Bakkers Brigade makes its entire bread roll range plant-based

A bread roll is not necessarily fully plant-based, even without a filling. Animal-derived ingredients can be found in bread improvers and glazes, for example. Bakkers Brigade, part of Top Bakkers Groep, has replaced these ingredients and completed the transition across its bread roll range. From soft rolls to brioche, the recipes have been adapted. The familiar taste had to be preserved throughout.

According to Top Bakkers Groep, the plant-based versions retain their taste and texture. The company tested the recipes extensively before approving them. This included blind taste tests, says Kim Sikkenk, purchasing and sustainability manager.

Large volumes for business customers

The transition responds to demand from caterers, healthcare institutions, and government organizations. That demand can involve substantial volumes, says sales manager Tom Busse. He cites a request for more than a million units of one particular roll per year. According to the group, organizations involved in European public procurement processes are particularly active in requesting plant-based alternatives.

Caterer Vitam worked with Top Bakkers Groep to develop plant-based bread rolls. According to Yvonne van der Zande, senior buyer at Vitam, some tasters preferred the new versions to the originals. The caterer has set targets to reduce the proportion of animal protein in its product range by 2030.

From recipe to delivery

The range includes soft white rolls, high-fiber white rolls, and brown varieties. The rustica roll, currant roll, and muesli variety are now also plant-based. For the brioche, the company replaced the butter and milk traditionally used.

Bakkers Brigade works with a small group of regular suppliers. According to Top Bakkers Groep, this allows the company to adapt recipes relatively quickly. The bakery supplies freshly baked plant-based bread rolls daily at scale. The group expects definitive figures on the CO₂ impact of this specific range in 2027.

Topbakkers.nl