Who is this choice relevant to?

Fussy white-bread eaters

Would you like to try a less coarse texture without going straight for bread with visible seeds? Compare fine wholemeal bread with brown bread and see whether the crumb and flavour suit the person eating it.

Shoppers who prioritise wholemeal bread and fibre

For you, what the label says matters more than the colour of the crust. Check for the ‘wholemeal’ label and compare the stated fibre content per 100 g.

Shoppers who plan lunches ahead

If you’re buying bread for several days at the office or for colleagues, you’ll also need to consider how much you’ll use, the storage advice and the allergen information.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether the person eating it would be happy with fully wholemeal bread, or whether a blend of wholemeal flour and white flour would be preferable. Then compare the texture and labelling of the breads that remain.

Fine wholemeal bread

When to choose it: if you’re looking for wholemeal bread but want to avoid a coarse or seedy crumb.

The trade-off: ‘fine’ doesn’t tell you whether the flavour will appeal to the person eating it. Try the specific bread and check that it’s labelled ‘wholemeal’.

Brown bread

When to choose it: if you specifically want to try bread made with both wholemeal flour and white flour.

The trade-off: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, brown bread is not the same as bread made from 100% wholemeal flour.

White bread

When to choose it: if familiar white bread is the deciding factor for this lunch.

The trade-off: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, white bread is made from white flour, so it isn’t a wholemeal option.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters most to
Texture and flavour Compare fine wholemeal bread with coarser varieties and check whether the bread contains visible seeds or kernels. If a coarse crumb makes lunch less appealing, I want bread the person eating it will be happy to take with them. This texture and flavour change is a priority for around 31% of shoppers.
Wholemeal content and fibre Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label and compare fibre per 100 g using the same basis. I want to be able to see whether my lunch bread is made from wholemeal flour and how much fibre the label lists. This is the main question when choosing bread for around 31% of shoppers.
Storage and taking it with you Choose an amount you’ll use and read the storage advice; freeze portions if needed. When my office days vary, I want to take bread with me without leaving the rest unused. Around 23% of shoppers prioritise this kind of lunch planning.
Ingredients and allergens Read the current ingredients and allergen information for the specific bread; ask for details if it’s sold unwrapped. If I’m buying lunch for someone with a specific dietary requirement, I want to know what’s in the bread first. Checking the label is the top priority for around 15% of shoppers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming brown or dark bread is wholemeal

    Colour alone doesn’t tell you whether bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, brown bread is a blend of wholemeal flour and white flour.

    Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label on the packaging, then compare the nutritional information.

  • Assuming a fine crumb means the bread is allergen-free

    The texture won’t tell you which allergens the bread contains. Jumbo lists wheat and gluten in its Fijn Volkoren bread.

    Read the allergen information for the exact bread you’re buying, even if another variety from the same brand seems suitable.

  • Buying a whole loaf for occasional office days

    If you only use a few slices, the rest may go off before you get to it. For opened wholemeal bread, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping it in a kitchen cupboard for 2–4 days or in the freezer for 1–3 months.

    Consider buying half a loaf or freezing individual lunch portions soon after purchase.

  • Treating ‘extra high in fibre’ as a general mark of quality

    A comparison on the packaging applies to the product and reference stated. ALDI compares its Extra High-Fibre Wholemeal Bread with regular wholemeal bread, based on NEVO-Online 2021 7.0.

    Compare the current nutritional information per 100 g, and also consider the ingredients and the person’s preferences.

Brands to compare

These brands offer breads you can compare for an office lunch. The features mentioned apply to the specific bread ranges or products, not to the entire range.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers wholemeal and sourdough breads, among others. The brand presents its OerDesem bread as suitable for adding fillings and taking in a lunchbox.

  • You can compare different types and shapes of bread.
  • OerDesem’s suitability for a lunchbox is how Albert Heijn positions it; check the texture and label of the bread you choose.

Jumbo

Jumbo offers fine wholemeal bread, as well as brown and white bread.

  • Jumbo Fijn Volkoren is described as wholemeal wheat bread and lists 7.6 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The product lists wheat and gluten; check the current allergen information on the packaging you buy.

Lidl

Lidl describes a wholemeal kids’ bread made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour and provides ingredients and allergen information for its freshly baked bread.

  • The fine-milled variety mentioned may be worth considering if a coarse crumb is a concern.
  • According to Lidl, this particular bread tastes more like brown bread. That’s the brand’s claim, not a guarantee that everyone will enjoy the flavour.

ALDI

ALDI offers various types of bread, including Extra High-Fibre Wholemeal Bread.

  • According to ALDI, this particular bread is 100% wholemeal and contains 30% more fibre and 30% less salt than regular wholemeal bread, based on NEVO-Online 2021 7.0.
  • This comparison doesn’t apply to all ALDI breads; use the current nutritional information to compare products.

PLUS

PLUS offers Rond Fijn Volkoren, wholemeal tiger bread and other wholemeal varieties, among others.

  • These varieties give you different types of bread to compare for a packed lunch.
  • Check the packaging of the variety you choose for current ingredient and nutritional information.

Dirk

Dirk offers wholemeal, white, multigrain and sourdough breads, among others.

  • You can compare different types of bread from its range.
  • The type of bread alone won’t tell you how fine the crumb is or what the label says for that specific product.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is brown bread the same as wholemeal bread?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread labelled ‘wholemeal’ is made from 100% wholemeal flour, while brown bread combines wholemeal flour with white flour. White bread is made from white flour.

How can I choose wholemeal bread with a finer texture?

Look for fine wholemeal bread and check that the packaging says ‘wholemeal’. Lidl describes its kids’ bread as being made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour; you’ll need to try the specific bread to see whether you like its flavour and texture.

How long can I keep wholemeal bread for office lunches?

For opened wholemeal bread, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping it in a kitchen cupboard for 2–4 days or in the freezer for 1–3 months. Freeze portions soon after purchase if you won’t use the bread within a few days; bread can dry out if it’s frozen for longer.

Is fine wholemeal bread automatically gluten-free?

No. ‘Fine’ describes the texture, not the allergens. Jumbo lists wheat and gluten in its Fijn Volkoren bread. Always check the allergen information for the specific bread.