Choose a loaf labelled wholemeal, then assess the slices for yourself. Words such as ‘coarse’, ‘tiger’ and ‘sliced whole’ don’t tell you how thick or sturdy a slice will be for your filling. Compare the label on the exact product for fibre, salt and allergens. If you want to choose the thickness yourself, a whole loaf that you slice at home may be more practical, as long as you can prepare it before setting off.
You want to take a filled sandwich with you without the slice becoming awkward to handle in its packaging. So check the size and sturdiness of the actual slices, not just the name of the bread.
You want to be sure you’re choosing wholemeal bread and compare fibre and salt on a like-for-like basis. Nutritional information can vary from one product to another.
You want to portion bread ahead of a future departure and check that the ingredients and allergen information are suitable for everyone who’ll be eating it.
Start by checking that it’s labelled wholemeal, then decide what matters most for your journey: easy-to-handle slices, nutritional information or how you’ll prepare the snacks.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and sturdiness | Check the width, thickness and consistency of the actual slices. If you want to choose the thickness yourself, see whether you can slice a whole loaf at home. | I want a slice that stays easy to handle in my packaging, even with plenty of filling. Around 42% of shoppers put size and sturdiness first. |
| Wholemeal, fibre and salt | Check that it’s labelled wholemeal, then compare fibre and salt per 100 g on the exact products. | When choosing between loaves, I want to compare the nutritional information on a like-for-like basis. Around 33% of shoppers put this comparison first. |
| Storage and allergens | Read the storage instructions and check the ingredients and ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements. | I prepare snacks in advance and want to know how to store the bread and whether the ingredients are suitable for the travellers. This is the main consideration for around 25% of shoppers. |
‘Coarse’, ‘tiger’, ‘artisan’ and ‘sliced whole’ don’t tell you how much room a slice will leave for your filling or how sturdy it will be.
Check the slices before setting off, or slice a whole loaf at home to your preferred thickness. Also check whether a filled sandwich will fit in the packaging you’ll use on your journey.
A heavier slice contains a different amount of fibre and salt from a lighter slice of the same bread. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also notes that nutritional values can vary by brand.
First compare products per 100 g. Then consider the portion you’ll actually take with you.
The wholemeal label doesn’t mean a loaf is suitable for someone with an allergy or coeliac disease. For example, PLUS lists wheat and barley in its Volkoren tijger heel, along with possible traces of other allergens.
Read the full allergen information on the exact product and, if you have an allergy or coeliac disease, follow the dietary advice that applies to you.
Albert Heijn offers products including AH OerDesem wholemeal Allinson, sliced whole loaf—an option to consider when checking the label information for a specific bread.
Jumbo offers a range of wholemeal breads, including coarse wholemeal bread, bread with sunflower seeds and wholemeal toast bread.
ALDI offers an extra-high-fibre wholemeal bread for shoppers who want to compare fibre and salt across wholemeal loaves.
PLUS offers products including wholemeal tiger bread and Korenlanders Boeren tiger wholemeal whole loaf.
Dirk offers products including wholemeal artisan whole loaf, which you can compare with other types of whole loaf.
Lidl has listed wholemeal tiger artisan bread as an in-store product.
If you want to choose the thickness of your slices for snacks on the go, this whole loaf is one option to consider. Remember to allow time for defrosting, baking and cooling before slicing.
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This whole round loaf is a good option if you want to slice your own bread after baking for snacks on the go.
According to the product description, it contains wholemeal wheat flour. Leave the loaf to cool for half an hour after baking before slicing.
Check the baking instructions on the current packaging and decide for yourself whether the slices are sturdy enough for your filling.
Look for ‘wholemeal’ on the label. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, packaged bread must be labelled as wholemeal if it is; a dark colour or the word ‘brown’ alone isn’t enough.
Yes, if the storage instructions for your bread allow it. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread you’ll need later in portions as soon as you buy it. Also follow the instructions on the packaging for your chosen product, and prepare fillings separately according to their storage instructions.
The wholemeal label doesn’t tell you whether it’s suitable. For example, PLUS lists wheat and barley in its Volkoren tijger heel. Check the ingredients and allergens on the exact packaging for every loaf, and follow the dietary advice that applies to you.
Check the ingredients list on the loaf you’re buying. Albert Heijn lists iodised salt in AH OerDesem wholemeal Allinson, sliced whole loaf, but that doesn’t tell you anything about the ingredients in other breads.
