If you usually cook for yourself
You’re making one lunch or light evening meal and want a loaf size that suits how often you eat bread.
Who is this choice relevant to?
If bread is the centrepiece of your meal
You might be looking for a sourdough loaf for a generous bread-based meal and be happy to save a larger loaf for later meals.
If you read the label carefully
You want to check whether the bread is wholemeal and see its listed ingredients, allergens and nutritional information before buying.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with how much bread you’ll actually use. Then compare the product description, label and instructions for storing or baking.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and storage | Check the weight, number of portions and instructions for storing or freezing. | If I’m planning just one bread-based meal, I want to know what to do with the rest. That’s why portion size is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Type of bread | Check whether the bread is labelled as wholemeal, what role sourdough plays and whether the quantity suits your meal. | For a more substantial meal, I mainly want to choose a type of bread that suits the dish, even if there’s some left over. The type of bread is the first consideration for around 28% of consumers. |
| Label and allergens | Read the product description, ingredients, allergen information and nutrition per 100 g; you may also want to check whether iodised salt is listed. | Before I put the bread on the table, I want to know what’s in it and whether it meets my requirements. Checking the label is a priority for around 36% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Buying a whole rustic loaf without a plan for the rest
A loaf that looks tempting for one meal may be too large if you don’t want to eat bread over the following days.
Choose a smaller size or check before buying whether and how you can freeze the bread. Divide a suitable larger loaf into portions according to the storage instructions.
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Assuming sourdough or a dark colour means wholemeal
Sourdough describes how the bread is made; a dark colour or seeds don’t confirm that it’s wholemeal.
Check the product description and ingredients. Compare the nutrition information per 100 g.
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Assuming all bread contains iodised baker’s salt
According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So the type of bread doesn’t tell you what kind of salt has been added.
For packaged bread, read the ingredients list; for unwrapped bread, ask which salt has been used.
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Checking for allergens only after you’ve chosen
Wholemeal breads can contain different grains and other allergens, so check the specific product.
Read the latest allergen information on the packaging before buying, especially if you need to avoid particular ingredients.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
The Liefde & Passie range includes a larger wholemeal sourdough loaf for anyone planning several bread-based meals.
- Albert Heijn lists its Nederlands desem volkoren loaf as weighing 600 g and containing 9,6% wholemeal wheat sourdough.
- Check the current packaging before buying and decide in advance how you’ll store the larger loaf.
Jumbo
A supermarket option if you’re looking for rustic sourdough to serve with a bread-based meal.
- Jumbo describes its rustic sourdough loaves as made with fresh sourdough starter and left to rise for more than 24 hours.
- Jumbo says these loaves, baked in store, aren’t available to order online; check what’s available in store.
PLUS
Offers both a smaller sourdough loaf and wholemeal sourdough rolls for individual meals.
- PLUS lists a 300 g Korenlanders Kleintje and a 320 g pack of Dutch Bakery Bio sourdough wholemeal rolls.
- For the Dutch Bakery rolls, PLUS advises keeping them refrigerated after opening and eating them within two days.
Lidl
A supermarket option if you want to look at a half wholemeal loaf or a rustic wholemeal sourdough loaf.
- Lidl lists a Halfje extra volkorenbrood and a rustic wholemeal sourdough loaf.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and nutrition information for the loaf you choose in store.
ALDI
A supermarket option where you can compare half and whole loaves.
- ALDI lists half and whole loaves in its bakery range.
- Check the wholemeal description and size of each loaf; range information doesn’t tell you what’s on every individual label.
Bread options at Joybuy
These options range from individual flatbreads to larger loaves. For a meal for one, work out how much you’ll use and check the packaging and storage instructions for the rest.
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Souq Lebanese wholemeal bread, 6 pieces
Individual flatbreads can be a good option if you’ll only use some of the pack for one meal.
Check the packaging for ingredients, allergens and instructions on how to store the bread after opening.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g
If you’re eating alone, a 550 g loaf calls for a plan to use it over several meals.
Check the storage and baking instructions on the packaging before dividing the loaf into portions or baking it.
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Bolletje Rye Bread Bun 500 g
If you’re considering rye bread for one meal, first check how you could portion this 500 g pack.
Check the product format on the packaging: the available title says bun, while the description refers to sliced bread.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check whether bread is really wholemeal?
Check the product description and ingredients, not just the colour or seeds. The Voedingscentrum explains that wholemeal bread is made from the entire grain; packaged bread is labelled as wholemeal on the packaging.
Is a small loaf always more convenient for one person?
Not always. A larger loaf can work if you divide it between several meals and store it according to the product instructions. Check what to do after opening too: PLUS advises keeping the Dutch Bakery Bio sourdough wholemeal rolls refrigerated and eating them within two days.
Does sourdough tell me anything about the nutritional value of wholemeal bread?
The word sourdough alone doesn’t tell you how much fibre or salt a loaf contains. Check the wholemeal description for each product and compare the nutrition information per 100 g.
Does all bread contain iodised baker’s salt?
No. The Voedingscentrum says bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. For packaged bread, check the ingredients list for iodised salt or baker’s salt; for unwrapped bread, ask the seller.
Where can I check allergens in wholemeal sourdough bread?
Check the latest allergen information for the specific loaf on the packaging. Wheat is a relevant ingredient in wholemeal wheat bread; other declarations may also matter for bread made with several grains or seeds.