Households with a fussy bread eater
If not all the bread gets eaten, choosing the right size and a familiar texture can be just as practical as buying a large pack. Start with an amount that your household will usually get through.
Who is this choice for?
Eaters who are sensitive to texture
A fine-textured slice may appeal more to someone who leaves a coarse crumb or lots of seeds. Even with a finely textured loaf, check that it is actually labelled as wholemeal.
Small households that freeze bread
If how much you eat varies, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises freezing bread in portions straight after purchase and taking out only what you need.
What should you look for?
First, decide which texture is most likely to be eaten. Then choose a suitable size and check the details on the packaging that matter to your household.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| How much you eat and food waste | Whole or half loaf; whether you can freeze it in portions straight away. | If we only eat bread occasionally at home, I don’t want to keep having slices left over. Around 42% of consumers prioritise reducing waste. |
| Taste and texture | Fine or coarse crumb; crust and any seeds. | If someone leaves the coarser pieces, I’d rather try one loaf with a familiar texture first. Around 33% of consumers give acceptance the highest priority. |
| Labelling and ingredients | The wholemeal label; current ingredients and allergens. If needed, also check for baker’s salt or iodised salt. | If I need to keep an eye on ingredients or allergens, I want to be able to check the packaging before serving the bread. This is the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking dark bread for wholemeal bread
The colour or a name such as multigrain doesn’t confirm that bread is wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made with 100% wholemeal flour.
Check that the packaging clearly labels the bread as wholemeal.
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Buying a whole loaf that won’t get eaten
A large loaf may not be the best choice if some of it is left over or you only eat bread occasionally.
Choose a size that suits how much you eat, or freeze a whole loaf in portions straight after purchase, as the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises.
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Assuming every loaf contains iodised salt
Not every loaf contains baker’s salt or another type of iodised salt. The name of the bread won’t tell you which it contains.
Check the ingredients on the packaging if the type of salt used matters to your choice.
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Relying on the product name for allergen information
Bread can contain different ingredients and allergens. Even a familiar product may come in updated packaging or have a changed recipe.
Check the current ingredients and allergen information on the product every time you buy it.
Brands to consider
These brands offer different types of bread and product information to compare with your own preferences. Check the current packaging of the bread you choose.
Albert Heijn
The own-brand range includes AH Rond volkoren heel and AH Extra lang lekker volkoren heel.
- Albert Heijn’s product information says that AH Extra lang lekker volkoren heel can be frozen.
- A longer shelf-life claim or a different type of loaf doesn’t tell you whether the texture will suit an individual eater.
Jumbo
The own-brand range includes fine, round and tiger-style wholemeal bread.
- The different types give you a few options when looking for a familiar-tasting slice.
- A variety’s name won’t predict whether your fussy eater will want to eat it.
Lidl
Lidl offers, among other things, freshly baked bread, so it may be useful to choose in store.
- You can see which types of bread are available while you’re there.
- Lidl says its fresh bread selection may vary between stores.
ALDI
ALDI stocks various wholemeal breads, including a fine-textured loaf and a variety called Extra vezelrijk volkorenbrood.
- The different varieties give you a chance to compare the texture and nutritional information of each product.
- Don’t assume the nutritional values or ingredients of one ALDI loaf based on the name of another.
PLUS
PLUS Boeren volkoren heel has product information that’s useful when checking the label.
- The listed ingredients include wholemeal wheat flour and baker’s salt.
- Check the current packaging; ingredients can change.
Dirk
Dirk stocks, among other products, Bakker van der Akker Boeren volkoren heel.
- A specific wholemeal variety gives you the chance to check its size and texture in store.
- Use the current packaging for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.
A related bread option on Joybuy
This flatbread is another type of bread to consider if sliced bread isn’t a hit. Compare the packaging with your wholemeal requirements and how much you expect to eat at home.
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Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P
If someone would rather try flatbread than sliced bread, this pack of six could be an option. Check the current packaging for the wholemeal label, ingredients, allergens and storage advice.
Frequently asked questions
How can I recognise wholemeal bread?
Check that the bread is clearly labelled as wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made with 100% wholemeal flour; a brown colour or the name multigrain isn’t a substitute.
Does every loaf contain iodised baker’s salt?
No, don’t assume that every loaf contains iodised baker’s salt. Check the packaging to see whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed in the ingredients. If the bread is sold loose, ask if necessary.
What can I do if I won’t get through a whole loaf?
Freeze the bread in portions straight after purchase and take out what you need, as the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises. If that doesn’t suit how you use bread, see whether a smaller size would be more practical.
What should I check if allergens are a concern?
Read the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the specific loaf. Don’t rely on the bread’s name alone or on packaging from a previous purchase.