Want to choose the thickness of a slice yourself for warm or generously topped snacks? Choose a whole or unsliced loaf of wholemeal bread. Pre-sliced bread saves you the effort of cutting it, but check the actual slice: terms such as ‘coarse’ and ‘thick cut’ don’t tell you exactly how thick or sturdy it is. For the specific loaf, also compare the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens on the packaging.
Making toasted sandwiches, topped toast or hot bread snacks, and want to choose the thickness yourself? With a whole or unsliced loaf, you can cut your own slices. Check separately whether the slice and the bread suit your toppings and cooking method.
Pre-sliced wholemeal bread saves you the effort of cutting it when you’re making several snacks. Just make sure the pre-set thickness suits what you plan to prepare.
Want to compare fibre, salt or allergens as well as the type of loaf? Check the nutritional information and ingredients for the exact product; the word ‘wholemeal’ doesn’t answer all your questions.
First decide whether you want to choose the slice thickness yourself or save time by not having to cut the bread. Then compare the information on the packaging of the loaves you’re considering for your snack.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Slice thickness and type of loaf | Check whether the bread is a whole loaf, unsliced or pre-sliced. If thickness matters, assess the slice itself. | I want to choose how thickly I cut the bread for hot or generously topped snacks; around 50% of consumers put that control first. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check the product description and compare fibre on the same basis, for example per 100 g. A fibre claim tells you nothing about slice thickness. | When choosing between wholemeal loaves, I want to compare their nutritional value. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this comparison. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information. Compare salt per 100 g, and check the type of salt used if it matters to your choice. | I want to know whether the exact loaf contains ingredients I need to avoid or check; this is the first thing around 17% of consumers look at. |
Those words don’t tell you how thick the slice of bread will be for your snack. This difference can influence your choice, especially for hot or generously topped snacks.
Choose a whole or unsliced loaf if you want to decide on the thickness yourself. If you’re buying pre-sliced bread, check the slice before you buy.
Wholemeal bread can contain ingredients or allergens that matter to your choice. Salt content also needs to be checked for each product, rather than inferred from the name of the bread.
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging, and compare the nutritional values of alternatives on the same basis, such as per 100 g.
Albert Heijn offers several types of wholemeal bread, including whole and unsliced loaves.
The product information for Jumbo Coarse Wholemeal describes its ingredients, allergens and nutritional value.
PLUS offers, among other options, a whole Coarse Wholemeal loaf and a wholemeal sourdough baguette.
ALDI offers a whole extra-high-fibre wholemeal loaf and a pre-sliced Farmer’s Tiger wholemeal loaf.
Lidl lists Fine Wholemeal as an 800 g loaf available in store.
Dirk offers several types of wholemeal bread, including whole and half loaves.
These round loaves from Lekhaven Bakery are a good fit if you want to choose the thickness of your own slices. When planning your snack night, allow time for thawing, baking and cooling; check separately how sturdy the bread is for hot or generously topped snacks.
Image unavailable
For anyone who wants to choose their own slice thickness and has time to thaw, bake and cool the bread before slicing.
Check the preparation instructions, ingredients and allergens on the current packaging. Assess the slice separately if you’re serving the bread with hot or generous toppings.
Image unavailable
For anyone who wants to cut their own slices and can fit in time for thawing, baking and cooling.
Follow the preparation instructions on the packaging, and check the ingredients and allergens there too. Check that the thickness and firmness suit your needs before using the bread for your snacks.
Choose a whole or unsliced loaf if you want to decide on the thickness yourself. For pre-sliced bread, check the actual slice; the term ‘coarse’ or ‘thick cut’ doesn’t, by itself, tell you how sturdy it will be under your toppings.
No. For their specific coarse wholemeal breads, Jumbo and PLUS list ingredients including wheat and soya. Always read the allergen information for the exact loaf you’re buying.
No, the name of the bread doesn’t tell you which type of salt has been used in that specific product. Check the ingredients list if baker’s salt matters to your choice.
For PLUS Coarse Wholemeal, whole loaf, PLUS says you can freeze it at home on the day you buy it and should use it within one month. For any other loaf, follow that product’s storage instructions.
