Who is this choice for?

Anyone who buys bread regularly and compares prices

You’re looking for an everyday wholemeal loaf for Sinterklaas Eve, too. When comparing, look beyond the price per loaf: check its weight and whether you’re getting a whole or half loaf.

A small gathering that won’t eat much bread

If bread is served alongside other snacks, a half loaf or a few individual rolls may be a better fit. If you’d like to use a whole loaf later, check the storage instructions; PLUS recommends freezing its farmhouse wholemeal bread on the day of purchase.

Anyone who wants to check ingredients and nutritional information

You want to know what’s in the specific loaf you’re buying. Read the ingredients and allergen information, and compare fibre and salt per 100 g; the wholemeal label doesn’t tell you everything about its ingredients.

What should you look for?

First, decide how much bread you’ll want during and after Sinterklaas Eve. Then compare loaves of the same type and size, and read the label before you decide.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Like-for-like prices Compare the same type of bread by price per kilo, or check the weight and size if only the price per loaf is shown. If I’ll still be eating the bread after Sinterklaas Eve, I want to know how much a similar quantity costs. For around 33% of consumers, comparing prices comes first.
The right amount Check whether a whole loaf, half loaf or individual rolls will suit the number of people and the meals you have planned. Read the freezing instructions if needed. When there are other snacks to enjoy, I don’t want to end up with a whole loaf left over by default. Choosing the right amount is the main priority for around 27% of consumers.
Label and ingredients Read the product name, ingredients and allergen information. Compare fibre and salt per 100 g if those figures matter to your choice. I want to know what’s in my bread rather than relying on the front of the packaging. Around 20% of consumers prioritise checking the label.
How you’ll serve it Choose between sliced bread, individual rolls and wholemeal baguette, depending on how you want to serve the bread. For a drinks-and-nibbles occasion, I want bread that’s easy to share or serve to each person. Around 20% of consumers put ease of serving first.

Common choices that can disappoint

  • Comparing only the price per loaf

    A half loaf may cost less per loaf than a whole one without being cheaper per kilogram. You also can’t directly compare different types of bread by their price per loaf.

    Check the price per kilo if it’s available. Otherwise, the weight on the packaging and comparing products of the same size can help.

  • Buying more bread than you’ll use

    If bread is just an extra alongside your Sinterklaas snacks, you may end up with slices left over. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists bread as a food that’s often wasted.

    Consider a half loaf or individual rolls. If you’re planning to keep a loaf, check whether and when the product information says it can be frozen.

  • Assuming it’s wholemeal without reading the label

    The wholemeal label doesn’t tell you how much salt or fibre a specific loaf contains per 100 g, and it doesn’t make ordinary wheat bread gluten-free.

    Check the product name, ingredients, nutritional information and allergen information for the loaf you’re buying.

  • Treating an online price as the price in every shop

    PLUS says prices may vary due to local differences or changes made in the meantime. Lidl says current prices for food products are displayed in its shops.

    Check the price in store or when you reach the checkout before comparing loaves.

Supermarkets to compare

These shops offer different loaf sizes and ways to check product information. Always compare the specific loaf and the latest information from your local shop.

ALDI

ALDI lists fine wholemeal bread in whole and half sizes, as well as a separate extra-high-fibre option.

  • Choosing between a whole or half loaf gives you flexibility over the quantity.
  • For the loaf you choose, check the weight, label and in-store price before comparing it with another product.

Jumbo

The product page for Jumbo fine wholemeal bread shows information you can use to assess its weight, nutritional value and ingredients.

  • A listed price per kilo makes it easier to compare with a similar loaf.
  • Check the details for the version you’re actually choosing; recipes and ranges can vary between products.

PLUS

PLUS lists whole and half wholemeal loaves, wholemeal rolls and wholemeal baguettes.

  • The different sizes let you choose the right amount for sandwiches or sharing.
  • PLUS warns that online prices may vary by location or change in the meantime.

Albert Heijn

The product information for AH Zaans wholemeal bread shows the ingredients and nutritional values for that specific version.

  • The ingredients list for this version includes iodised salt.
  • Albert Heijn says ingredients, nutritional values and allergens may change, so check the packaging.

Dirk

Dirk lists, among other options, Bakker van der Akker farmhouse wholemeal bread in a whole-loaf size.

  • It’s an option to consider if you want to buy a whole loaf as part of your usual shop.
  • Check the packaged weight before comparing its price per loaf with another bread.

Lidl

Lidl lists fine wholemeal bread and half-size extra wholemeal bread among its in-store options.

  • In store, you can check the size and product information for the bread available.
  • Lidl says current prices for food products are displayed in store and that it doesn’t have an online price list.

Wholemeal flatbread at Joybuy

This wholemeal flatbread is an option to share over drinks and snacks on Sinterklaas Eve. It serves a different purpose from a whole or half sliced wholemeal loaf, so compare the size and price if you’re choosing between them.

Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P, wholemeal flatbread

Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P

A wholemeal flatbread for sharing over drinks and snacks instead of serving sliced bread. Before buying, check the packaging for ingredients and allergens, and compare the quantity with what you need.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is dark or multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. A dark colour or a multigrain label doesn’t mean the same thing as wholemeal. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that all the flour used must be made from whole grains for a product to be called wholemeal, so check the product name and ingredients.

Should I buy a whole or half wholemeal loaf for Sinterklaas Eve?

A half loaf or individual rolls are a good fit when bread is just a small extra alongside other snacks. Consider a whole loaf if you’re also buying for breakfast, lunch or more people; if you’re keeping it, check the freezing instructions for that loaf.

How can I compare the prices of wholemeal loaves fairly?

Where possible, compare similar loaves by price per kilo. If only the price per loaf is shown, also check the weight and whether it’s a whole or half loaf. PLUS also says online prices may vary by location or change in the meantime.

Can I choose ordinary wholemeal bread if I need to avoid gluten?

Don’t assume ordinary wholemeal bread is gluten-free. Check the ingredients, allergen information and whether the specific product is explicitly labelled gluten-free.

Does all wholemeal bread contain iodine?

You can’t assume that every loaf does. The AH Zaans wholemeal version reviewed lists iodised salt, while the Jumbo and PLUS products reviewed list baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list for the loaf you’re buying or ask the baker.