Choose a sliced wholemeal breakfast cake if the canteen mainly wants to serve slices with minimal fuss. If sugar content is a higher priority, compare an option with no added sugars, but also check the sweeteners and warnings on the label. An own-label product may also be suitable; compare the nutritional information and packaging you plan to use for each specific option.
If you specifically want to offer wholemeal breakfast cake, compare the proportion of wholemeal rye flour and the fibre content per 100 g and per slice. Peijnenburg lists 37% wholemeal rye flour and 5.1 g of fibre per 100 g for its standard sliced Wholemeal; for the no-added-sugars option reviewed, the brand lists 40% and 17 g per 100 g. These figures relate to two different products.
The word ‘wholemeal’ alone tells you nothing about sugar content. According to Peijnenburg’s product information, the standard Wholemeal option reviewed contains 39 g of sugars per 100 g. The no-added-sugars option reviewed lists 4.9 g per 100 g, but contains xylitol. So don’t just compare the front of the pack.
When serving slices, the way the product is cut and the number of portions both matter. Peijnenburg lists 12 pre-cut slices for the 345 g packs reviewed. Albert Heijn lists AH Wholemeal Sliced Breakfast Cake in a 485 g pack, with 16 portions of 30 g.
First, decide what matters most for your staff canteen: the wholemeal and fibre content, the sugar content or ease of serving. Then compare the labels of the specific options, using the same quantity as your basis each time.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Most relevant for |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre and wholemeal ingredients | Check the proportion of wholemeal rye flour and the fibre content per 100 g and per slice served. | I want to serve a wholemeal slice and know how much fibre it contains. This is the top priority for around 36% of consumers choosing breakfast cake for their canteen. |
| Sugars and sweeteners | Compare the sugar content per 100 g and check the ingredients and warnings for an option with no added sugars. | If I’m choosing based on sugar content, I also want to know whether the alternative contains a sweetener. This is the most important factor for around 36% of these consumers. |
| Portions and serving | Check the pack weight, number of slices and whether they are pre-cut or individually wrapped. | For a set lunch service, I want to know in advance how many slices I can put out and how they’re presented. This practical aspect is the deciding factor for around 28% of these consumers. |
Wholemeal doesn’t tell you the full story about sugar content. Peijnenburg lists 39 g of sugars per 100 g for the standard Wholemeal option reviewed, compared with 4.9 g per 100 g for its no-added-sugars option reviewed.
For the specific option, check both the nutritional information and the ingredients. Also compare portion sizes before setting the figures per slice side by side.
The Peijnenburg option reviewed contains xylitol. Jumbo’s product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect and includes a warning about animals.
Take these warnings into account in the information you provide when serving the product, and keep any leftovers out of reach of animals. If a product containing xylitol isn’t suitable for your canteen, compare the ingredients of other options.
Iodine isn’t a given in every breakfast cake: according to Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt.
If you want to know which salt was used in a specific breakfast cake, check the ingredients or ask the producer. Don’t assume it contains iodine based on the product category.
Peijnenburg lists a standard sliced Wholemeal and a sliced wholemeal option with no added sugars, both in 345 g packs containing 12 slices.
Albert Heijn lists its sliced wholemeal breakfast cake in a 485 g pack, with 16 portions of 30 g.
Jumbo lists its own wholemeal breakfast cake and Peijnenburg wholemeal options. When comparing them, check the exact pack: the Jumbo products mentioned don’t all come in the same weight.
PLUS lists its own sliced wholemeal breakfast cake in a 485 g pack.
ALDI lists a 485 g pack of sliced wholemeal breakfast cake from Koek & Bakker.
If your canteen wants to serve sliced wholemeal breakfast cake, this is one pack to assess based on its portions and label information. Choosing an option with no added sugars calls for a separate comparison of ingredients and warnings.
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An option if your canteen wants to serve sliced wholemeal breakfast cake.
485 g pack. Before serving, check the number of slices and compare the nutritional values on the label with those of other options on the same basis.
No, ‘wholemeal’ alone tells you nothing about sugar content. According to Peijnenburg, its standard Wholemeal option reviewed contains 39 g of sugars per 100 g. Compare the nutritional information for the specific products you’re considering, even if one of them is sold as having no added sugars.
As well as sugars and fibre, check the ingredients and any warnings. The Peijnenburg Wholemeal option with no added sugars reviewed contains xylitol; Jumbo’s product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect and includes a warning about animals.
No, don’t assume that every breakfast cake contains iodine. According to Voedingscentrum, using baker’s salt isn’t compulsory. If it matters to your choice, check which salt was used in the specific option.
