If you’re buying bread for several guests
You want enough bread for sandwiches, toast or a sharing board, without having lots left over. The weight and the amount you serve matter more than simply counting the loaves.
Who are these options for?
If you’re serving bread with other dishes
You’re looking for bread to go with dips, spreads, mezze or generous toppings. Whether fine, tiger or hearth-baked bread is right depends on the role you want it to play on the table.
If you read labels carefully
You want to check the wholemeal label and compare nutritional information per 100 g. If allergens matter to your guests, check the current ingredients list and allergen information too.
What should you look for when choosing?
Decide what role the bread will play on the table and how much you’ll need. Then check the label for each type of bread.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Amount of bread | Check the loaf’s weight and decide how much you want to serve your guests. | If I’m making sandwiches for a larger group, I want enough bread without lots left over. Around 33% of consumers put the amount they need first. |
| Wholemeal labelling and ingredients | Look for the word ‘wholemeal’, compare fibre and salt per 100 g, and read the allergen information. | When ingredients matter to my guests, I want to know what bread I’m serving. Label information comes first for around 27% of consumers. |
| Bread to go with the dish | Choose a type of bread that works for sandwiches, toast or a sharing board with dips and toppings. | I’m serving bread alongside dips and toppings, so I want the type I choose to suit the presentation. That’s the main consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
| Storing leftover bread | Decide whether you can freeze any leftover bread in portions straight away. | If there’s bread left over, I want to be able to use it after the evening too. Around 20% of consumers give avoiding waste their highest priority. |
Common mistakes
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Counting loaves without checking their size
Loaves can vary in weight. It also makes a difference whether you’re serving them as a main part of the meal or alongside other dishes.
Work out how much bread you want to serve, then freeze any portions you won’t use straight away.
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Assuming dark bread is wholemeal
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour. A brown colour or the label ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you the same thing.
Look specifically for ‘wholemeal’ in the product description and check the ingredients list if you’re unsure.
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Assuming every loaf contains iodised salt
The type of salt used can vary from one loaf to another. You can’t tell which type it is from the kind of bread or where you buy it.
If the type of salt matters to you, read the ingredients list for the loaf you’re buying.
Brands to consider
ALDI
ALDI offers options including fine wholemeal bread and country-style tiger wholemeal bread.
- There’s also a product labelled Extra High Fibre Wholemeal Bread.
- Check the information for each variant: these descriptions don’t apply to every loaf in the range.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers a range of own-brand wholemeal breads to explore, including fine, coarse and tiger varieties.
- The different varieties give you options for choosing a loaf to suit your serving plan.
- Check the weight and latest product information for the variant you choose.
PLUS
PLUS provides a full ingredients list and nutritional information for its wholemeal tiger loaf.
- The product information helps you compare fibre and salt per 100 g.
- The variant reviewed contains wheat and barley; check the current packaging for allergen information.
Dirk
Dirk lists both Bakker van der Akker wholemeal country loaf and wholemeal hearth-baked loaf.
- This gives you the option of comparing a standard whole loaf with a hearth-baked loaf at Dirk.
- Check the product description and ingredients for the variant you choose.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s bread range includes options such as tiger wholemeal bread.
- You can check the nutritional information for individual loaves before choosing.
- Check the current range; an older product page doesn’t confirm that a loaf is still available.
Lidl
Lidl lists Fine Wholemeal, 800 g, as an item available in store only.
- The listed weight helps you work out how much bread you’ll need.
- Check the current packaging in store for ingredients and nutritional information.
Wholemeal bread on Joybuy
This Joybuy pick is Lebanese wholemeal wheat flatbread, ideal for serving with dips. Work out how much you’ll need based on the number of guests.
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Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P
A good choice if you want to serve wholemeal wheat flatbread with dips. If you’re catering for guests with dietary requirements, check the current packaging for allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if bread is wholemeal?
Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging or in the product description. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour; a dark colour alone is no substitute.
How do I compare the nutritional information for two loaves?
Compare the same nutrients per 100 g, such as fibre and salt. This gives you the same basis for both loaves, even if the portion sizes differ.
What should I do with bread left over after the evening?
Divide any bread you won’t use straight away into portions and freeze them as soon as possible. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s storage guide, wholemeal bread will generally keep for 2–4 days in a kitchen cupboard and 1–3 months in the freezer.
How can I tell if bread contains iodised salt?
Check the ingredients list for the specific loaf. Don’t assume every loaf contains the same type of salt based on the type of bread or the shop you buy it from.
Is standard wholemeal wheat bread gluten-free?
No, standard wholemeal wheat bread contains wheat. For a gluten-free option, look for a product specifically labelled ‘gluten-free’ and check the current ingredients list and allergen information.