Who is this choice relevant to?

Hosts catering for different bread preferences

If you want to let guests choose between white and wholemeal, place the two types side by side and make them easy to tell apart. That way, one type of roll doesn’t have to suit everyone.

Guests keeping an eye on fibre

If you’re specifically looking for wholemeal rolls, check the product description and nutritional information rather than relying on the colour alone. The Dutch Nutrition Centre describes wholemeal bread as a type of bread containing dietary fibre.

Christmas dinner planners with limited oven space

If you want to bake the rolls just before dinner, compare the instructions on both packs with your plans for the other dishes. For fresh rolls from a shop, also check what your local branch stocks.

What should you look for when choosing?

For a mixed basket, start with one white variety and one labelled as wholemeal. Then check that the packs and preparation instructions fit your dinner plans.

What to consider What should you check? Who is it important for?
Different preferences Choose both white rolls and rolls labelled as wholemeal. I want guests at the same table to be able to choose between white and wholemeal. For around 44% of consumers, catering for these different preferences comes first.
Wholemeal and fibre Check the wholemeal label and, for packaged products, compare the fibre content per 100 g. If I mainly want to offer wholemeal, I don’t want to rely on a dark colour or the name ‘multigrain’. For around 33% of consumers, choosing wholemeal is the main priority.
Preparation and shopping Check the baking instructions, the number of rolls in each pack and what your shop stocks. My oven is also needed for other dishes around dinner time, so I want to know when the rolls can be ready. For around 23% of consumers, practical planning matters most.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming multigrain or brown means wholemeal

    A dark or grainy roll doesn’t have to be labelled as wholemeal. If you’re looking for wholemeal, you could end up taking home a different type of bread.

    Check that the pack or shelf label says ‘wholemeal’. The Dutch Consumers’ Association advises against judging by colour alone.

  • Assuming which allergens a roll contains based on its type

    ‘White’ and ‘wholemeal’ don’t tell you which ingredients or allergens a particular variety contains. Warnings can also differ from one product to another.

    Read the current label for each variety, and ask for allergen information if you’re buying unpackaged rolls. If a guest has an allergy, let them make their choice based on their own information and needs.

  • Allowing the same baking time for both types

    Different bake-at-home rolls may need different preparation times. That can be tricky when you also need the oven for Christmas dinner.

    Check the temperature and timings on both packs, and plan two batches if needed.

  • Relying on one shop’s range

    A product shown online won’t necessarily be available at the branch where you shop. Lidl, for example, says its range of fresh bread can vary by branch.

    Check what’s available locally before settling on your choice of rolls, and decide which other white or wholemeal variety would also work for your dinner.

Brands to compare

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn has separate product pages for white, brown and wholemeal rolls.

  • The clear product descriptions make it easier to put together a basket of white and wholemeal rolls.
  • Check the latest product information and availability for your order or local shop.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s online range includes different types of rolls and similar bake-at-home bread products.

  • You can compare product names and preparation methods.
  • Not every roll in the category is the same type, so check the product description for each item.

Lidl

Lidl is an option if you’re looking for fresh rolls baked in store.

  • The range shown includes a white roll.
  • Lidl says its fresh bread range varies by branch, so check locally that the types you want are available.

ALDI

ALDI lists individual white rolls.

  • A clearly recognisable white option for guests who don’t want a wholemeal roll.
  • If you want to serve both types, check separately whether your branch also has rolls labelled as wholemeal.

PLUS

PLUS lists white, white sourdough and multigrain rolls, with product information on ingredients and preparation.

  • According to PLUS, the multigrain variety listed contains 56% wholemeal wheat flour and has a fibre content of 7 g per 100 g.
  • This information applies to this variety, not to all multigrain rolls. Check the current packaging.

Dirk

Dirk lists white and multigrain bake-at-home rolls in packs of four.

  • The pack size makes it easy to plan how many rolls you need.
  • Don’t assume the multigrain variety is wholemeal without checking the product description.

Rolls at Joybuy

These white rolls can make up the white option in a mixed basket for Christmas dinner. If you want to cater for both preferences, choose separate rolls labelled as wholemeal as well.

g'woon white rustic rolls, 4 pieces

g'woon white rustic rolls, 4 pieces

A white option for guests who don’t want a wholemeal roll with Christmas dinner.

The product description lists wheat flour, 8% sourdough and iodised salt. Before serving, check the current allergen information and baking instructions on the pack.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is a multigrain roll automatically wholemeal?

No. The name ‘multigrain’ on its own doesn’t confirm that a roll is wholemeal. Check whether the product or shelf label says ‘wholemeal’; the Dutch Consumers’ Association also advises against judging by a dark colour alone.

How do I check for allergens when serving different types of rolls?

Check the current allergen information for each variety separately. Read the label on packaged rolls, and ask for product information if you’re buying unpackaged ones. This gives guests the information they need to decide which option is right for them.

Can I bake rolls for Christmas dinner in an air fryer?

Use an air fryer if the instructions for your chosen rolls recommend that method. Check the time and temperature for each variety; don’t assume the oven instructions also apply to an air fryer.

Does every roll contain baker’s salt or iodised salt?

Don’t assume so. If the type of salt matters to you, check the ingredients list for the roll you’ve chosen. Information on one product doesn’t automatically apply to other varieties.

When should I check which rolls are available?

Check the range when planning your Christmas dinner shopping, then look again at the available varieties when you buy. It’s particularly useful to check locally for fresh bread: Lidl says its range can vary by branch.