For a late-night snack, first choose bread labelled ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging, then check that the slices are the thickness you want. A brown colour or the word ‘fine’ does not confirm either. If you only eat bread occasionally, a half loaf or freezing portions as soon as you buy it may suit your needs better.
If you don’t want to slice bread yourself late at night, pre-sliced bread is handy. If you’re specifically looking for medium-sliced bread, check the packaging: ‘fine’ or simply ‘sliced’ doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are.
If you only eat a few slices at a time, a half loaf may be a better fit. You can also freeze portions as soon as you buy them, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
Don’t judge by the colour of the bread alone. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from the whole grain, and packaged wholemeal bread must be labelled as such.
First, check that the bread is labelled ‘wholemeal’. Then consider how much bread you get through and whether the stated slicing style suits the slices you want to top.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Identifying wholemeal bread | Look for ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging; don’t judge the bread by its colour alone. | If I specifically want wholemeal bread, I want to be able to tell what I’m buying. For around 42% of consumers, this product label is the most important factor. |
| Quantity and storage | Compare a whole loaf with a half loaf, and consider whether you can freeze portions as soon as you buy them. | If I only have a late-night snack now and then, I don’t want to be left with lots of uneaten bread. Around 33% of consumers prioritise finding a suitable quantity. |
| Slicing style and availability | Check the slicing style on the current packaging and see whether the product is available through your chosen shopping option. | For a quick snack, I want a slice I don’t have to cut myself and can buy in the way I usually shop. This is the main priority for around 25% of consumers. |
The colour or the word ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you on its own whether bread is wholemeal.
For packaged bread, look for ‘wholemeal’ on the label. Only then compare the size and slicing style.
Supermarkets use terms such as fine, coarse and sliced. These don’t automatically confirm that the slices are medium thickness.
Check the current packaging or ask in store about the slicing style of the specific loaf.
If you only get through a few slices, you may have bread left over before you finish it.
Consider buying a half loaf or freezing portions as soon as you buy them. That way, you can take out just what you need each time.
Its range of wholemeal bread includes different sizes and varieties.
Its online range includes Fijn Volkoren and Fijn Volkoren Half.
Its 800 g Fijn volkoren product is listed as available in store only.
ALDI describes Fijn Volkoren as sliced bread.
Its wholemeal bread category lets you order online or choose collection.
Its bread category includes wholemeal bread in both half and whole loaves.
This rye bread is one option to consider if you’re looking for bread for a late-night snack. If you specifically want medium-sliced wholemeal bread, check that the packaging says ‘wholemeal’ and confirms the slicing style before buying.
No image available
If you’re considering rye bread for a late-night snack, check whether this variety meets your requirements for wholemeal bread and slicing style.
Pack: 9 pieces.
For packaged bread, check whether the label says ‘wholemeal’. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from the whole grain; a brown colour alone doesn’t confirm that bread is wholemeal.
If you don’t get through much bread, freeze it in portions as soon as you buy it. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping opened wholemeal bread for 2–4 days in a kitchen cupboard or 1–3 months in the freezer; freezing it for longer may affect its quality.
It depends on the supermarket and the product you choose. Jumbo and PLUS offer online ordering or collection for wholemeal bread, while Lidl lists its Fijn volkoren product as available in store only. Check current availability before placing your order or visiting a store.
