Who is this for?

People who eat bread every day

You’re looking for a whole loaf that suits the number of slices you usually use. The quantity per pack can help you decide whether to freeze some of it.

People serving bread for sharing

You want to serve bread in slices or pieces with dips, cheese or spreads. The shape and crust may matter more than the convenience of pre-sliced bread.

People comparing labels

You check the wholemeal labelling, fibre, salt and allergens for the specific loaf you choose. The nutritional values of a different variety are no substitute.

What should you look for?

First, work out how much bread you need for everyday meals and for sharing. Then choose how you want to serve it and check the packaging for the specific variety.

What to consider What should you check? Who is it important for?
Quantity for everyday use Check the weight and choose a quantity you can use or store. If I eat sandwiches regularly, I want a loaf that doesn’t leave me with some left over each time. For around 50% of consumers, choosing a suitable quantity for everyday use comes first.
Serving for sharing Choose between pre-sliced bread, a crusty round loaf and a baguette, depending on the slices or pieces you want. For dips or shared snacks, I want to be able to slice or portion the bread easily. For around 30% of consumers, the way it’s served is the main consideration.
Label and nutritional information Look for the wholemeal labelling and compare fibre and salt per 100 g; also read the allergen declaration. When ingredients or allergens are decisive for me, I want to read the information for the variety I’ve chosen. Around 20% of consumers put checking the label first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming dark bread is wholemeal

    The colour or a mention of several types of grain doesn’t tell you whether the bread is made entirely from wholemeal flour. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour.

    Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging or shelf label.

  • Using the nutritional values for a different variety

    Fibre, salt and allergens can vary from one loaf to another, even when the breads have similar names or shapes.

    Read the nutritional information per 100 g and the allergen declaration for the loaf you’re actually choosing.

  • Buying more bread for sharing than you need

    A whole loaf isn’t always the right quantity if you’ll only use some of it for one get-together.

    Choose an amount that suits your group. If you want to store the bread, follow the freezing instructions for that variety; Albert Heijn and PLUS state that the breads discussed here can be frozen at home on the day of purchase.

Brands to consider

The breads mentioned here come in different shapes and have different label information. Always check the packaging for the variety you choose when you buy it.

Jumbo

Jumbo Fijn Volkoren is a fine-textured, wholemeal loaf for everyday sandwiches.

  • Jumbo lists 7,6 g of fibre and 1,00 g of salt per 100 g for this loaf.
  • The product information lists wheat, barley and gluten, and warns that traces of other allergens may be present. Check the current label for details.

PLUS

PLUS offers, among other options, a coarse wholemeal loaf and a wholemeal baguette for a different way of serving bread.

  • For Grof volkoren heel, PLUS lists 800 g, 6,8 g of fibre and 1,01 g of salt per 100 g.
  • The wholemeal baguette is a separate variety. Don’t assume the nutritional values and allergens for the loaf also apply to the baguette.

Albert Heijn

AH Vloerbrood volkoren heel is a crusty wholemeal loaf with a crust that Albert Heijn describes as crisp.

  • Albert Heijn lists 6,3 g of fibre and 0,65 g of salt per 100 g for this variety.
  • According to the product information, the bread contains sesame and cereals containing gluten.

ALDI

ALDI’s bread range includes Fijn volkoren heel, as well as a separate variety with information about its fibre and salt content.

  • The different varieties give you the opportunity to compare ingredients and nutritional information for yourself.
  • Information given for one variety doesn’t automatically apply to ALDI’s other wholemeal breads.

Dirk

Dirk includes Bakker van der Akker Boeren volkoren heel in its bread range.

  • This whole loaf is an option to consider for everyday sandwiches.
  • For information on ingredients and allergens, check the packaging for this variety.

Lidl

Lidl lists Fijn volkoren as an 800 g loaf that, according to the product page, is only available in store.

  • The stated weight can help you decide whether the quantity suits your needs.
  • Check the current nutritional information and allergens on the packaging in store.

Bread options at Joybuy

These two types of bread are particularly useful if you want to share bread or slice it yourself for a get-together. The words ‘Whole Wheat’ in a product name don’t replace checking the ingredients if you’re specifically looking for bread made entirely from wholemeal flour.

Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P

Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P

A flatbread that you can tear into pieces and serve with dips. The product name states that there are six pieces; check the packaging for this variety for precise ingredient and allergen information.

View at Joybuy
Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g

A round loaf that you can slice yourself after preparing, for sandwiches or sharing. The product name states that it weighs 550 g. Allow time for defrosting, baking and cooling before slicing it; check the ingredients if the bread must be entirely wholemeal.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is all brown bread wholemeal?

No. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour, while brown bread is made from a mixture of wholemeal flour and white flour. So look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the bread you choose.

What should I do with bread left over after a get-together?

Store it according to the instructions for that bread. Albert Heijn and PLUS state that the breads discussed here can be frozen at home on the day of purchase; take out only the amount you need when you want to eat it.

What should I check if I have a bread allergy?

Read the allergen declaration for the specific variety you’ve chosen, even if you’ve bought bread with a similar name before. The breads discussed here may contain different cereals containing gluten and other allergens; for example, Albert Heijn also lists sesame for AH Vloerbrood volkoren heel.