Nursery teams looking for sturdy lunch slices
For teams considering coarse or hearty wholemeal bread and wanting to know before ordering whether it comes sliced and how thick the slices are. The word ‘coarse’ does not tell you this.
Who is this relevant to?
Nursery teams with allergen requirements
For teams that need to check the current label against each child’s requirements and their own policy, including for wheat and any other listed allergens.
Nursery teams looking for a finer texture
For groups that need a less coarse texture. For example, Lidl describes a kids’ bread made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour; this says nothing about the thickness of the slices.
What should you look for when buying?
First, check that the bread and its label meet the children’s requirements. Then ask about the actual slice thickness if you need thick slices: the product name alone is not enough.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Allergen requirements | Read the ingredients and allergens on the current label and check them against each child’s requirements. | If there are allergen requirements, I want to be able to check which ingredients are in the bread. Around 40% of consumers put this check first. |
| Slice thickness | Ask whether the bread is pre-sliced and how thick the slices are. If it is a whole loaf, you can ask how many slices it makes. | If I want to spread and cut hearty lunch slices, I want to know how thick they actually are. Around 40% of consumers ask this first. |
| Wholemeal and baker’s salt | Check the product name and ingredients for wholemeal flour, and see whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed. | For lunch planning, I want to be able to check the bread’s ingredients and the salt used. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this nutritional information. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming ‘coarse’ means ‘thick-cut’
A coarse texture or a whole loaf does not tell you how thick the individual slices are. So the slices you receive may not be the right thickness for lunch.
Ask about the slice thickness before ordering and confirm whether the bread will arrive pre-sliced.
-
Looking only for ‘wholemeal’
The word ‘wholemeal’ does not replace an allergen check. Wholemeal wheat bread contains wheat; other allergens listed vary by product.
Check the current label every time you buy and compare it with the requirements recorded for each child.
-
Assuming baker’s salt is used without checking
According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers are not required to use baker’s salt. So a bread’s name does not tell you whether it contains this salt.
Check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt, or ask the baker which salt they use.
-
Assuming a product page guarantees availability
Albert Heijn and Jumbo say that the coarse breads in question are no longer part of their online ranges. So a product you viewed previously may not be available to order again.
Check availability before your next order and choose an alternative in advance whose label you have checked.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
The product page for AH Boeren grof volkorenbrood heel lists wholemeal wheat flour, ingredients and allergens, among other details.
- The product information gives you details to check on the label.
- Albert Heijn says this particular bread is no longer in its range; the page also does not give the slice thickness.
Jumbo
Its online range distinguishes between fine and coarse wholemeal bread.
- The product names can help you find the texture you want.
- The page for Jumbo Grof Volkoren says this product is no longer available online and does not give the slice thickness.
PLUS
The page for PLUS Grof volkoren heel lists wholemeal wheat flour, cracked wheat, baker’s salt and allergens, among other details.
- You can check the ingredients and allergens against the nursery’s requirements before serving it.
- ‘Whole’ does not confirm that the bread is pre-sliced, and no slice thickness is given.
Lidl
Lidl describes a kids’ bread made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour, and also offers a fine wholemeal option.
- The finer texture described may suit you if you do not want a coarse texture.
- The descriptions do not confirm that the bread is thick-cut; check the specific product separately.
ALDI
ALDI describes its Fijn volkoren as sliced bread.
- The word ‘sliced’ makes it clear that you do not need to slice the bread yourself.
- The product information does not give the slice thickness, so fine wholemeal is not a confirmed thick-cut option.
Wholemeal bread to slice yourself at Joybuy
These round wholemeal loaves are options if you want to slice the bread yourself. They need to be defrosted, baked and cooled first, so check that this preparation fits your nursery routine and compare the current label with each child’s requirements.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal bread, 2 × 550 g
An option if you want to slice the bread yourself for lunch after it has been defrosted, baked and cooled.
The pack contains two loaves, each weighing 550 g. Before serving, check the current label for wheat, gluten and any other listed allergens. Decide for yourself whether you can cut the loaf into slices of the thickness you want.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal bread, 550 g
An option if you want to slice a single loaf yourself after defrosting, baking and cooling it.
This loaf weighs 550 g. Before serving, check the current label for wheat, gluten and any other listed allergens. Check whether the loaf will give you enough slices of the thickness you want.
Frequently asked questions
Is wholemeal bread suitable for a nursery lunch?
Wholemeal bread can be part of lunch if its ingredients, texture and portion suit the child’s requirements. The Voedingscentrum discusses wholemeal and brown bread as options for children aged 4 to 12; do not assume that this age-specific advice also applies to younger children.
Where can I check for gluten and other allergens?
Read the current label and compare the listed ingredients and allergens with each child’s requirements. Wheat is a gluten-containing grain; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights that allergens must be listed in the ingredients list.
Is bread always baked with iodised baker’s salt?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers are not required to use baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list or ask the baker which salt was used in the bread you have chosen.
How should I store a wholemeal loaf for nursery?
Follow the storage instructions for the bread you have chosen. PLUS recommends storing its Grof volkoren heel in a dry, dark place. According to the product information, this particular loaf can be frozen on the day of purchase and should then be used within one month.