Lunch-makers who like generous toppings
You want to cut the slices as thick as you like. So check that the loaf you choose is unsliced, rather than relying on the word ‘whole’ alone.
Who is this choice important for?
Shoppers who check nutritional information
You choose wholemeal bread with care and compare the nutritional information on the label. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholegrain products contain more fibre and other nutrients than white-grain products.
Easter shoppers who plan ahead
You buy the bread before lunch and want to know how to store it. 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.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to choose the slice thickness yourself. Then compare the label and plan when to buy and store the bread around your Easter lunch date.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Slice thickness and firmness | Check whether the loaf is unsliced or can be cut to your preferred thickness. Look at the slices if you want to see whether they’ll work with your toppings. | When I’m adding generous toppings, I want to decide how thick the slices should be. That’s the top priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Wholemeal bread and nutritional information | Check for the ‘wholemeal’ description and compare the nutritional information per 100 g or per portion on the label. | If the make-up of my lunch is my main concern, I want to know which bread I’m choosing and how large my portion is. That’s the key consideration for around 30% of consumers. |
| Buying and storage | Check your local shop’s opening hours and follow the storage advice for the bread you choose. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against storing bread in the fridge, as it dries out there. | When I shop before Easter, I want the bread to still be good to eat on lunch day. For around 30% of consumers, planning ahead is the top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘whole’ means ‘unsliced’
The product name alone doesn’t always tell you how the bread will arrive. You may end up with less scope to cut thick slices yourself than you expected.
Check the product page, packaging or bakery counter to see whether the loaf is unsliced or can be cut to your preferred thickness.
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Leaving your Easter shopping until the last minute
Opening hours can vary by shop around Easter. Waiting until lunch day means your purchase depends on the shop you plan to visit.
Check your local shop’s latest opening hours and decide in advance whether to buy the bread earlier and freeze it.
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Storing bread in the fridge for Easter lunch
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread dries out in the fridge.
Follow the storage advice for your bread and freeze it if you’re buying well in advance.
Brands to start with
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn has a product page for AH Volkoren heel. Check the latest product information to see whether this bread is right for your Easter lunch.
- The individual product page gives you a specific loaf to look at.
- Check how it’s sliced and read the latest label: Albert Heijn notes that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information may change.
Jumbo
Jumbo is another shop where you can compare wholemeal bread for your Easter lunch.
- Check the shop’s current grocery range.
- Check how each loaf is sliced and your local shop’s opening hours around Easter.
Lidl
Lidl is another shop to consider when planning your Easter lunch.
- Compare the loaves available when you shop.
- Check whether each product is wholemeal and unsliced, and check your local shop’s opening hours.
Wholemeal loaves to slice yourself
These round wholemeal loaves are for anyone who wants to choose the slice thickness after preparing them. For Easter lunch, remember to allow time for defrosting, baking and cooling.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 2 × 550 g
A good choice for lunch if you want to slice several round loaves yourself. Allow time for defrosting, baking in a fan oven and cooling before serving. Check the preparation instructions and the latest label.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
A good choice if you want to prepare one round loaf and slice it yourself. Allow time for defrosting, baking in a fan oven and cooling. Check the latest packaging for preparation instructions and ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose wholemeal bread I can cut thickly?
Choose a loaf that is actually supplied unsliced if you want to decide the thickness yourself. Check how it’s sliced before buying: ‘whole’ in a product name doesn’t tell you on its own how the bread will be supplied.
What should I look for in the nutritional information for thick slices?
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and bear in mind the size of your own slice. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 3,4 g of fibre for a 50 g slice of wholemeal bread cut by hand; that portion won’t automatically match every slice you cut.
How should I store wholemeal bread if I’m shopping before Easter?
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s Storage Guide, you can keep opened wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2–4 days or in the freezer for 1–3 months. It’s best not to store bread in the fridge, where it dries out according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
Does the ‘wholemeal’ description guarantee a certain amount of iodine?
No. You can’t tell how much iodine is in a particular loaf just from the word ‘wholemeal’. The Dutch Government describes bread with added iodine; check the latest ingredients and nutritional information for the loaf you choose.
Can I buy the bread on Easter Sunday?
That depends on the opening hours of the shop you plan to visit. Check the latest information from your local shop shortly before your Easter lunch, or buy the bread earlier and store it as directed.