Choosing bread to suit your guests

For hosts serving lots of sandwiches

If you’re planning several fillings and dishes, the number of slices and pack weight can help you estimate how much bread you’ll need. Also check whether the bread is intended for cold sandwiches or toasting.

For planners prioritising wholegrain

If you want to serve wholegrain bread that can be toasted, compare the ingredients list and the fibre content per 100 g of the specific products.

For hosts catering for gluten-free diets

You may need sliced bread explicitly labelled as gluten-free for some guests. Check the ingredients and any may-contain information too, and plan to prepare it separately.

What to look for when shopping

First, work out how many slices you’ll need and how you’ll use them. Then check the wholegrain and ingredient information for guests whose needs may limit your choice of bread.

Criteria What to check when buying Who it matters to
Quantity Compare the pack weight and number of slices with the sandwiches and appetisers you’re planning. If I’m hosting lots of guests, I want to make sure I have enough slices without relying on pack size alone. Around 36% of consumers prioritise getting the right quantity.
Fillings and preparation Check that the slice size suits cold sandwiches, a toaster or a sandwich maker; follow the storage instructions after opening. For a range of fillings, I need a bread format that suits the cold and toasted dishes I’m planning. This flexibility is the top priority for around 29% of consumers.
Wholegrain and fibre Check for wholegrain ingredients in the ingredients list, and compare fibre and salt per 100 g. If wholegrain is my priority when choosing bread, the product name and suitability for toasting aren’t enough on their own. Around 21% of consumers prioritise wholegrain and fibre.
Specific ingredient requirements Check the gluten-free label, ingredients list and allergen or may-contain information on the current pack. If a guest needs gluten-free food, I need to choose bread labelled as suitable and take any other allergens into account. These ingredient requirements come first for around 14% of consumers.

Common planning mistakes

  • Planning for the number of guests, but not the number of slices

    The pack weight alone won’t tell you how many sandwiches or small appetisers you can make from one pack.

    Decide which dishes and portions you’re planning, then compare them with the number of slices in the pack, where this information is available.

  • Confusing wholegrain with gluten-free

    Wholegrain bread can contain wheat and gluten. According to REWE, ja! Wheat Wholegrain Sandwich Bread lists wheat and lupin flour among its ingredients.

    If guests have specific dietary requirements, check the current labelling on the pack. If cross-contact needs to be avoided, prepare gluten-free bread separately from products containing gluten.

  • Assuming a particular in-store variety will be available

    Planning to use a particular bread format only works if it’s actually available when you shop. Lidl, for example, says that in-store products can’t be pre-ordered and put together for collection.

    If you’re hosting a larger group, plan a suitable alternative and check the availability of any specialist products you need well in advance.

    If a variety is unavailable, you may need to make an extra trip to the shops.

Brands and own-label options to consider

ja! / REWE

REWE’s own-label range includes both wheat wholegrain sandwich bread and wholegrain toast, in different formats.

  • REWE lists 7.7 g of fibre per 100 g for ja! Wheat Wholegrain Sandwich Bread.
  • This particular sandwich bread contains wheat and lupin flour, so check the pack labelling carefully if you’re catering for guests with relevant dietary requirements.

Golden Toast

REWE stocks the brand in toast and sandwich formats, including butter toast and wholegrain varieties.

  • Choose between the different formats to suit your planned preparation and fillings.
  • For Golden Toast Wholegrain Sandwich, REWE advises resealing the pack after opening, storing it in a dry place and eating it within a few days.

Gut & Günstig

EDEKA’s own-label range includes wholegrain toast, making it an option if that’s the format you’re planning to serve.

  • The wholegrain toast was mentioned in coverage by Tageblatt and dpa of Stiftung Warentest’s toast bread test in May 2025.
  • Your choice will depend on the labelling and availability of the specific pack you buy.

Grafschafter / Lidl

Grafschafter is an in-store option for various toast formats, including wholegrain and butter toast.

  • Choose the format based on whether you’ll mainly add toppings or toast the slices.
  • Lidl says in-store products can’t be pre-ordered and put together for collection.

Schär

Schär Meisterbäckers Classic is a separate sliced bread option if any of your guests need gluten-free bread.

  • According to Schär, Meisterbäckers Classic is gluten-free and wheat-free.
  • According to the manufacturer, the product contains soya protein and may contain lupin and mustard. So gluten-free doesn’t necessarily mean it’s suitable for every allergy.

Products to suit your needs at Joybuy

Suitable products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How much bread should I plan for World Food Night?

Start with the sandwiches and appetisers you’re planning, then compare the number of slices you’ll need with the information on the pack. Pack weight and slice count are particularly helpful when you’re choosing between different bread formats.

Is wholegrain sandwich bread automatically gluten-free?

No. Wholegrain sandwich bread can contain wheat and therefore gluten. If any guests need gluten-free food, look for the relevant label and check the ingredients on the specific pack.

How should I store opened toast or sandwich bread?

Always follow the storage instructions for the specific product. For Golden Toast Wholegrain Sandwich, REWE advises resealing the pack after opening, storing it in a dry place and eating the bread within a few days.

Which details on the pack can help with allergies?

Check the ingredients list and the allergens highlighted on the specific pack, as well as any may-contain information. Germany’s Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety explains that the main allergens that must be declared have to be highlighted in the ingredients list.