Who should think carefully about their choice?

Hosts planning quantities

If you’re serving several toppings or types of bread, work out how many slices of toast you’re likely to need. Comparing pack weight and slice size can help you avoid unnecessary leftovers.

Hosts looking for wholemeal options

If you’d like to offer your guests wholemeal toast too, compare the ingredients and stated wholemeal content of the specific products.

Hosts catering for gluten-free diets

If any of your guests need gluten-free bread, plan to provide a separate option. It’s also important to check the product’s labelling for any other potential allergens.

What should you look for when shopping?

For your Boxing Day buffet, decide on the portions and types of bread first, then choose a suitable pack size.

What matters What to check when shopping Who it matters most to
The right quantity Compare the number of portions you plan to serve with the pack weight and, where stated, the number of slices. When there are several types of bread on the buffet, I only want to buy as much toast as people are likely to eat. Around 36% of consumers would put buying the right quantity first.
Slice size Decide whether you’ll serve whole slices of toast or sandwiches cut in half, then choose a pack format to suit. For lots of filled bites, I need slices that suit the way I plan to prepare them. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise slice size.
Wholemeal content and ingredients Check the stated wholemeal content and ingredients list for the specific product. Alongside classic toast, I’d like to serve a wholemeal option and know what it contains. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this product profile.
Allergens and special diets Check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and ‘may contain’ information on the pack you buy. If a guest needs gluten-free bread or has allergies, I want to provide a clearly labelled, separate option. Around 14% of consumers would check this first.

Which common mistakes can you avoid?

  • Choosing the biggest pack without planning portions

    A 750-g pack may be too much if you have buffet guests and several types of bread to serve. On the other hand, a smaller pack may not be enough if you’re making lots of sandwiches.

    Make a note of the toast portions you plan to serve and compare them with the pack weight and slice size.

  • Leaving your shopping until the bank holiday

    If you wait until Boxing Day to buy toast and toppings, you’ll need to rely on shops actually being open.

    Plan your shopping in advance and check local opening hours if you think you’ll need to pick anything up later.

  • Assuming gluten-free means allergen-free

    Schär describes Meisterbäckers Classic as gluten-free, but the product information says it contains soya protein and may contain lupin and mustard. Wholemeal toast isn’t automatically suitable for guests with a wheat allergy either.

    Check the labelling on each specific pack you buy, and serve any special-diet options separately.

  • Opening the bread too early

    Once opened, bread can lose its freshness before the buffet. The German consumer advice centre recommends storing bread at room temperature in a dry place away from light.

    Where possible, open only the packs you need when you’re getting everything ready. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread in portions.

Brands to consider

ja!

REWE sells a 500-g pack of butter toast bread under the ja! brand.

  • The stated pack weight makes it easy to compare with the quantity you need for your buffet.
  • Check the ingredients of this specific butter toast bread if you have guests with a wheat allergy or following a vegan diet.

GUT&GÜNSTIG

EDEKA sells 500-g wholemeal toast and 750-g wholemeal sandwich toast.

  • The two pack sizes offer different quantities to start with for toast slices and sandwiches.
  • The products mentioned contain wheat or gluten; check the pack for other allergen information.

Grafschafter

Grafschafter’s range includes sandwich bread, butter toast and wholemeal toast.

  • You can consider different types of toast to suit your planned buffet.
  • Check the format, ingredients and pack size for the specific product you choose.

Golden Toast

Golden Toast’s range includes butter toast, wholemeal toast and sandwich bread.

  • If you’re considering wholemeal bread and sandwich slices, you can compare the relevant product ranges.
  • The term ‘wholemeal’ is no substitute for checking the ingredients list and allergen information.

Schär

Schär sells Meisterbäckers Classic as gluten-free sliced bread; for Germany, the manufacturer lists a 330-g pack.

  • This product could work as a separate bread option if you need to provide gluten-free bread.
  • It contains soya protein and may contain lupin and mustard; gluten-free doesn’t mean allergen-free.

Toast bread on Joybuy

Suitable products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Should I buy toast bread for Boxing Day in advance?

Yes. If possible, plan your toast bread and toppings before the bank holiday. If you want to shop on 26 December, check the opening hours of your local shop.

Is checking that bread is gluten-free enough if you have allergies?

No. Gluten-free bread can still contain other allergens. According to the product information, Schär Meisterbäckers Classic contains soya protein and may contain lupin and mustard. Always check the labelling on the pack you’re actually buying.

Should I keep toast bread in the fridge until the buffet?

The German consumer advice centre generally recommends storing bread at room temperature in a dry place away from light; bread dries out more quickly in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze it in portions.

When does a 750-g pack make sense for a buffet?

A 750-g pack is a good choice if you’re preparing enough sandwiches or portions of toast to use the bread. If you’re serving several types of bread or only have a few guests, compare the portions you plan to serve with a smaller pack first.