Looking for a substantial slice for sweet toppings? Compare coarse or rustic bread with finely milled wholemeal bread, but check the actual slice thickness: a bread’s name doesn’t guarantee thick slices. Also look for the ‘wholemeal’ label on the packaging. If you don’t eat much bread, a half loaf or freezing it in portions may suit your needs better.
You want to spread jam, fruit spread or nut butter on a slice with the thickness and bite you enjoy. So compare the actual slices of coarse, fine and rustic bread, rather than relying on the names alone.
You want to buy wholemeal bread without relying on its dark colour or a multigrain name. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made using the entire grain; check the label on the bread you choose.
You may not get through a whole loaf quickly. A half loaf or freezing slices in portions could better suit the number of breakfasts you have planned.
First compare the actual slice and the wholemeal label. Then choose a loaf size that suits how quickly you’ll eat it.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Slice firmness | Check the actual slice thickness and whether the bread is pre-sliced or can be sliced to your preferred thickness. | For sweet toppings, I want a slice that won’t get squashed easily; the word ‘coarse’ alone doesn’t tell me that. For around 42% of consumers, this ability to hold its shape is the top priority. |
| Wholemeal label | Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label on the current packaging; don’t rely on colour or a multigrain name alone. | A dark loaf doesn’t tell me whether it’s wholemeal; I want to see that on the packaging. For around 33% of consumers, checking this comes first. |
| Loaf size and storage | Compare a whole loaf with a half loaf, and check the storage instructions if you plan to freeze slices. | If I only eat bread on a few mornings, I don’t want a large amount left over that I can’t use in time. For around 25% of consumers, managing portions matters most. |
The colour or the name ‘Waldkorn’ doesn’t confirm that a loaf is wholemeal. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre links wholemeal bread to the use of the entire grain, while Albert Heijn describes Waldkorn as a brand name.
Look for an explicit wholemeal label and check the current ingredient information if the loaf’s ingredients matter to your choice.
These words can help you find a style of bread, but they don’t tell you how thick the slices of a particular loaf are.
Check the slices in the packaging, or ask whether you can choose the thickness if the loaf is unsliced.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread can be kept in a kitchen cupboard for 2–4 days and in the freezer for 1–3 months. The storage instructions for the specific loaf still matter.
If you don’t eat much bread, choose a suitable loaf size or freeze slices in portions.
The ‘wholemeal’ label describes the bread, not the ingredients in jam, chocolate sprinkles or other toppings. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that toppings can sometimes contain a lot of sugar, salt or saturated fat.
When choosing a topping, compare the ingredients and nutritional information on the packaging, for example per 100 g or per portion.
The online range includes several types of wholemeal bread, including round loaves, tin-free loaves and Zaans wholemeal bread.
The online wholemeal bread range includes finely milled and coarse wholemeal bread.
The online range includes farmhouse wholemeal bread, round finely milled wholemeal bread and wholemeal tiger bread.
The online bread range includes a whole tin-free loaf and a whole Bakker van der Akker farmhouse wholemeal loaf.
This round loaf could be a good choice if you want to decide the slice thickness yourself after preparing it. Before buying, check the wholemeal label on the current packaging and make sure you’re happy to prepare it before slicing.
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For anyone who wants to choose their own slice thickness after preparing the loaf. It weighs 550 g and needs to be defrosted, baked and cooled before slicing.
The name includes ‘Whole Wheat’; check the current packaging to make sure the label and ingredients match the wholemeal bread you’re looking for. Also decide for yourself whether the slices are firm enough for your toppings.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal refers to the use of the entire grain, not the colour of the bread. Albert Heijn describes Waldkorn as a brand name, so look for the wholemeal label on the packaging of the specific loaf.
No. If you want a substantial slice, you can compare coarse or rustic bread with finely milled wholemeal bread, but check the actual slices to see if they’re the thickness you want. Choose a finer texture if you prefer it, and check that the bread is wholemeal too.
A half loaf or freezing it in portions may suit you better if you don’t eat much bread. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2–4 days or in the freezer for 1–3 months. Also follow the storage instructions for the specific loaf.
Check the ingredient information on the current packaging for that loaf. Don’t assume that iodised baker’s salt has been used just because the bread is labelled ‘wholemeal’.
No. The wholemeal label applies to the bread. To compare toppings, check their ingredients and nutritional information separately; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre notes that toppings can vary in composition.
