If you have a sweet breakfast every day
You’re looking for a wholemeal base for your usual slice of bread and want to take your sweet topping into account as part of your daily diet.
Who is this choice for?
If you prefer a medium-sliced loaf
You want a slice that’s easy to handle with your chosen topping. Check how the bread is sliced, as a description of the slice doesn’t tell you how sturdy it’ll be to use.
If you have a small household and want to use up your bread
You only use a few slices at breakfast and want to avoid the rest of the loaf going stale before you get round to eating it.
What should you look for when buying?
Start by checking how the bread is labelled, then assess the slice and choose a quantity that suits how much you eat. The way bread is sliced alone says nothing about its nutritional value: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 2.3 g of fibre per 35 g slice of finely milled wholemeal bread, not as a fixed value for every medium-sliced loaf.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Bread and topping | Check that the bread is labelled wholemeal, and compare the ingredients and nutritional information for the topping. | If I eat a sweet slice of bread every morning, I want to choose both the bread and the topping carefully. Around 37% of consumers make this their priority. |
| Slicing | Check whether the bread is labelled medium-sliced and, if possible, see whether the slice suits your topping. | When I want to spread a topping on my bread, what matters most is that the slice is easy to handle. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this convenience. |
| Quantity and storage | Check whether a half loaf is available, or whether you can freeze a whole loaf in portions. | If I only use a few slices at a time, I want to be able to store the rest before the bread goes stale. This is the main consideration for around 27% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming medium-sliced bread makes a nutritional claim
The way the bread is sliced helps you decide how you’ll use it, but it doesn’t tell you how much fibre the bread contains or what ingredients it includes.
Compare the product name, ingredients and nutritional information on the packaging. Use the slicing description to check whether the slice suits your preference.
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Overlooking the sweet topping
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, both sweet and savoury sandwich fillings can contain a lot of sugar, salt or saturated fat. So choosing wholemeal bread doesn’t tell you everything about the whole breakfast.
Check the ingredients and nutritional information of toppings you use often, and choose an amount that suits your breakfast.
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Buying a whole loaf without a storage plan
If you only use a few slices, you could end up with bread that’s no longer pleasant to eat.
If possible, choose a half loaf or freeze a whole loaf in portions before it goes stale. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s Storage Guide recommends keeping opened wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2–4 days, or in the freezer for 1–3 months.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers several types of wholemeal bread in its range.
- You can compare different wholemeal options side by side.
- Check the slicing, ingredients and allergens for your chosen loaf separately.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers, among other options, finely milled wholemeal bread and a half-loaf version.
- A half loaf is worth considering if you only use a few slices at a time.
- A product name doesn’t confirm that the bread is medium-sliced, so check the packaging of the one you choose.
PLUS
PLUS offers finely milled wholemeal bread in both whole and half-loaf sizes.
- You can choose a pack size to suit the number of slices you use.
- Check the slicing and nutritional information for each option rather than assuming they’re the same as another loaf.
Bread for sweet toppings on Joybuy
This round loaf is an option to pair with your choice of sweet topping. Check the packaging to make sure the bread’s labelling and slicing suit what you’re looking for at breakfast.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
A round loaf for anyone who likes to choose their own sweet topping and wants to check the slicing before buying.
The product name gives a weight of 550 g. Check the wholemeal labelling, slicing and ingredients on the current packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Is wholemeal bread suitable for a sweet breakfast?
Yes, you can choose wholemeal bread as the base for a sweet breakfast. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is high in fibre, vitamins and minerals. Also consider which topping you use, as sweet toppings can contain a lot of sugar, salt or saturated fat.
How long can I keep opened wholemeal bread?
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s Storage Guide recommends keeping opened wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2–4 days, or in the freezer for 1–3 months. If you won’t finish a loaf quickly, you can freeze it in portions. Follow the storage instructions on the packaging too.
Should I check the allergens in wholemeal bread?
Yes. If certain ingredients matter to you, check the allergen information for the bread you choose. For packaged bread, check the label; for unpackaged bread, ask for product-specific information.
Does all Dutch bread contain iodine?
No, don’t assume this is the case for every loaf. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority describes the use of iodine-containing baker’s salt, but that doesn’t confirm the iodine content of any particular loaf. Check the latest product information or ask the manufacturer for details if this is important to your choice.