Parents of fussy bread eaters
If a coarse crumb or seeds make lunch tricky, fine wholemeal bread may be worth comparing. Just check that the packaging actually labels the bread as wholemeal.
Who is this choice relevant for?
Families comparing fibre content
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that wholegrain cereal products contain more fibre than white cereal products made from flour. For lunch, compare the nutritional information for specific breads per 100 g.
Families who need to check allergens
If you have a known food allergy or coeliac disease, the latest information on the packaging matters more than the name of the bread. Check which grains and allergens are listed.
What should you look for when choosing?
Fine wholemeal
When: If a finer crumb makes lunch more appealing and you’re still looking for bread labelled wholemeal.
Keep in mind: Fine describes the texture, not a fixed taste or nutritional value; check both for each loaf.
Brown bread
When: If wholemeal bread hasn’t been accepted yet and you’d like to try a different sandwich.
Keep in mind: A brown colour doesn’t confirm that the bread is wholemeal.
White bread
When: If your child accepting their sandwich that day matters more than choosing wholemeal.
Keep in mind: According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, white cereal products made from flour contain less fibre than wholegrain cereal products.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Texture and acceptance | Check that the bread is labelled wholemeal and consider whether its texture is right for lunch. | If my child leaves a coarse slice uneaten, I want a finer option that’s still wholemeal; this combination is presumably the top priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check the product description and compare the fibre per 100 g in specific breads. | For this lunch, I mainly want to make a clear wholemeal choice and compare breads by their fibre content; around 33% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the latest packaging for the grains used and the allergen information. | If I need to take a food allergy into account, I want to know what’s in the bread before serving it; this label check is presumably the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming brown or multigrain bread is wholemeal
The colour, seeds and name of a loaf don’t prove that it’s wholemeal. You could end up buying a different type of bread from the one you wanted for lunch.
Look for the wholemeal label on the packaging, then compare the fibre per 100 g.
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Assuming every loaf contains iodised baker’s salt
The name of the bread doesn’t tell you which salt was used in a particular product.
If the type of salt matters to you, check the ingredients list for that loaf.
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Relying only on online allergen information
The ingredients and allergen information for a loaf can change. This matters if certain ingredients need to be avoided.
Check the latest packaging when you buy it and make sure the product meets the relevant dietary requirements.
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Choosing based on fibre content alone
A coarser crumb or seeds can be off-putting for a fussy bread eater, even if you’re keen to offer wholemeal bread.
You could try fine wholemeal and see which texture your child accepts at lunchtime, while still checking for the wholemeal label.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s wholemeal bread range includes options such as round wholemeal and tiger wholemeal bread.
- Different bread styles make it possible to compare size and texture.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and availability for each specific loaf.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists a fine wholemeal wheat loaf in its bread range.
- This option is worth considering if a fine texture is important.
- Check the nutritional information and allergens for your chosen loaf on the packaging.
PLUS
PLUS describes its Rond fijn volkoren heel as a wholemeal wheat loaf.
- The product description helps distinguish the ‘fine’ label from ‘wholemeal’.
- PLUS says that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change; check the packaging.
Dirk
Dirk lists white, multigrain and wholemeal breads in its range.
- You can compare these types of bread when texture and type both matter.
- Don’t assume a bread is wholemeal just because it’s called multigrain.
Lidl
Lidl provides a fibre guide for packaged breads and also sells fresh bread.
- The fibre per 100 g information can help you compare packaged breads.
- Lidl says its fresh range may vary by store; check the bread itself for ingredients and allergens.
Aldi
Aldi lists white and wholemeal bread, including sliced options, in its range.
- These bread types offer a starting point for distinguishing white bread from wholemeal.
- Compare the nutritional information and allergens on the label of the specific option.
Related products on Joybuy
This wholemeal flatbread is an option if flatbread suits your holiday lunch. It’s a different format from a sliced loaf, and whether a fussy eater will enjoy the texture is a separate consideration.
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Souq Lebanese whole wheat flatbread, 6 pieces
For a lunch where flatbread is a good fit instead of regular slices. Check the latest packaging for ingredients and allergens before choosing it for a child.
Frequently asked questions
Is brown bread the same as wholemeal bread?
No, a brown colour doesn’t prove that bread is wholemeal. If you’re looking for wholemeal bread, check the packaging for the wholemeal label and compare the nutritional information if needed. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholegrain cereal products contain more fibre than white cereal products made from flour.
Can fine wholemeal bread be a stepping stone for a fussy child?
Yes. If a coarse texture is the main sticking point, fine wholemeal bread may be worth trying. Check that each product is actually wholemeal: PLUS, for example, describes its Rond fijn volkoren heel as a wholemeal wheat loaf. ‘Fine’ doesn’t guarantee the same taste or nutritional value across different breads.
How can I check whether bread contains iodised salt?
Read the ingredients list for the specific loaf to see which type of salt is listed. If the type of salt matters to your purchase, don’t rely on the type of bread or the shop’s name alone.
What should I look for in bread if allergens are a concern?
Check the latest ingredients and allergen information on the packaging, including the grains listed. A label such as ‘wholemeal’ or ‘fine wholemeal’ doesn’t in itself mean the bread is suitable for someone with coeliac disease or a food allergy.