Who is this relevant to?

Snack makers who like plenty of topping

Would you like to cut a thicker slice yourself for hummus, egg or a double sandwich, for example? An explicitly unsliced loaf lets you choose how thick to make each slice.

People who only need a little bread

If bread is just an addition to your shopping, check that the amount suits what you’ll use or can freeze.

People who read labels carefully

Want to check the ingredients, allergens, nutritional information or use of bakers’ salt? The words ‘coarse’ and ‘firm’ won’t tell you that.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide whether cutting thick slices yourself is essential. Then check the label and choose an amount that suits your storage plans.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Choosing the slice thickness yourself Look for the explicit description ‘unsliced’ or ask how the bread is sold. ‘Whole’ on its own doesn’t confirm how it is sliced. If I’m adding plenty of topping, I want to choose the slice thickness myself, even if cutting it at home takes extra effort. Around 46% of consumers prioritise control over slice thickness.
Ingredients and labelling Read the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information. Check the salt information if bakers’ salt matters to your choice. If I need to watch the ingredients or allergens, checking the label comes before the loaf’s firm appearance. For around 27% of consumers, the label is their main concern when buying.
Choosing the right amount See whether a smaller loaf is suitable, or plan to freeze any portions you won’t use. If I only need bread for a few snacks, I don’t want to be left with a whole loaf. Around 27% of consumers prioritise choosing an amount that suits them.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘whole’ or ‘firm’ means ‘unsliced’

    Those words don’t confirm that you can choose the slice thickness yourself at home.

    Look for ‘unsliced’ in the product description or ask in store how the bread is sliced.

  • Assuming every loaf is made with bakers’ salt

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using bakers’ salt when baking bread is not compulsory.

    If it matters to your choice, check whether bakers’ salt or iodised salt is listed among the ingredients.

  • Buying a whole loaf without a plan for storing it

    Being able to cut thick slices yourself is less practical if you only want to make a few snacks and won’t use the rest.

    Choose a suitable amount if one is available, or freeze any portions you won’t use.

  • Skipping the allergen information because the bread is wholemeal

    Ingredients and allergens vary from one loaf to another. The word ‘wholemeal’ tells you nothing about the other ingredients it contains.

    Check the up-to-date allergen information for the loaf you’re choosing before you buy it.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn / Liefde & Passie

Albert Heijn offers Liefde & Passie Volkoren ongesneden (unsliced wholemeal): a specific option if you want to choose the slice thickness yourself.

  • The product name explicitly says that the bread is unsliced.
  • Check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens, and ask your store about availability.

Jumbo

Jumbo Stevig Volkoren Zonnepit is worth considering if you’re looking for wholemeal bread with sunflower seeds.

  • Jumbo lists wholemeal wheat flour and sunflower seeds for this product.
  • The product name doesn’t confirm that the bread is unsliced, so check how it is sliced and read the allergen information.

PLUS

PLUS Grof volkoren heel is a wholemeal bread made with ingredients including wholemeal wheat flour and cracked wheat.

  • The ingredients are useful to check if you’re specifically looking for wholemeal bread.
  • ‘Whole’ doesn’t confirm that the bread is unsliced. Check the allergen information too.

Dirk / Bakker van der Akker

Dirk describes Bakker van der Akker Boeren donker volkoren heel as a firm loaf.

  • It may be worth considering if you’re looking for a whole wholemeal loaf at Dirk.
  • Ask how it is sliced and read the current ingredients before choosing it for thick slices.

ALDI

ALDI sells a product called Extra vezelrijk volkorenbrood heel.

  • The product name makes it easy to identify the wholemeal variety to look for in the range.
  • The name and nutritional claims don’t tell you how the bread is sliced, so check that separately.

Wholemeal bread on Joybuy

These round wholemeal loaves are for anyone who wants to slice the bread themselves after preparing it. Choose between one loaf and a pack of two, depending on how much you need and how much preparation you’re happy to do.

Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g

For anyone who wants to buy one loaf and choose the slice thickness themselves after preparing it. The bread needs to defrost, be baked and cool down before you slice it.

Check the current packaging for allergens and the type of salt used, if that matters to your choice.

View on Joybuy
Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g × 2

Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g × 2

For anyone who can use or store two 550 g loaves and wants to slice them themselves after preparing them. Allow time for defrosting, baking and cooling before slicing.

Check that the amount suits your storage plans and read the current allergen information; the product information lists sesame among the ingredients.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell whether I can cut thick slices myself?

Choose bread explicitly sold as ‘unsliced’. If it’s described only as ‘whole’, ‘coarse’ or ‘firm’, check the product description or ask in store how it is sliced.

Is wholemeal bread in the Netherlands always made with bakers’ salt?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using bakers’ salt when baking is not compulsory. Check the label to see which salt was used in the bread.

Where can I find the allergens in wholemeal bread?

Before buying, check the ingredients list and allergen information for the specific loaf. Products can contain different grains and other ingredients. For unpackaged bread, the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information must be available before purchase.

What should I do with bread I won’t use straight away?

Freeze any portions you won’t use if you’re not going to eat the bread within a few days. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing wholemeal bread for 2 to 4 days in a kitchen cupboard and for 1 to 3 months in the freezer.