Choose finely milled wholemeal bread if you want wholemeal bread on the table but would rather avoid a coarse texture. If preferences vary widely, brown bread could be a good middle ground, or you could serve white and wholemeal bread side by side. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour; brown bread combines wholemeal flour with white flour, so it isn’t the same choice.
If one person wants white bread and another prefers wholemeal, you don’t have to settle on a single compromise loaf. Two smaller loaves side by side are one option. Finely milled wholemeal is worth considering if a coarse texture is the main concern.
If you’d rather avoid coarse grains, look for finely milled bread that is clearly labelled ‘wholemeal’. This tells you something about the flour used, but not whether everyone will enjoy the taste.
Start with the product description ‘wholemeal’, then compare the fibre content of specific loaves on a like-for-like basis, such as per 100 g. Colour, seeds and the name ‘multigrain’ are no substitute.
For your weekend breakfast, first decide whether wholemeal flour, an accessible flavour or catering for everyone’s preferences matters most. Then check the description and nutritional information for the bread you’re actually considering.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is it most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for ‘wholemeal’ in the product description. Compare fibre per 100 g using the same unit for other loaves. | I want to make a considered choice at breakfast and pick bread labelled as wholemeal, rather than relying on its colour. An estimated 42% of consumers prioritise wholemeal and fibre. |
| Flavour and texture | Tell the difference between finely milled wholemeal bread and brown bread made with both wholemeal and white flour. Check whether it contains coarse grains or seeds, too. | If a coarse texture is a concern at the table, I’ll look for a less coarse slice without losing sight of the type of flour. An estimated 33% of consumers prioritise a flavour and texture that suit them. |
| Bread format and portions | Choose whole loaves, half loaves or individual rolls to suit the number of people eating. Read the storage instructions for the product you choose. | When preferences differ, I want to offer enough choice without being left with lots of bread. Portion size and the breakfast occasion matter most to an estimated 25% of consumers. |
A dark colour or several types of grain don’t tell you whether the bread is made entirely from wholemeal flour. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, brown bread also contains white flour.
If you specifically want wholemeal bread, check the product description, then compare the fibre per 100 g.
Finer milling may suit someone who avoids a coarse texture, but it won’t necessarily remove differences in flavour or colour.
Consider buying half a loaf to see what everyone thinks, or serve white and wholemeal bread side by side if one loaf doesn’t have to suit everyone.
Information for a specific pack may change. Lidl also says its fresh bread range can vary between branches.
Check the latest packaging for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information. If you’re buying fresh bread in store, ask about its ingredients if necessary.
Serving white and wholemeal bread side by side gives you a choice, but with only a few people eating, you could be left with large amounts of both.
See whether half loaves or individual rolls would be a better fit, and follow the storage instructions on the packaging for any leftovers.
These shops offer a starting point for comparing types of bread. Before making your final choice, check the label on the specific loaf rather than relying on a shop’s range alone.
Albert Heijn offers a range of wholemeal breads, including artisan-style loaves as well as whole and half loaves.
Jumbo Fijn Volkoren is a specific example to look at if you want to check the nutritional information for finely milled wholemeal bread.
ALDI describes a range of wholemeal breads in its daily fresh range.
Lidl describes a kids’ bread made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour, as well as a range of fresh bread.
PLUS Waldkorn donker heel is described as a whole wholemeal multigrain loaf.
Dirk’s bread range includes white, wholemeal and multigrain bread.
These options range from flatbreads and individual multigrain rolls to round loaves and rye bread. They can be served alongside another type of bread. If the Dutch description ‘volkoren’ is essential to you, don’t choose based on the English product name alone.
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Six Lebanese flatbreads are a good option if you want to serve something different alongside regular slices of bread. If you’re specifically looking for wholemeal bread, check the product description on the packaging.
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This 550 g round loaf is a good fit for a breakfast when you have time to defrost and bake the bread. Check the ingredients and product description if you’re looking for a blend of flours or specifically want wholemeal bread only.
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Four individual rolls offer a different way to portion bread than a whole loaf when people have different preferences. The name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t confirm that the bread is wholemeal; check the allergen information on the packaging, too.
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This 500 g rye bread option offers an alternative to white bread, but it isn’t an obvious substitute for a soft slice of white bread. Before choosing it as fully wholemeal, read the ingredients list and product description on the packaging.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour, while brown bread also contains white flour. Check the product description for multigrain bread; colour, seeds and multiple types of grain don’t tell you on their own.
Don’t assume every loaf has the same ingredients. Check whether baker’s salt is listed in the ingredients for the bread you choose, and ask about the current ingredients if you’re buying fresh bread.
Choose an amount to suit the number of people eating, and see whether half loaves or individual rolls will be enough. If you want to store bread, follow the instructions on the packaging for that particular version.
Read the allergen information for the specific loaf, even if you’ve bought a different version from the same brand before. Ingredients can vary between products. If you’re buying unpackaged bread in store, ask for the latest allergen information.
