Choose a loaf shape to suit how you want to serve your drinks-party snacks: you can slice a wholemeal sourdough baguette into portions to share or dip, while pre-sliced wholemeal sourdough bread is handy for making open sandwiches. Then check that the bread is actually labelled wholemeal, read the ingredients and allergen information, and see whether you can order it online or need to buy it in store. The name ‘sourdough’ does not, by itself, mean that the bread contains no baker’s yeast or gluten-containing grains.
The shape makes a difference when you’re serving dips and topped snacks: you can slice a baguette into portions yourself, while pre-sliced bread is ready to top straight away. Albert Heijn offers a pre-sliced wholemeal sourdough loaf, while PLUS describes its wholemeal sourdough baguette as a baguette.
A dark crust or the word ‘sourdough’ is not enough to tell you whether bread is wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, sourdough bread can be made from different grains, so look for the wholemeal label on the bread you choose.
If you’re buying bread for guests with a relevant allergy, read the latest information for that specific product. Check which gluten-containing grains it includes and which allergens may be present.
First, decide how you want to serve the bread. Then check the wholemeal label and ingredients for the product you’ve chosen, and make sure the way it’s sold fits in with your shopping plans.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Serving and topping | Check whether the bread is baguette-shaped or already sliced, and how much preparation your chosen way of serving it will involve. | If you want to make topped snacks quickly, pre-sliced bread is practical; for dips, you may prefer to slice your own portions. This serving convenience is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Wholemeal label | Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging or in the product information; don’t rely on the word ‘sourdough’ or the colour of the crust alone. | If wholemeal is a must, you’ll want to find that label before choosing bread for your platter. This is the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the latest ingredients and allergen information for the product you’ve chosen, even if you’ve bought a different sourdough loaf before. | If any guests have a relevant allergy, you’ll need to know which grains and other allergens the bread contains or may contain. Around 17% of consumers give this check top priority. |
| Availability | Check whether you can order your chosen product online or whether it’s only available in store. | If you’re planning your shopping around your drinks party, you’ll want to know whether you need to visit a shop. This is the main consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
Sourdough refers to how the bread is made; it doesn’t automatically tell you which grain has been used or whether the bread is wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, sourdough bread can be made with wheat, spelt or rye, among other grains.
Look for the wholemeal label on the packaging or in the product description rather than judging by the colour of the bread.
PLUS lists both sourdough and baker’s yeast in its Korenlanders small wholemeal sourdough bread with poppy seeds. Ingredients and allergens vary from one loaf to another.
If you’re serving guests with a relevant allergy, check the latest ingredients, allergen information and any warnings for the product you’ve chosen.
Jumbo says that its in-store-baked sourdough breads cannot be ordered online. Lidl labels its rustic wholemeal sourdough bread as available in store only.
Check how the bread is sold before planning your shopping.
Bread that’s only available in store may mean making a separate trip to the shop.
If you buy a whole loaf, you may have slices left over after your drinks party. Choose a size that suits the number of guests you’re expecting.
If you won’t use the bread in time, it’s best to freeze it in portions and follow the storage advice on the packaging.
For anyone looking for a whole, pre-sliced wholemeal sourdough loaf for topped snacks.
For anyone who wants to choose a loaf from its in-store-baked sourdough range while doing their shopping.
For anyone who wants to pick up a rustic wholemeal sourdough loaf during a trip to the shop.
For anyone choosing between a small wholemeal sourdough loaf and a wholemeal sourdough baguette.
A shop to check out if you want to compare wholemeal and sourdough options in the bread aisle.
For anyone looking for fresh wholemeal bread while doing their shopping.
This round wholemeal loaf is a good choice if you want to cut it into pieces or slices yourself. Allow time to prepare it before serving.
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For a drinks party where you want to slice the bread yourself and have time to defrost and bake it. Check the latest preparation instructions before you start.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, sourdough bread can be made from different grains. Check the packaging or product information to see whether the bread is labelled wholemeal.
No, the name ‘sourdough’ doesn’t tell you that. PLUS’s Korenlanders small wholemeal sourdough bread with poppy seeds lists both sourdough and baker’s yeast; check the ingredients list if you want to avoid added yeast.
Don’t assume that it is. The PLUS wholemeal sourdough products mentioned contain gluten-containing grains. If you have a relevant allergy, check the latest allergen information and any warnings for the specific bread you want to serve.
If you want to serve the bread later, it’s best to freeze it in portions. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping wholemeal sourdough bread for 2 to 4 days in a kitchen cupboard or for 1 to 3 months in the freezer. For packaged bread, also follow the best-before date and storage advice on the packaging.
