For your buffet, first choose bread labelled as wholemeal, then decide which texture and shape will suit your guests. Fine-textured bread can be used as a base for sandwiches; add a coarser option if you’d like to offer that texture too. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g, check the allergens in both the bread and fillings, and choose whole or half loaves to suit your buffet plans.
Wants to choose wholemeal bread based on the product description and nutritional information, not just its colour. The Dutch Nutrition Centre provides nutritional values for wholemeal bread, but you’ll need to check the packaging to compare specific options.
Wants to let guests choose between a fine-textured slice and bread with a coarser texture, without opening more whole loaves than the buffet requires.
Needs to check the allergens listed for each individual bread and filling when offering several varieties of each.
First, make sure the bread is genuinely wholemeal. Then choose the texture and quantity for your buffet, and check the ingredients and allergens for each product.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check that the bread is labelled wholemeal and compare fibre content on the same basis, preferably per 100 g. | If I want to offer wholemeal bread at the buffet, I want to compare the fibre content of specific options rather than judge by a dark colour. Around 40% of consumers give this consideration priority. |
| Texture and loaf shape | Check whether the bread is fine- or coarse-textured, and whether a whole or half loaf will suit the expected number of guests. | When tastes vary, I want to offer a selection guests can choose from without opening more whole loaves than necessary. Around 30% of consumers put this consideration first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the current information for each bread and filling separately. | If guests need to take food allergens into account, I want to know which ingredients and warnings apply to each product on offer. This is the main concern for around 30% of consumers. |
Appearance and words such as ‘artisan’ don’t tell you by themselves whether you’re choosing the wholemeal option you’re looking for.
Check the full product name, ingredients and nutritional information, and compare nutritional values per 100 g.
Ingredients and allergen warnings can vary between types of bread and fillings.
Make a list for each bread, spread and other filling using the latest label or supplier information.
Rules about iodine in bakers’ salt don’t tell you how much iodine an individual loaf contains.
If you have a question about a specific option, check the latest ingredient information and ask the seller for more product details if needed.
A wide selection won’t necessarily suit the number of guests or their preferences.
Choose whole and half loaves to suit your buffet plans. Put out a limited selection to start with, and store unopened spare packs according to the label.
Albert Heijn’s online range includes several types of wholemeal bread, including whole and half loaves.
Jumbo’s online range includes fine- and coarse-textured wholemeal bread, as well as whole and half loaves.
Lidl lists an 800 g fine-textured wholemeal loaf as an in-store product.
These products offer a choice between flatbreads to serve with dips and round loaves to slice for sandwiches. Allow time to prepare the round loaves at your buffet venue. For all options, check the latest packaging if ingredients or allergens are important to your guests.
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This flatbread is a good fit for a buffet where guests can help themselves to bread with dips, but it isn’t shaped like a typical sandwich loaf.
The product name states 6 P. Check the packaging for the ingredients, allergens and quantity per flatbread.
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The round loaf shape is a good option if you want to slice the bread for sandwiches at the buffet.
The product name states that the pack contains two 550 g loaves. Allow time to defrost, bake and cool them. Check the packaging for preparation instructions, nutritional information and allergens.
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This round loaf is a good fit for a buffet where you want to bake and slice a single loaf.
The product name states 550 g. Allow time to defrost, bake and cool the loaf, and follow the preparation instructions on the packaging. Check the nutritional information and allergens there too.
Check that the packaging or product specification for the specific bread describes it as wholemeal. Then compare the nutritional information per 100 g. A dark colour or a word such as ‘artisan’ isn’t a substitute for checking.
No. Check the latest allergen information for each type of bread and each filling separately. ‘Wholemeal’ doesn’t tell you whether a product is suitable for someone with a specific allergy. The Dutch Nutrition Centre stresses that allergens must be clearly listed in product information.
No. Rules on iodine in bakers’ salt don’t mean that every individual loaf contains iodine or provides the same amount. Check the ingredient information for your chosen option if this matters to a guest.
Compare the right type and size of loaf, and check the available ingredient, allergen and nutritional information. Check the packaging again when your order arrives. If the bread needs baking, allow plenty of preparation time at the venue.
