Regular bread buyer comparing quantities
Wants to know how much bread comes in a pack for regular use and avoid leaving a whole loaf uneaten.
Who is this choice for?
Buyer looking for a fine-textured slice with their coffee
Prefers fine-textured bread, or a variety described as soft and light, for a coffee break rather than one with a noticeably coarse texture.
Label-conscious buyer
Checks that bread is labelled wholemeal and compares fibre and salt per 100 g. Allergens and whether iodised baker’s salt is listed may also matter to this buyer.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start by checking that the bread is labelled wholemeal, then choose a quantity that suits your coffee break. After that, compare the texture you prefer and the nutritional information for the specific variety.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and storage | Check the weight and whether it’s a whole or half loaf. Consider whether you can freeze any slices you don’t use. | If I only have a few slices with my coffee, I don’t want the rest of a whole loaf to go stale. Around 42% of consumers prioritise finding a suitable quantity. |
| Fine or soft texture | Look for descriptions such as fine, soft or light, and consider whether the crust and toppings suit the person eating it. | For this coffee break, I’m mainly looking for a pleasant texture, not necessarily a coarse loaf. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this preference. |
| Label and nutritional information | Check that it’s labelled wholemeal, along with fibre and salt per 100 g, allergens and whether iodised baker’s salt is listed. | I want to know exactly which ingredients and nutritional values the variety I choose contains. For around 25% of consumers, checking the label is their top priority. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming all wholemeal bread contains iodised baker’s salt
The wholemeal label tells you nothing about the salt used. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers are not required to use iodised baker’s salt.
Check the ingredients for baker’s salt or iodised salt. If the bread is unwrapped, ask the baker if necessary.
-
Buying a whole loaf without a storage plan
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, opened wholemeal bread usually keeps for 2 to 4 days in a kitchen cupboard. That may not be long enough if you only eat a few slices with your afternoon coffee.
Choose a quantity you’ll use, or freeze individual portions as soon as you get home.
Brands to consider
Size, texture and label information vary between loaves from these brands. So compare the specific variety, not just the brand name.
Albert Heijn
Its online range includes AH Extra lang lekker Zaans volkoren heel.
- Albert Heijn describes this variety as soft and light; the label lists 6,9 g of fibre per 100 g.
- Product information can change. Check the current label on the pack you choose.
Jumbo
Its range includes Jumbo Fijn Volkoren and other wholemeal breads in various sizes.
- For Jumbo Fijn Volkoren, Jumbo lists 7,6 g of fibre and 1,00 g of salt per 100 g.
- Check which pack you choose; the figures for Fijn Volkoren don’t automatically apply to other Jumbo breads.
Lidl
Lists Fijn volkoren as an 800 g loaf, available in store only.
- Knowing the size makes it easier to decide in advance whether a whole loaf suits your needs.
- Check the packaging and availability at your local store.
Aldi
Stocks Boeren tijger volkoren and a separate variety called Extra vezelrijk volkorenbrood.
- The two product names make it clear that these are different varieties.
- Don’t assume the extra-fibre variety’s features apply to Boeren tijger volkoren; check the label on the loaf you choose.
Plus
Its range includes both fine- and coarse-textured wholemeal bread.
- PLUS Grof volkoren heel lists iodised baker’s salt, 6,8 g of fibre and 1,01 g of salt per 100 g.
- If you’re looking for a fine texture to go with your coffee, don’t judge the coarse variety on its nutritional values alone.
Dirk
Its range includes Bakker van der Akker Rond volkoren heel and a separate variety, Boeren Extra vezels volkoren heel.
- There are different wholemeal varieties to compare by size and product description.
- The name Extra vezels applies to a specific variety; check the nutritional information for the loaf you’re buying.
Wholemeal bread to finish baking at home
These loaves are designed to be finished baking at home. They require some preparation, so they’re a different choice from ready-to-eat sliced bread for an impromptu coffee break. Choose between the packs based on how much bread you want to use.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal bread, 2 × 550 g
A good choice if you want to store two loaves and finish baking them at home when you need them.
The pack contains two loaves, each weighing 550 g. Check the baking instructions on the pack before baking.
Check the label on this variety for fibre, salt, allergens and, where applicable, iodised salt.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal bread, 550 g
A good choice if you want to finish baking one loaf at home for a planned coffee break.
This variety contains one 550 g loaf. Follow the instructions on the pack when baking.
Check the label for nutritional information, allergens and the type of salt used.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if bread is wholemeal?
Check whether the bread is labelled wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread with this label is made from 100% wholemeal flour; brown bread isn’t necessarily wholemeal.
Does it matter whether I choose a whole or smaller loaf?
Yes, if you only use a few slices. Check the weight and whether it’s labelled as a whole or half loaf, so you can choose an amount that suits your coffee break and storage plans.
How should I store wholemeal bread if I only eat a few slices a day?
Freeze any slices you won’t use soon in portions as soon as you get home. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says opened wholemeal bread usually keeps for 2 to 4 days in a kitchen cupboard, or 1 to 3 months in the freezer. Throw away any bread that has gone mouldy.
Does all wholemeal bread contain iodised baker’s salt?
No, the wholemeal label doesn’t guarantee this. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers are not required to use iodised baker’s salt. Check the label for baker’s salt or iodised salt, and ask the baker if you’re unsure.
What should I check for allergens?
Read the allergen information for the exact variety of bread you choose. The wholemeal varieties mentioned from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS list wheat or gluten; also check the current label for any other allergens and traces.