Who is this choice relevant to?

If you check organic labels

You want to choose organic bread based on the packaging, not its artisan appearance. According to Skal Biocontrole, the EU organic logo is compulsory on pre-packed organic food produced in the EU.

If you’re looking for bread for a special meal

You might be looking for bread to serve with brunch, soup or a cheese board, and want to consider its shape, crust or seeds without losing sight of its organic status and wholemeal ingredients.

If you check iodine, salt or allergens

You want to know which salt the bread contains and what the packaging says about allergens. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends checking the label or asking the baker about the baker’s salt.

What should you look for when choosing?

Check the organic status and wholemeal ingredients separately. Then compare the type of bread to suit your meal, and read the ingredients, allergen information and nutritional details for the variety you want to buy.

What to consider What to check when buying Especially relevant if
Organic and wholemeal For pre-packed organic bread from the EU, check for the EU organic logo and separately check whether the bread is labelled as wholemeal. If I want to serve organic bread, I also want to be sure it’s made with wholemeal grain; around 31% of consumers make this combination their priority.
Everyday grain choice Compare wholemeal breads by their ingredients and nutritional value, such as fibre and salt per 100 g. Don’t judge by a dark colour alone. For my everyday sandwiches, wholemeal ingredients matter more than an unusual shape; this is also the main concern for around 31% of consumers.
Salt and allergens Check whether iodised baker’s salt has been used, compare the salt per 100 g and check the allergen information for the variety you’ve chosen. If I eat organic bread often or need to watch what’s in my food, I want to know which salt it contains and what the allergens are; around 23% of consumers check this first.
Bread to go with a meal Choose the shape and ingredients you’re looking for, such as a round loaf or a variety with seeds. Check the organic status of speciality varieties too. When bread is the centrepiece of a meal, I focus mainly on its shape and the texture I’m after; around 15% of consumers give this top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming organic means wholemeal

    Organic refers to how a product is made; wholemeal means the entire grain has been used. One doesn’t prove the other.

    Check the organic status and the wholemeal description separately on the packaging of the bread you’ve chosen.

  • Assuming the type of bread tells you how much iodine it contains

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, organic bread is often made without baker’s salt. So the words ‘organic’ or ‘wholemeal’ don’t tell you which salt has been used.

    Look for iodised salt or baker’s salt on the label. If the bread isn’t pre-packed, ask the baker.

  • Choosing seeded bread by name alone

    Ingredients and allergens vary between varieties. A photo or the name of the bread is no substitute for checking the allergen information.

    Read the allergen information for the exact bread you want to buy.

  • Assuming a product page reflects the current packaging

    Bread may still be listed online even if its availability or ingredients have changed. Albert Heijn notes in its product information that ingredients and allergen information, among other details, may change.

    Check what’s currently available and read the packaging again when you buy it.

Brands to compare

Albert Heijn

Worth considering if you want to compare an organic wholemeal loaf with other wholemeal varieties.

  • Albert Heijn lists an organic, sliced wholemeal batard with sunflower seeds.
  • Albert Heijn warns that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information may change; check the label on the bread you buy.

Jumbo

A useful starting point if you want to compare organic wholemeal sourdough varieties.

  • Jumbo described organic wholemeal sourdough rolls with seeds and iodised salt.
  • Those particular rolls were no longer listed in its online range. For another variety, check the label and current availability again.

Lidl

Worth exploring for its organic range and wholemeal bread options.

  • Lidl provides information about an organic range and also has a product page for extra wholemeal bread.
  • Check each loaf to make sure it’s both organic and made with wholemeal ingredients.

PLUS

Worth considering if you want to compare different types of wholemeal bread.

  • The PLUS wholemeal bread range includes hearth loaves and sourdough varieties.
  • Check the organic status separately for the variety you choose.

ALDI

An option to compare if wholemeal bread matters more to you than organic certification.

  • ALDI lists an extra high-fibre bread described as 100% wholemeal.
  • The product description doesn’t confirm organic origins; check separately if organic status is a must-have.

Wholemeal bread for a special meal

These round wholemeal breads from Lekhaven Bakkerij are options if the shape of the bread matters for your meal. If you specifically want organic bread, check its organic status on the packaging before buying. Also check the baker’s salt and allergen information separately.

Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal bread, 2 × 550 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal bread, 2 × 550 g

An option if you’re looking for two round wholemeal loaves to serve with a meal. Check the packaging for the organic status, salt used and allergen information.

View at Joybuy
Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal bread, 550 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal bread, 550 g

An option if you’re looking for one round wholemeal loaf to serve with a meal. Before buying, check the packaging if organic origins, baker’s salt or allergens are important to your choice.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How can I identify organic bread?

For pre-packed organic food produced in the EU, look for the EU organic logo. According to Skal Biocontrole, the logo is compulsory. Separately check whether the bread is wholemeal and what the label says about salt and allergens.

Does organic wholemeal bread automatically contain iodised baker’s salt?

No, don’t assume it does. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, organic bread is often made without baker’s salt. Check the ingredients on the packaging or, if the bread isn’t pre-packed, ask the baker which salt has been used.