A half multigrain loaf is a good choice for a short camping trip if the amount suits what you’ll eat, or if you can freeze any slices you don’t use. Don’t choose a loaf based on the word ‘multigrain’ alone: check whether it’s labelled wholemeal, as well as the nutritional information and allergens for that specific loaf. Also check that your chosen variety is available shortly before you set off.
For one or two people, or a short stay, a half loaf may be a better fit for the number of times you’ll eat. If you have a freezer at home, you can freeze any leftover slices in portions before you set off, as the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends for bread.
The word ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you whether a loaf is wholemeal. Check the product description, the proportion of wholemeal flour and the fibre content per 100 g.
If allergens or whether the bread contains baker’s salt matter to you, check the ingredients and warnings on the packaging of the exact variety.
First, work out how much bread you’ll use during your trip. Then compare only the features that matter to you, and check availability before you shop.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Getting the right amount | Compare the loaf’s weight with your planned meals, and consider whether you can freeze slices in advance. | For a short trip, I don’t want to take more bread than we’ll eat. Around 42% of consumers prioritise choosing the right amount. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for an explicit wholemeal label and compare the fibre content per 100 g. | If I want to make a conscious choice to buy wholemeal, ‘multigrain’ on its own doesn’t tell me enough. Around 33% of consumers prioritise a wholemeal base. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients, allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the current label. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients or want to check for baker’s salt, I need to be able to check the exact loaf variety. This label check is the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread can also be made with white flour. So the name alone doesn’t tell you which type of flour the loaf is made from.
Check whether it’s labelled wholemeal and compare the fibre content per 100 g on the label.
You may still have slices left over from a half loaf if you eat less than expected or buy the bread well before you set off.
Count your breakfasts and lunches. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread in portions straight after buying it if you plan to eat it later.
Ingredients and ‘may contain’ warnings can vary between multigrain breads and varieties.
When you buy it, check the packaging of the exact loaf, even if you’ve bought bread with a similar name before.
The name ‘multigrain bread’ doesn’t tell you which type of salt is used in that particular recipe.
If you want to check, look for ‘baker’s salt’ or ‘iodised salt’ on the current label.
Albert Heijn provides product information for options including AH Vloerbrood meergranen half and AH Zaans meergranen half.
Jumbo lists several half multigrain loaves, including Boeren Donker Volkoren Meergranen Half.
Lidl describes a 400 g Halfje donker meergranenbrood for in-store sale.
ALDI lists a half-size version of Boeren volkoren meergranen.
PLUS lists Korenlanders Donker Meergranen Rond 1/2 as a 400 g half loaf.
Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Bakkers meergranen half.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread can be made with white flour. Look for an explicit wholemeal label and compare the fibre content per 100 g if these features matter to your choice.
Take an amount that suits your planned meals and follow the storage advice on the packaging. For slices you plan to eat later, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread in portions straight after buying it. Don’t eat mouldy bread.
Check the ingredients list for the exact variety for ‘baker’s salt’ or ‘iodised salt’. The product information for Jumbo Boeren Donker Volkoren Meergranen Half lists baker’s salt, while the information for AH Vloerbrood meergranen half and AH Zaans meergranen half lists iodised salt.
Check the allergen list for the loaf you’re actually buying, including any ‘may contain’ warnings. The product information reviewed lists ingredients including wheat, other cereals containing gluten and sesame in various loaves; ingredients vary by product.
