Who is this bread guide for?

Hosts preparing lots of sandwiches

You want to make sandwiches or open sandwiches quickly for several guests. Pre-sliced wholemeal bread can save you time, but check the slices themselves if you’re looking for a medium thickness.

Shoppers comparing nutritional information

You’re choosing based on the wholemeal label and comparing the fibre and salt in the breads you’re considering, per 100 g. The colour of the bread alone isn’t enough to go on.

Fans of open sandwiches with a substantial crust

You want the bread’s texture to stand out alongside the topping. Albert Heijn describes its OerDesem volkoren Allinson as a sliced loaf with an open texture and a crisp crust. Check whether those qualities will work with your dish.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide how you want to serve the bread, then compare the nutritional information and choose an amount to suit your guests.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Slice and ease of adding fillings Check whether the bread is pre-sliced and look at the thickness of the slices. Think about whether you’ll use it for spreads or generously topped open sandwiches. I want to make lots of sandwiches without slicing every loaf myself, and I’m looking for slices that suit my toppings. For around 40% of consumers, ease of serving comes first.
Wholemeal content and nutritional value Look for the wholemeal label on the bread. Compare the fibre and salt in the specific products on the same basis, preferably per 100 g. When choosing between several breads, I want to know which ones are wholemeal and how their nutritional information differs. Around 30% of consumers give this comparison top priority.
Quantity and storage Check whether a half or whole loaf will suit the number of guests, and read the storage advice on the packaging. For my dinner, I want enough bread without being left with lots of unused slices. For around 30% of consumers, choosing the right amount is the main consideration.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming dark bread is wholemeal

    The colour or a name such as multigrain doesn’t tell you on its own whether the bread is wholemeal.

    For packaged bread, check the wholemeal label. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says you can ask the baker about unwrapped bread.

  • Assuming sliced bread comes in medium-thick slices

    “Sliced”, “finely sliced”, “half” and “whole” describe different things. The word “sliced” doesn’t confirm that the slices are the right thickness for your fillings.

    Look at the slices in store, or choose a whole loaf if you want to decide on the thickness yourself.

  • Applying one loaf’s nutritional claim to other breads

    ALDI’s comparison of salt and fibre applies to its specific Extra vezelrijk volkorenbrood heel, not to its sliced Fijn Volkoren bread.

    Compare the nutritional information for the exact breads you plan to buy, per 100 g.

  • Buying more bread without a plan for leftovers

    When you’re hosting, it isn’t always easy to work out in advance how many slices you’ll need. Once opened, unused bread needs to be stored properly.

    Choose an amount to suit your guests and, if needed, freeze any leftover slices in portions.

Bread brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers, among other options, AH OerDesem volkoren Allinson heel gesneden, an 800 g loaf.

  • The product information lists the ingredients and iodised salt.
  • “Whole loaf, sliced” doesn’t confirm that the slices are the medium thickness you want; check the packaging for the latest information.

Jumbo

Jumbo is one of the supermarket chains to consider when choosing bread.

  • For the bread you’re considering, compare the wholemeal label, slice and nutritional information on the packaging.

Lidl

Lidl describes packaged loaves with a fibre meter, and also offers a kids’ wholemeal loaf made with finely milled wholemeal flour.

  • The fibre meter helps you find fibre information on the packaging.
  • Check the specific loaf for the slice and nutritional value you’re looking for.

ALDI

ALDI offers a sliced Fijn Volkoren loaf and, as a separate product, Extra vezelrijk volkorenbrood heel.

  • The Fijn Volkoren loaf is sold pre-sliced.
  • ALDI’s comparative fibre and salt claims apply to Extra vezelrijk volkorenbrood heel; don’t apply them to the sliced loaf.

PLUS

PLUS offers Rond fijn volkoren, among other options, as both a half and a whole loaf.

  • The choice of a half or whole loaf can help you plan how much to buy.
  • Check the slice and packaging information for the loaf you choose.

Dirk

Dirk lists wholemeal breads from Bakker van der Akker in half and whole loaves.

  • The choice between a half and whole loaf can help you decide how much to buy.
  • A whole loaf with extra fibre doesn’t tell you anything about the slice or nutritional value of a different variety.

Joybuy products

Related products will appear soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I recognise wholemeal bread?

For packaged bread, check whether the label says wholemeal. For unwrapped bread, you can ask the baker, according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Don’t rely solely on a dark colour or the word “multigrain”.

How can I tell whether a sliced loaf will suit my fillings?

Look at the slices themselves and think about whether you’ll be serving sandwiches or open sandwiches. If you want a medium-thick slice, check the thickness of the specific loaf rather than relying on the word “sliced”.

Which allergens should I check if I’m serving guests?

Read the latest ingredients and allergen information for the exact bread and its toppings. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists allergens such as cereals containing gluten, eggs, milk, sesame, soya and nuts, which may be relevant depending on the products used.

How can I check whether bread contains iodised salt?

Check the ingredients list for the bread you’re buying. For example, Albert Heijn lists iodised salt for AH OerDesem volkoren Allinson; don’t assume the same applies to every wholemeal loaf.

What should I do with leftover wholemeal bread?

Freeze any leftover slices in portions if you’re not going to use them soon. For opened wholemeal bread, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping it for 2–4 days in a kitchen cupboard or 1–3 months in the freezer. Follow the instructions on the packaging too.