If you want to choose the thickness of the slices for generously topped snacks, start with a whole loaf of wholemeal bread that you can slice yourself. Words such as ‘coarse’ and ‘hearty’ don’t tell you the actual slice thickness or how well the bread will hold up under your toppings. So, check the loaf before you buy and compare the ingredients and nutritional information on the packaging.
For open sandwiches or topped bites, you want a slice that’s big and thick enough to hold what you put on it. A whole loaf lets you choose the thickness yourself. Check how easy it is to slice, and try your planned topping on one slice first.
You want to know what goes into your snack base, regardless of its colour or name. Compare the ingredients and the stated amounts of fibre and salt per 100 g on the packaging of the loaves you’re considering.
If allergens or the type of salt used matter to someone at your table, check the current packaging of the loaf you choose. Check the ingredients and allergen information before serving the bread to your group.
First decide whether you want to slice thick pieces yourself or would rather serve pre-sliced bread. Then compare the nutritional information and check the ingredients of the loaf you actually choose.
| What to look for | What to check when buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Slice thickness and toppings | Look at an actual slice or check whether you can slice a whole loaf yourself. If you’re unsure, try your planned topping on one slice. | When I’m serving generous or juicy toppings, I want to choose how thick the base is. For around 42% of consumers, having control over the slice comes first. |
| Wholemeal and nutritional value | Read the ingredients and compare fibre and salt on the same basis, for example per 100 g. | When choosing bread for my snacks, I want to know what ‘wholemeal’ and the stated nutritional values mean for this specific product. Around 33% of consumers give this product information their highest priority. |
| Ingredients and availability | Check the current allergen list and the type of salt used on the packaging. Ask your local store whether the bread you want is available. | If I’m buying bread for guests with specific ingredient requirements, the packaging needs to meet their needs; sometimes my local store’s range also determines what I choose. Around 25% of consumers put these requirements first. |
These words can help you narrow down your search, but they don’t tell you how thick a slice is. The name also doesn’t tell you whether the bread will hold up under heavy or moist toppings.
Look at the slices in store or choose a whole loaf that you can slice yourself. Try your topping on one slice before making bites for the whole group.
The colour doesn’t tell you which ingredients have been used. If you’re looking for wholemeal bread, the product name and ingredients list are more useful than its appearance.
Check the name and ingredients of the specific loaf. Compare nutritional values per 100 g if fibre or salt matters to your choice.
If allergens or iodised salt matter, the information on the product you choose is what counts. Don’t assume all wholemeal bread has the same ingredients.
Check the current ingredients and allergen information just before buying. Ask guests with an allergy what information they need, and don’t make assumptions about possible traces.
A loaf shown in a range may not be available at the store you want to visit. This can be particularly inconvenient if you need several loaves for guests.
Ask your chosen store in advance whether the bread is available and whether you can order it.
These ranges offer search terms for whole, coarse or sliced wholemeal bread. Check the slices and packaging for each product; a brand name doesn’t tell you how thick a particular slice is.
A good starting point if you want to compare whole and sliced wholemeal loaves.
A starting point for searches using names such as ‘Rond Grof Volkoren’ and ‘Stevig Volkoren Zonnepit’.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a whole coarse wholemeal loaf and want to compare nutritional information.
A starting point if you want to look at a whole dark wholemeal loaf.
A starting point for comparing wholemeal bread with pre-sliced fine wholemeal bread.
A possible option if you want to check the bread and slice size in store.
These round wholemeal loaves are options if you want to slice your own bread for topped snacks. Before buying, check whether the preparation and slicing fit your plans; the name doesn’t confirm a particular slice thickness or suitability for heavy toppings.
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If you want to slice your own bread for snacks, check whether this loaf is suitable and try your planned topping on a slice.
Pack size: 2 × 550 g. Allow time for defrosting, baking and cooling before serving, and follow the preparation instructions on the packaging. Check the current ingredients and allergen information there too.
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If you want to choose a slice thickness for generous toppings, check whether this loaf can be sliced to your liking after preparation.
Listed weight: 550 g. Allow time for defrosting, baking and cooling, and follow the preparation instructions on the packaging. Check the current ingredients and allergen information too.
No. ‘Coarse’ doesn’t mean a set slice thickness. Look at an actual slice or choose a whole loaf that you can slice yourself if the thickness matters for your toppings.
Pre-sliced bread saves you the effort of slicing, but gives you less control over the thickness. Check the slices before buying if your toppings need a thicker base.
You can’t tell from the type of bread alone. For example, AH OerDesem volkoren Allinson lists iodised salt. Check the current ingredients list for the bread you’re buying to see whether it contains iodised salt or baker’s salt.
Read the allergen information on the packaging of the specific loaf you’re going to serve. If you have questions about possible traces, check that information too, and don’t rely on the ingredients of a different wholemeal bread.
Yes, as long as you can follow the storage instructions for the product you choose. Check the packaging for how to store the bread. If it’s a bake-at-home loaf, allow time for preparation and cooling before slicing it.
