Anyone who buys bread regularly
If wholemeal bread is often on your table, comparing the weight and how much you’ll use up can help you choose between loaves.
Who are these options for?
Smaller households
If you won’t finish a whole loaf within a few days, a half loaf or freezing it in portions may suit how much you eat better. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also offers advice on storing wholemeal bread in the freezer.
Anyone who reads labels carefully
You can only assess the ingredients, fibre, salt, allergens and whether baker’s salt is listed for the particular loaf you choose.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how much bread you need and when you’ll eat it. Then check the weight, nutritional information and ingredients of loaves that fit the bill.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Comparing loaves | Check the weight and make sure you’re comparing a whole loaf with a whole loaf, or a half loaf with a half loaf. | If I buy bread regularly, I want to know how much bread I’ll get in each size. Around 40% of consumers are said to prioritise comparing loaf sizes. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | Read the ingredients and compare fibre and salt on the same basis, for example per 100 g; check the current label for allergens. | When choosing based on ingredients, I want to be able to read the information for the specific loaf, rather than relying on its name. For around 30% of consumers, checking the label is said to be the main priority. |
| Stocking up and storage | Choose a size you’ll finish, and check the storage instructions if you want to freeze portions. | If my household won’t get through a whole loaf quickly, I want to avoid having slices left over. Around 20% of consumers are said to focus mainly on reducing waste. |
| Serving on King’s Day | Choose a size to suit the number of people eating, and decide whether you want to slice the bread in advance. | For a lunch shared with others, I want to be able to serve enough bread without having lots left over. For around 10% of consumers, this serving occasion is said to be the main consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all loaves are the same size
Whole and half loaves, as well as different loaf shapes, don’t necessarily contain the same amount of bread.
Check the weight and choose a size that suits how much you expect to use.
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Assuming all wholemeal bread contains baker’s salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt when baking isn’t compulsory. So the type of bread or the name used in the shop won’t tell you whether it has been used.
For packaged bread, check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt; ask about it when buying unpackaged bread.
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Buying more bread than you’ll use
Bread left sitting around for too long isn’t a good choice if you’re trying to reduce waste.
Choose a half loaf if you eat less, or freeze a whole loaf in portions soon after buying it.
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Assuming the word ‘wholemeal’ tells you about allergens
The word ‘wholemeal’ doesn’t tell you which allergens are in a particular loaf. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the importance of clear allergen information.
Check the current label before buying, or ask for allergen information when buying unpackaged bread.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
The online range includes standard and speciality wholemeal loaves in various shapes.
- You can compare round, tiger and hearth-baked loaves, among others.
- Check the weight and current label for each loaf you choose; details for one variety don’t automatically apply to another.
Jumbo
The online range includes several own-brand wholemeal loaves.
- The weight is listed for several products.
- Product information varies between loaves; compare only details available for both.
Lidl
Fine wholemeal bread is a shop-bought product; the variety described weighs 800 g.
- The listed weight helps you assess the size in advance.
- Check the label on the loaf you actually pick up in store.
ALDI
The range described includes farmhouse wholemeal multigrain bread and a separate extra-high-fibre wholemeal variety.
- The varieties have different ingredients that you can check for each product.
- A claim on one variety doesn’t automatically describe another; read the nutritional information and ingredients on the pack you choose.
PLUS
The online range includes standard, tiger, farmhouse and Korenlanders wholemeal loaves, among others.
- PLUS Coarse Wholemeal, whole loaf, is listed as weighing 800 g.
- You can’t assume that the nutritional values for this variety apply to other PLUS loaves.
Dirk
The shop range described includes Bakker van der Akker Farmhouse Wholemeal, whole loaf.
- A whole loaf is worth considering when you’re eating with several people.
- Check the weight and packaging before comparing this loaf with a different size.
Wholemeal bread for different occasions
These Joybuy products include two sizes of wholemeal bread to bake at home later, as well as a pack of Lebanese wholemeal flatbreads for a different kind of meal. Choose based on the type of bread, the quantity and how much preparation is needed.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Round Wholemeal Country Loaf, 2 × 550 g
For anyone planning bread for several occasions. Defrost and bake the loaf at home, following the instructions on the packaging.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Round Wholemeal Country Loaf, 550 g
For anyone wanting to keep one loaf for a later occasion. It needs to be defrosted and baked at home; follow the instructions on the packaging.
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Souq Lebanese Wholemeal Flatbreads, 6 pieces
A flatbread for an informal meal with dips, for example, rather than the same size and style as a whole sliced loaf. Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare a whole and a half loaf of wholemeal bread?
Check the weight and how much bread you’ll actually use. A half loaf may suit you better if you eat less, while a whole loaf can be practical when several people are eating or if you freeze it in portions.
Does all Dutch wholemeal bread contain baker’s salt?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt when baking isn’t compulsory. For packaged bread, check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt, and ask about it when buying unpackaged bread.
Where can I find allergen information for wholemeal bread?
Check the current label before buying, or ask for the available allergen information when buying unpackaged bread. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergens must be clearly listed on the labels of prepacked foods.
What should I do with wholemeal bread I won’t eat soon?
Ideally, freeze it in portions so you only defrost what you need. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing opened wholemeal bread for 2–4 days in a kitchen cupboard or 1–3 months in the freezer.