Canteen buyers looking for fibre
They want a clearly recognisable wholemeal option as part of the regular lunch selection, without relying on a single brand.
Who is this choice important for?
Canteens with fans of white bread
They want to cater for staff who prefer a lighter slice, while keeping wholemeal bread clearly visible as a separate option.
Catering teams responsible for allergen information
They need up-to-date information on the allergens present in every bread and filled roll they serve, especially when products are sold unwrapped.
What should you look for when buying?
First decide which types of bread you want to offer side by side, then check the product information and make sure they are suitable for your lunch service.
Wholemeal bread
When: if your canteen wants to include a familiar wholemeal option in its regular selection.
Consider: staff who specifically prefer white bread may choose a different option.
Brown bread
When: if bread made with a mix of wholemeal flour and white flour adds the variety you’re looking for.
Consider: according to the Voedingscentrum, brown bread is not the same as wholemeal bread. Don’t label it as wholemeal.
White bread
When: if staff specifically want a light, soft slice.
Consider: make sure a clearly labelled wholemeal option is also available.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal option | For packaged bread, check that the label says wholemeal. Compare the fibre content per 100 g using current product labels. | I want staff to be able to choose wholemeal bread easily at a regular lunch. For around 29% of consumers, a wholemeal option is the top priority. |
| Preference for white bread | Offer white bread alongside a separately labelled wholemeal option; don’t treat brown bread as another name for wholemeal bread. | If staff prefer a lighter slice, I want to give them that choice without leaving out wholemeal bread. Around 29% of consumers rank this as their top priority. |
| Allergen information | Keep up-to-date information on the allergens present in each bread and filled roll, and update it whenever you change products. | For unwrapped rolls, I want to know which allergens I need to tell customers about before serving them. This information matters most to around 24% of consumers. |
| Size and availability | Choose whole or half loaves to match expected demand, and confirm current availability and delivery options. | When the number of lunch guests varies, I want to be able to buy a suitable loaf size. Around 18% of consumers put this practical consideration first. |
Common mistakes when choosing bread
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Mistaking brown or multigrain bread for wholemeal
The colour, seeds or product name won’t tell you whether bread is wholemeal. According to the Voedingscentrum, brown bread is made with a mix of wholemeal flour and white flour.
If you’re looking for wholemeal bread, check that the label on packaged bread says wholemeal.
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Using one allergen list for all your bread
Ingredients vary between breads and filled rolls. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says customers must be able to get information about the allergens present in unwrapped food.
Keep the information up to date for every product you serve, including when the bread, filling or supplier changes.
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Offering only white bread
If you offer only white bread, staff can’t choose wholemeal. The Voedingscentrum highlights the fibre, vitamins and minerals found in wholemeal bread.
Place white bread alongside clearly labelled wholemeal bread, so both options are easy to identify.
Brands and retailers to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists a range of white breads online and also stocks wholemeal bread.
- The white bread category includes options such as floor-baked bread and tiger bread.
- Check which varieties are available at your local store or for your delivery area.
Jumbo
Jumbo provides product information that makes it easy to compare individual breads.
- Jumbo lists 7.6 g of fibre per 100 g for Jumbo Fijn Volkoren.
- Don’t use the nutritional information for this bread as a guide to other Jumbo varieties; check the current product details each time.
Lidl
Lidl describes wholemeal varieties in its bread range.
- Lidl lists a kids’ wholemeal bread made with extra-finely ground wholemeal flour.
- Check whether the variety you want is available locally and consult the latest product information.
ALDI
ALDI Netherlands lists white and wholemeal bread in its fresh daily range.
- According to ALDI Netherlands, the wholemeal breads shown are made with 100% wholemeal flour.
- Confirm the range and specifications of the bread you’ll actually be buying.
PLUS
PLUS has separate categories for white and wholemeal bread online.
- The varieties listed include options such as casino white bread and fine wholemeal bread.
- The categories don’t tell you which breads will be available at a particular store at the time you need them.
Dirk
Dirk lists white, wholemeal and multigrain breads, among other options.
- The range shown includes both whole and half loaves.
- For your lunch planning, check the current varieties and sizes at the relevant store.
Bread options at Joybuy
These products are options for the wholemeal side of a mixed bread selection in your workplace canteen. Choose a white option separately, and check the type of bread, pack size and any preparation steps for these products.
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Souq Lebanese whole wheat flatbreads, 6 pieces
A flatbread option for canteens that want to offer bread made with whole wheat alongside white bread.
Pack of 6. Check the current ingredients and allergen information before serving.
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TastyBasics Rye Bread, 9 pieces
A rye bread option for canteens looking to offer a different grain alongside white bread.
Pack of 9. Check the current packaging for the exact type of bread, ingredients and allergen information.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 2 × 550 g
An option for canteens that can bake wholemeal wheat bread on site.
Pack of 2 loaves of 550 g. Check that you have enough freezer space and a convection oven, and check the current ingredients and allergen information before serving.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
A single wholemeal wheat loaf for canteens that can bake bread on site.
550 g loaf. Check that freezer storage and a convection oven fit your lunch service, and consult the current ingredients and allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
Is brown bread the same as wholemeal bread?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, brown bread is made with a mix of wholemeal flour and white flour. Packaged wholemeal bread must be labelled as wholemeal, so don’t rely on the colour or a name such as multigrain.
Does a workplace canteen have to provide allergen information for unwrapped rolls?
Yes. Customers must be able to get information about the allergens present in unwrapped rolls before buying them. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says it must be clear which grains are present when a product contains gluten-containing cereals. Keep this information up to date if the bread or filling changes.
How can you cater for fans of white bread?
Offer white bread alongside a clearly identifiable wholemeal option. Brown bread can provide extra choice, but don’t call it wholemeal unless the packaged product is labelled as such.
What should you check again before adding bread to the menu?
For each current product, check the type of bread, ingredients, allergens, nutritional information per 100 g, size and storage or preparation instructions. Also confirm that your chosen variety can be delivered in time for the planned lunch.