole wholemeal loaves.
This round loaf is an option if you want to decide how thickly to slice it yourself. Before buying, check whether this variety is labelled wholemeal on the packaging; the product name alone isn’t enough to confirm this.
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If you want to choose the slice thickness yourself, you can slice this round loaf after preparing it.
The loaf weighs 550 g. Allow time for thawing, baking and cooling before slicing. Check the current packaging for wholemeal status, allergens and nutritional values. The product name doesn’t tell you how well a slice will hold generous toppings.
No, those words don’t indicate a set slice thickness. Look at the slice or ask the shop how the loaf is cut if the thickness matters for your toppings.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt is not compulsory. If the type of salt used matters to your choice, check the ingredients list or ask about unwrapped bread.
Choose a half loaf that suits how quickly you eat it, or divide a whole loaf into small portions to freeze. Check the storage advice on the packaging of the loaf you choose.
No, wholemeal doesn’t mean gluten-free. If you have a specific dietary requirement, check the allergen information for the exact product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that regulated allergens must be listed on the label.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g rather than per slice, as slices can vary in weight. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends using the same unit when comparing labels.
