Who is this relevant to?

Picnickers who want to make the most of their bread

You want to take enough bread without ending up with lots left over. Compare pack sizes and think about how much your group is likely to eat.

Small groups looking to cut down on leftovers

You’re buying for one or a few people and want to be able to store any leftover bread. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping opened wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard for two to four days; freezing it in portions is another option.

Picnickers looking for clearly labelled wholemeal bread

You want to be able to tell from the packaging whether the bread is sold as wholemeal. If you also want to compare fibre or other nutritional values, check the nutritional information for the specific variety.

What should you look for when choosing?

Work out how much bread you’ll need for your picnic and the days afterwards. Then check whether the shape of the loaf and the information on the packaging suit your needs.

What to consider What should you check? Who is it important for?
How much you need for the group Compare the pack size with the number of people who’ll be eating. For a larger picnic, I want enough bread to share without having lots left over. Getting the quantity right is the top priority for around 42% of consumers.
Storing leftovers Consider whether a whole or smaller loaf is right for you, and whether you can freeze any leftovers at home. For a small group, I don’t want to be left with bread for days. Around 33% of consumers prioritise cutting down on leftovers.
Wholemeal bread and nutritional information Check the product name, ingredients and nutritional information for the variety you’ve chosen. If I’m specifically looking for wholemeal bread, I don’t want to judge by colour or shape alone. For around 25% of consumers, understanding what the bread contains is the main concern.

Common mistakes

  • Taking more bread than you can get through

    A whole loaf can leave you with lots of leftovers if you’re a small group. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping opened wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard for two to four days.

    Choose a quantity that suits your group, or freeze any bread you want to eat later in portions.

  • Treating chilled fillings just like bread

    Bread can come with you to the park, but fillings that need to be kept chilled require a different approach.

    Take chilled fillings in a cool bag, as advised by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, and only take them out of the fridge when you need them.

  • Assuming a claim about one loaf applies to all wholemeal bread

    ALDI’s description of extra fibre and less salt applies to a specific variety, not to every wholemeal loaf.

    Read the nutritional information for the exact variety you’re considering, and only compare values given on the same basis.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn’s wholemeal bread range includes whole, half and hearth-baked loaves.

  • The different loaf styles give you a choice of sizes and uses.
  • Check the pack size of the specific product before comparing varieties.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s online range includes fine, round, tiger and half wholemeal loaves.

  • You can compare different loaf styles side by side.
  • Check the pack size for each product; loaf styles and quantities can vary.

Lidl

Lidl lists fine wholemeal bread weighing 800 g, among other options.

  • The stated weight helps you estimate how much you’ll need for your group.
  • Lidl states that this variety is only available in store.

ALDI

ALDI lists freshly baked wholemeal bread and a separate variety called Extra Fibre Wholemeal Bread, Whole Loaf.

  • The separate varieties let you compare a standard loaf with one made to a different recipe.
  • Only apply ALDI’s claims about extra fibre or less salt to the variety they refer to; check the packaging of the bread you choose.

PLUS

PLUS’s online range includes standard wholemeal loaves and Korenlanders varieties.

  • There are different types and shapes of bread to choose from.
  • Check the bread type and weight when comparing varieties.

Dirk

Dirk’s bread range includes a wholemeal batard by Bakker van der Akker.

  • The batard offers a different shape from a standard sliced whole loaf.
  • Check the pack size and whether you’ll need to slice the bread before you set off.

Wholemeal bread for your picnic

These Joybuy products suit two different ways of getting ready: taking individual breads with you, or preparing and slicing a round loaf at home. Choose a pack size that suits your group and follow the instructions for your chosen bread.

Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P

Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P

A good choice if you want to share individual breads at your picnic. This Lebanese wholemeal flatbread is sold in a pack of six; check the storage and allergen information on the packaging.

View at Joybuy
Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g

Suited to a picnic where you have time to prepare and slice the bread at home. This round wholemeal loaf has a stated weight of 550 g; follow the instructions for defrosting, baking and cooling it before taking it with you.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How can I avoid having lots of wholemeal bread left after a picnic?

Match the quantity to the number of people eating, and freeze any bread you won’t use soon in portions. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping opened wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard for two to four days, or in the freezer for one to three months; freezing it for longer can make the bread drier.

Do picnic fillings need to go in a cool bag?

Fillings that are normally kept chilled should be carried in a cool bag, according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Take them out of the fridge shortly before you leave, and don’t leave them out of the fridge unnecessarily during your picnic.

Can I take wholemeal bread to the park?

Yes, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre says bread is suitable for taking on a picnic. Pack it in a clean, sealed container, and follow the storage instructions for any fillings.

Does all wholemeal bread contain iodised baker’s salt?

Don’t assume that every loaf does. Check the ingredients for the specific variety, or ask the baker or supermarket which salt has been used.