Which bread is right for you?

Quick weekday breakfasts

If you want to make a sandwich straight away, sliced bread that doesn’t need baking is a practical choice. Just remember to check the ingredients of the variety you choose.

Sourdough flavour and crust enthusiasts

A whole or rustic sourdough loaf could suit you if you can fit slicing and, if needed, baking into your morning routine. Read the preparation instructions before you buy.

Shoppers who check labels

If you need to avoid certain grains or other allergens, the words wholemeal and sourdough aren’t enough. Check the ingredients and allergens for the specific variety you’re buying.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the product description and ingredients, then check whether the preparation fits the time you have on a weekday morning.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Wholemeal and fibre Check the wholemeal labelling and ingredients. Compare the fibre per 100 g of specific bread varieties on a like-for-like basis. If I’m mainly looking for wholemeal bread, I don’t want to rely on a dark colour or seeds. For around 36% of consumers, checking that it’s wholemeal and comparing fibre content comes first.
Preparation time Check whether the bread is ready to eat or needs baking, and whether you need to slice it yourself. On a busy morning, I want to be able to make a sandwich without turning on the oven first. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this convenience.
Sourdough and loaf style Look for sourdough in the product description or ingredients, and check whether it also contains baker’s yeast. Check the loaf style and preparation instructions. If I’m having a rustic loaf for breakfast, I’d rather take the time to slice or bake it. This preference for sourdough and texture matters most to around 21% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the latest allergen information and, if you wish, compare the salt per 100 g shown on the label. If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to be able to check the variety I’ve chosen before eating it. For around 14% of consumers, checking the label is the top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming dark or multigrain bread is wholemeal

    A dark colour, grains on top or a rustic name doesn’t prove that a bread is wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, the grain ingredient in a product labelled wholemeal must consist entirely of wholemeal flour.

    Look for the wholemeal product description and read the ingredients of the bread you choose.

  • Assuming sourdough contains no baker’s yeast or allergens

    The ingredient information for Albert Heijn and PLUS lists both sourdough and baker’s yeast in the wholemeal sourdough breads mentioned. These products also contain gluten-containing cereals.

    Check the full ingredients and allergen information for each variety if baker’s yeast or a particular ingredient is one of your selection criteria.

  • Buying bake-at-home bread for a rushed morning

    Bake-at-home bread isn’t ready to fill straight away. The instructions for the Jumbo farmhouse loaf mentioned require you to preheat the oven and then bake it for 12 minutes.

    Choose ready-to-eat bread if you don’t want to make time for the oven on a weekday.

    Preheating and baking also mean you’ll need to use the oven.

  • Relying solely on online product information

    A recipe or label can change, and not every shop provides full nutritional information online. Lidl directs customers to the packaging or its customer service team for information about its food products.

    Check the current packaging when you buy, and ask the shop or manufacturer for clarification if an ingredient or allergen isn’t clear.

Brands compared

Albert Heijn

A useful reference for shoppers comparing the ingredients and nutritional value of a wholemeal sourdough loaf.

  • The product information for Liefde & Passie Volkoren lists wheat sourdough, 6.8 g of fibre and 1.08 g of salt per 100 g.
  • Use this variety as a comparison point, and check which product is currently available and what its packaging says.

Jumbo

A useful reference for comparing a farmhouse loaf that needs baking with ready-to-eat sliced bread.

  • The information for Dubbel Donker Desem Volkorenbrood lists 7.8 g of fibre per 100 g and includes baking instructions.
  • Allow for the preparation time, and check the current range and label.

Lidl

A useful reference if you want to look at a rustic wholemeal wheat sourdough loaf in store.

  • Lidl describes its rustic variety as wholemeal wheat sourdough bread and says it is sold in store.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the packaging, or ask Lidl for details.

PLUS

A useful reference if you’re considering a smaller wholemeal sourdough loaf with poppy seeds.

  • The 300 g Korenlanders Kleintje lists 51% wholemeal wheat flour, 8% sourdough and 7.3 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • This variety contains several gluten-containing cereals. Also read the warnings about the possible presence of other allergens.

ALDI

A useful reference for shoppers comparing everyday wholemeal bread, especially if sourdough isn’t a must-have.

  • ALDI describes its extra-fibre whole loaf as 100% wholemeal.
  • If you specifically want sourdough bread, check separately whether sourdough appears in the ingredients for your chosen variety.

Dirk

A useful reference for comparing wholemeal and sourdough as separate features in the bread range.

  • Dirk lists both types of bread in its bread category.
  • For a specific loaf, check that it’s both wholemeal and made with sourdough, and read the label.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does sourdough bread mean it contains no baker’s yeast?

No. Sourdough and baker’s yeast can be used in the same bread. The ingredient information for both Albert Heijn Liefde & Passie Volkoren and PLUS Korenlanders Kleintje sourdough bread lists both. Check the ingredients list if you’re looking for bread without added baker’s yeast.

How can I identify wholemeal bread?

Look for the wholemeal product description and check the ingredients. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, the grain ingredient in a product labelled wholemeal must consist entirely of wholemeal flour. A brown colour or the word multigrain doesn’t prove that it’s wholemeal.

Do I need to check allergens in wholemeal sourdough bread?

Yes. Check the allergens for the specific variety. The Albert Heijn and PLUS products mentioned contain gluten-containing cereals and also warn of the possible presence of other allergens. Always base your choice on the current packaging.

How should I store sourdough or bake-at-home bread for a weekday?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging of the bread you choose. For example, PLUS says to store its wholemeal sourdough baguette in a cool, dry and dark place. Also check the use-by information for your own variety.