Budget-conscious everyday bread buyer
You’re looking for a wholemeal loaf for everyday use. Compare loaves of the same size and consider whether you can finish a whole loaf; a speciality loaf isn’t automatically an equivalent alternative.
Who is this for?
Barbecue planner looking to avoid leftovers
You’re buying bread alongside other barbecue food and don’t want to be left with an unused whole loaf. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping opened wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2–4 days or in the freezer for 1–3 months.
Bread buyer checking bread type and allergens
You want to know whether a loaf is labelled as wholemeal and whether its ingredients are suitable for your guests. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, packaged wholemeal bread should be labelled ‘wholemeal’; also check the allergen information for the product you choose.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how much bread you need for everyday meals and the barbecue. Then compare loaves of the same size and check the information on the packaging.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should take this into account? |
|---|---|---|
| Loaf size | Compare whole loaves with whole loaves, and check the weight or number of loaves. | If I also need bread for everyday use, I want to know whether a whole loaf fits into my plans. Around 42% of consumers prioritise a practical loaf size. |
| Wholemeal labelling and allergens | For packaged bread, read the wholemeal labelling, ingredients list and allergen information; for unwrapped bread, ask for product details. | When buying bread for guests, I want to check which grains it contains and whether it’s labelled as wholemeal. Around 33% of consumers prioritise checking this product information. |
| Quantity and storage | Estimate how much bread will be eaten alongside the other food and whether you can freeze any portions you don’t use. | For a small barbecue, I don’t want to buy more bread than we can use or store. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this need. |
Common mistakes
-
Treating different-sized loaves as equivalent
Half a loaf, a whole loaf and a speciality loaf don’t provide the same amount of bread. Comparing only the number of loaves can therefore lead you to make the wrong choice.
Start by comparing loaves of the same size and check the stated weight too. Choose a smaller loaf if it’s a better fit for what you’ll actually use.
-
Assuming dark-coloured bread is wholemeal
Brown bread and wholemeal bread are different types of bread, according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. ‘Multigrain’ on its own doesn’t mean that a loaf is wholemeal either.
For packaged bread, look for the word ‘wholemeal’ and read the ingredients. For unwrapped bread, ask for product information.
-
Automatically buying a whole loaf for a small group
If there’s other food and bread on the table at the barbecue, a whole loaf may be too much. You’ll then need a plan for storing any leftovers.
Estimate how much you’ll need in advance. Consider half a loaf or another suitable type of bread, and freeze any unused portions in good time.
-
Relying on out-of-date allergen information
Albert Heijn and PLUS point out that product ingredients and allergen information can change. A previous purchase is no substitute for checking the packaging of the product you’re buying now.
Read the information for the exact loaf again, especially if you have guests who need to avoid certain ingredients.
Brands and shops to consider
These shops offer different types of bread and ways to plan your shopping. Check the information for each product you choose to make sure it meets your barbecue needs.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn displays a range of wholemeal bread online, including standard loaves and bakery loaves.
- The online range makes it easy to look at different types of bread before you shop.
- Albert Heijn advises customers to read the packaging, as ingredients and allergen information may change.
Jumbo
Jumbo displays wholemeal loaves online, including fine and coarse wholemeal bread under its own brand.
- When planning your shopping, you can browse products online and choose a delivery or collection slot.
- Check the bread variety you’ve chosen and the information that applies to your order.
Lidl
Lidl’s in-store range includes fine wholemeal bread.
- Fine wholemeal is a standard type of loaf you can look at while shopping.
- Lidl says that its range of fresh bread may vary by store.
ALDI
ALDI lists fine wholemeal and other wholemeal varieties in its bread range.
- Fine wholemeal is a familiar standard option for everyday bread.
- A multigrain or extra-fibre variety isn’t the same product; compare the labelling and ingredients separately.
PLUS
PLUS displays both wholemeal loaves and wholemeal baguettes online.
- Product pages may show ingredients, allergens and nutritional values, which can help when choosing bread for guests.
- PLUS warns that this product information may change; check the packaging of the loaf you choose too.
Dirk
Dirk lists fresh bread baked daily, including round wholemeal loaves and other wholemeal varieties.
- The bread range offers several types to browse while you’re shopping.
- Dirk doesn’t list a delivery service, so plan to visit a shop.
Bread options at Joybuy
These products offer different quantities and types of bread for everyday use or a barbecue. The words ‘whole wheat’ in a product name don’t replace checking the wholemeal labelling and ingredients on the packaging.
Image unavailable
Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, 6 pieces
A pack of six breads may suit you if you want to plan the amount needed per person. Check the packaging for wholemeal labelling, ingredients and allergen information for the people sharing the meal.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round, 550 g
This round loaf is an option if you’re planning on one loaf for the meal. The listed variety weighs 550 g; check the wholemeal labelling on the packaging and the preparation instructions before serving.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round, 2 × 550 g
Two round loaves are better suited to a larger need or two meals than a small barbecue. This variety contains two loaves weighing 550 g each; think ahead about what you’ll do with an unused loaf, and check the packaging information.
Image unavailable
Bolletje Rye Bread Bun, 500 g
This variety is labelled as rye bread, making it a different choice from standard wholemeal wheat bread. The packaging states 500 g; check the label for the exact type of bread, ingredients and allergens before choosing it for your guests.
Frequently asked questions
Is brown bread the same as wholemeal bread?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, brown bread is made from a mixture of wholemeal flour and white flour. Packaged wholemeal bread should be labelled ‘wholemeal’, so don’t rely on colour alone.
How long can I keep opened wholemeal bread after the barbecue?
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping it in a kitchen cupboard for 2–4 days or in the freezer for 1–3 months. Freeze any portions you won’t use soon, and don’t eat mouldy bread.
How can I check whether the bread I’ve chosen contains iodine?
Check the ingredients information for the specific bread or ask the baker which salt was used. The word ‘wholemeal’ alone doesn’t tell you whether iodine has been added to the salt.
Should I check for allergens in wholemeal baguettes?
Yes, check the allergen information for the baguette you’re buying. PLUS lists wheat, rye, barley and spelt, among other allergens, for one of its wholemeal baguettes; another product may have a different or updated recipe.