Students planning how much bread they’ll use
A whole loaf is only practical if you’ll use it up or can freeze it in portions. If you don’t eat much bread, you could also consider a half loaf.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Shoppers keeping an eye on fibre
The wholemeal label and fibre per 100 g are more useful guides than the colour or coarse appearance of a loaf. The nutrition table makes it easier to compare specific products.
Shoppers who need to check allergens
Read the ingredients and allergen information for the bread you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that information about allergens present must also be available at the point of sale for unpackaged bread.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the wholemeal label, then let your main priority guide which size and product information you compare.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fits a student budget | Compare the weight of whole and half loaves, and work out how much you’ll actually eat. | I want to buy bread for my evening meal without being left with an unusable amount. Around 34% of shoppers put this budget consideration first. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the wholemeal label and compare fibre per 100 g on the nutrition table. | If fibre is my main priority, I don’t want to judge by a dark crust alone. Around 33% of shoppers put this choice first. |
| Using up the bread | Choose a suitable size or freeze the bread in portions; follow the product’s storage instructions. | I don’t eat bread every day and want to avoid some of it going stale before I can use it. This is the main consideration for around 20% of shoppers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the latest label or ask for allergen information before buying unpackaged bread. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I first need to know whether this particular bread is suitable. Around 13% of shoppers prioritise this check. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming dark or multigrain bread is wholemeal
A dark colour doesn’t tell you whether bread is wholemeal. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that multigrain refers to bread made with several types of grain, not necessarily whole grains.
Look for the wholemeal label, then compare fibre per 100 g.
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Choosing a whole loaf without considering how much you’ll use
If you live alone or eat bread irregularly, you may end up with some left over.
Choose a whole or half loaf based on how much you’ll use, or freeze a whole loaf in portions as soon as you buy it.
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Confusing wholemeal with gluten-free
The wholemeal label doesn’t mean the bread is free from gluten or other allergens.
Check the latest packaging. If the bread is unpackaged, ask for allergen information before choosing it.
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Assuming every loaf contains iodised baker’s salt
The type of salt used can vary from loaf to loaf. According to the Dutch Bakery Centre, using iodine-enriched baker’s salt is not a legal requirement.
Check the ingredients list if the type of salt used is important to your choice.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
The online range includes various wholemeal breads, including whole and half loaves.
- A half loaf may suit you if you don’t eat much bread.
- Check the packaging for your chosen variety; ingredients and nutritional values can vary.
Jumbo
The wholemeal bread range includes fine, coarse and half-loaf varieties.
- The different varieties offer a range of sizes and textures to compare.
- For fibre and ingredients, refer to the information for the specific loaf.
Lidl
Fine wholemeal bread is listed as an 800 g loaf available in store.
- The stated weight helps you work out whether you’ll use the whole loaf.
- Check the label on the loaf you pick up in store.
ALDI
The range includes fine wholemeal bread and a separate extra-high-fibre variety.
- These separate varieties make it easier to compare their nutritional information.
- ALDI says its extra-high-fibre variety contains more fibre than standard wholemeal bread; check the latest nutrition tables for both products.
PLUS
Nutrition values per 100 g are listed for Boeren volkoren heel and Volkoren tijger heel, among other products.
- PLUS lists 6,7 g and 6,4 g of fibre per 100 g respectively for these two loaves.
- Always refer to the latest packaging for ingredients and allergen information for your chosen variety.
Dirk
The range includes whole wholemeal loaves from Bakker van der Akker.
- A whole loaf could suit you if you’ll use it up as part of your usual routine.
- Check the weight and product information for the variety you choose.
Bread options on Joybuy
These products come in different styles and pack sizes for a bread-based meal. Flatbread, rye bread and bread you bake at home are used in different ways, so first choose the style and quantity that suit your meal.
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Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, 6 pieces
An option if you’re looking for flatbread with your meal rather than a standard whole loaf.
If you have allergies, check the latest ingredients information and see the packaging for instructions on storing the bread after opening.
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Bolletje Rye Bread Bun, 500 g
A rye bread option if you’re considering a different type of bread with your meal.
The product information describes its shape in different ways. Check the packaging to confirm exactly what you’re buying, along with the ingredients and allergen information.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
A round loaf for anyone who wants to bake one loaf for their meal.
Allow time for defrosting and baking. Only compare fibre using a nutrition table that clearly states the basis of measurement.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 2 × 550 g
This pack of two loaves is a good fit if you can store and use the larger quantity.
The loaves need defrosting and baking. For a fibre comparison, check the nutrition table and make sure the basis of measurement is clear.
Frequently asked questions
Is dark or multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. Look for the wholemeal label on the product. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means bread contains several types of grain; it doesn’t automatically make it wholemeal.
How should I store wholemeal bread if I don’t eat bread every day?
Ideally, freeze the bread in portions and defrost what you need. For opened wholemeal bread, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing it for 2–4 days in a kitchen cupboard or 1–3 months in the freezer. Also follow the instructions on the packaging.
Where can I find allergen information for unpackaged bread?
Ask at the point of sale before you buy. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that sellers must make information about allergens present available for unpackaged foods.
Can I assume wholemeal bread contains iodised baker’s salt?
No. Check the ingredients for the specific loaf if the type of salt used matters to you. According to the Dutch Bakery Centre, using iodine-enriched baker’s salt is not a legal requirement.