Hosts short on preparation time
If you want to get the bratwurst, mustard and sides on the table quickly, ready-sliced bread in handy portions is worth considering. Check the actual slice size and how much bread you’ll need for your guests.
Which bread is right for you?
If you’re particular about rye and sourdough
If the recipe matters to you when choosing bread to go with savoury toppings, compare the stated rye content and the ingredients. Rye blend bread and bread made with light rye flour and natural sourdough aren’t interchangeable just because of their names.
If you check ingredients and nutritional values
If wholemeal content, fibre, salt or particular allergens influence your choice, check the information on the specific product. Compare nutritional values using the same measure, such as per 100 g.
What should you look for when buying?
For bratwurst night, first work out whether you need ready-sliced bread. Then you can check the recipe and pack information to make sure they suit your guests.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Slices and quantity | Is the bread pre-sliced? Do the visible slice size and pack quantity suit the number of guests? | If I want to serve several bratwursts without having to slice extra bread, I need handy portions. Around 36% of consumers would rank serving it quickly as their main reason for buying. |
| Rye and recipe | Compare the stated rye content and the ingredients, particularly any information about sourdough. | With spicy bratwurst, I want to choose bread based on its specific rye and sourdough recipe. For around 28% of consumers, this bread profile would come first. |
| Ingredients and nutritional values | Check the declared allergens and information about wholemeal content, fibre and salt; compare nutritional values per 100 g. | If guests need to avoid certain ingredients, or I want to compare nutritional values, the labelling on the specific pack is what matters. For around 36% of consumers, this would be their main reason for buying. |
Common mistakes when buying bread
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Assuming rye bread is gluten-free
Rye is one of the cereals that contains gluten, as explained by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity. Rye bread is therefore not suitable for a gluten-free diet.
If you need gluten-free bread, don’t choose rye bread. If you have other allergies, check the allergen information for the specific product.
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Assuming you know all the ingredients from the bread’s name
REWE’s Ur-Eifeler rye blend bread contains wheat flour, wheat gluten and barley malt as well as rye. ALDI SÜD also notes that the nutritional information for its GOLDÄHREN Bauern slices may vary between suppliers.
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack rather than relying on the bread’s name or product photo alone.
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Buying more sliced bread than you need
The consumer advice centre points out that an unsliced loaf often keeps for longer than sliced bread. A large pack can therefore be impractical if you’re left with lots of slices after the evening.
Plan the quantity around the number of guests and freeze any leftover slices in portions if needed.
Brands to consider
REWE Regional
REWE lists a sliced Ur-Eifeler rye blend bread in a 400-g pack.
- For this product, REWE states that it contains 37% rye and provides ingredient and nutritional information.
- It also contains wheat flour, wheat gluten and barley malt. Check the product to see whether the slice thickness suits you.
GOLDÄHREN
ALDI SÜD sells GOLDÄHREN Bauern slices with rye as a 500-g product.
- The name Bauern slices is a useful clue if you’re looking for portioned bread.
- ALDI SÜD says that products may come from different suppliers. Check the nutritional information, ingredients and slice shape on the specific pack.
NUR NUR NATUR
ALDI SÜD lists an organic wholemeal rye bread under this brand in a 375-g pack.
- For this product, ALDI SÜD states that it contains 9 g of fibre per 100 g.
- If you need ready-sliced bread, check the cut on the product.
UNSER LAND
REWE lists an organic Feines rye bread by UNSER LAND, made with light rye flour, natural sourdough and rye flakes.
- The listed ingredients let you take a closer look at the recipe.
- If you want to serve the bread without slicing it, check the pack to see whether it comes in slices of a suitable size.
LIDL Unser Brot
Lidl describes its bakery range as including various breads and mentions natural rye sourdough in certain speciality breads.
- When choosing bread in store, you can ask specifically for bread made with rye sourdough.
- You’ll need to check the ingredients and cut of each bread. The range description doesn’t refer to a specific sliced rye bread.
Pumpernickel at Joybuy
These two Mestemacher pumpernickel breads are options to consider if you’re looking for this type of rye bread for bratwurst night. Check the specific product to see whether the slices suit your preferred portion size and thickness.
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Mestemacher Traditional Westphalian Pumpernickel, 500 g
If you’d like to serve pumpernickel with bratwurst, check the shape and thickness of the slices on the pack before buying.
The pack contains 500 g. If you have any ingredient or allergen requirements, the labelling on the specific product is what matters.
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Mestemacher Westphalian Pumpernickel, 500 g
Before serving this on bratwurst night, check whether the shape and thickness of the slices suit your portions.
The pack contains 500 g. If milk, sesame or other allergens are relevant to your choice, read the information on the specific pack carefully.
Frequently asked questions
Is rye bread gluten-free?
No. Rye is a cereal that contains gluten. If you need gluten-free bread, rye bread isn’t suitable. Check the ingredients and allergen information for other breads too.
How can I tell if rye bread is medium-finely sliced?
Check the slices on the specific product, for example through a viewing window or by looking for information about slice thickness. Words such as “slices” or “fine” in the product name alone won’t tell you whether the portions are the right thickness for your bratwurst night.
How should I store leftover bread slices?
Reseal the pack and follow its storage instructions. You can freeze any leftover slices in portions. The Federal Centre for Nutrition points out that bread dries out in the fridge.
Can I ask about allergens in unpackaged bread?
Yes. Information about allergenic ingredients must also be available for unpackaged bread. Ask at the counter about the specific loaf you want to buy rather than assuming its full recipe from the bread’s name.