Who is this choice relevant to?

Picky eaters who prefer soft bread

You’re looking for a familiar texture, but don’t want to assume a loaf is wholemeal just because it’s brown or labelled ‘multigrain’.

Snackers keeping an eye on fibre

You regularly have a sandwich or toastie late at night and want to compare types of bread by their ingredients and fibre content, rather than judging them by how coarse they look.

Households with irregular snack times

You don’t always need a whole loaf and want to store slices in individual portions. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread in portions as soon as you buy it.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide whether fibre or a soft, familiar texture matters more for this snack. Then compare the labels and choose an amount that suits how often you eat bread.

What to consider What to look for Who it matters to
Fibre and type of bread Look for the term ‘wholemeal’ and compare the fibre per 100 g. If I regularly eat bread late at night, I want to know how much fibre my chosen type contains. For around 36% of consumers, choosing a wholemeal bread is the top priority.
Taste and texture Check whether the bread is fine or coarse, and which grains, seeds or kernels are listed in the ingredients. A coarse slice might be left uneaten by a picky eater, so I’d rather choose a texture that feels familiar. A soft, mild option is the top priority for around 29% of consumers.
Portions and storage Compare whole and half loaves, and check whether you can freeze slices in individual portions straight away. I don’t want to be left with a whole loaf for the occasional late-night snack. That’s why around 21% of consumers prioritise a suitable portion size.
Ingredients and allergens Read the allergen information and check whether baker’s salt is included if iodine is a concern for you. If the ingredients are what matters most to me, I want to be able to check them for each loaf before buying. Product information is the main concern for around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘multigrain’ or ‘mix’ means wholemeal

    Having several types of grain or a dark colour doesn’t, by itself, mean that all the flour used is wholemeal. According to Albert Heijn, ‘wholemeal’ on bread means it’s made with 100% wholemeal flour.

    Check the bread’s name and ingredients, and compare fibre per 100 g when choosing between loaves.

  • Assuming every loaf contains the same baker’s salt

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread made with iodised baker’s salt contributes to iodine intake in the Netherlands. You’ll need to check each product to see whether your chosen loaf contains baker’s salt.

    For packaged bread, read the ingredients list. For unwrapped bread, ask which ingredients have been used.

  • Buying a whole loaf for a single snack

    If you don’t eat bread regularly, some may be left over before you get round to finishing it.

    Consider buying a half loaf or freezing slices in individual portions as soon as you buy them, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.

  • Judging allergens by the type of bread alone

    Ingredients and allergens can vary between loaves; a name such as ‘white’ or ‘wholemeal’ won’t give you the full picture.

    Read the product information. If the bread is unwrapped, ask about allergens before you choose.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

The bread range includes white, wholemeal and multigrain loaves, among other options.

  • You can compare options in the range, including white and wholemeal hearth loaves.
  • Check the current ingredients and availability of your chosen loaf.

Jumbo

The bread range features white, brown, wholemeal and multigrain loaves, including half loaves.

  • The range includes fine wholemeal bread and white varieties, among other options.
  • Check that the specific variety you want is available when you shop.

Lidl

The freshly baked range includes a variety of loaves and white bread rolls.

  • You can look in store for a loaf or roll that suits the portion you want.
  • According to Lidl, the fresh range can vary between stores.

ALDI

The bread range includes white, brown, wholemeal and multigrain varieties.

  • ALDI’s range includes white tiger bread, wholemeal tiger bread and half loaves, among other options.
  • Check the ingredients and current availability of your chosen variety.

PLUS

The range includes several wholemeal loaves, including fine-textured varieties.

  • The ingredients listed for PLUS Boeren wholemeal bread include wholemeal wheat flour and baker’s salt.
  • PLUS says that product information may change, so check the packaging of the bread you buy too.

Dirk

The bread range includes white, wholemeal, multigrain and sourdough varieties, as well as rolls.

  • The different bread shapes give you options when choosing a suitable portion.
  • For ingredients and nutritional information, check the details for the specific variety.

Wholemeal alternative on Joybuy

This Lebanese wholemeal flatbread is an option if you’re looking for a wholemeal alternative for a late-night snack. It isn’t a white slice of bread or a confirmed white-and-wholemeal mix.

Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P

Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P

A Lebanese wholemeal flatbread for a late-night snack, if that style of bread suits your preference better than a slice of white bread. Check the ingredients for baker’s salt if iodine is a concern for you.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is dark or multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to Albert Heijn, the term ‘wholemeal’ on bread means it’s made with 100% wholemeal flour; ‘multigrain’ only tells you that several types of grain have been used. So check the name and ingredients rather than judging by colour alone.

Does all bread contain iodine from baker’s salt?

Don’t assume so without checking the product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes bread made with iodised baker’s salt as a source of iodine in the Netherlands. For packaged bread, check whether baker’s salt is listed in the ingredients; for unwrapped bread, ask which ingredients have been used.

How can I check for allergens in bread?

For pre-packed bread, read the allergen information on the label. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly listed there. For unwrapped bread, ask for information about the loaf you want to buy.

How should I store bread for the occasional late-night snack?

Ideally, freeze slices in individual portions as soon as you buy the bread, and take out what you need. This follows the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s storage advice for high-fibre white bread; also follow the instructions on the packaging of the bread you buy.