Households looking for soft bread
If coarse bread doesn’t go down well at home, you could try one finely milled wholemeal loaf first. Check that it’s labelled ‘wholemeal’ before buying the same variety to stock up.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Households that freeze bread
If you buy several loaves at once, it helps to divide them into portions that suit your daily needs. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread in portions as soon as you buy it.
Shoppers comparing labels
If ingredients, fibre, salt or allergens influence your choice, compare the exact loaf rather than relying on its colour or a name such as ‘multigrain’.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you need a fully wholemeal loaf or whether a mix of flours could work as a stepping stone. Then try the texture you want before buying several loaves to freeze.
Finely milled wholemeal bread
Choose this when: you’re looking for a finer texture but want bread that’s specifically sold as wholemeal.
The trade-off: ‘fine’ doesn’t tell you the full composition of the bread, so check the product description too.
Bread made with a flour mix
Choose this when: a stepping stone in taste or texture matters more than having a fully wholemeal loaf.
The trade-off: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread made with both wholemeal flour and white flour is not an equivalent replacement for bread made with 100% wholemeal flour.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal status | Read the product description and ingredients; colour and the name ‘multigrain’ don’t prove that bread is wholemeal. | I want to be sure my stock really is wholemeal bread. For around 31% of consumers, that certainty matters most. |
| Texture | Look for finely milled wholemeal bread and try one loaf before buying more of the same variety. | If coarse slices are left uneaten at home, I want to find out whether a finer variety will go down well first. Around 25% of consumers put acceptability first. |
| Storage | Check whether you can divide the bread into portions, and follow the storage and freezing instructions for the exact product. | I only use a few slices each day and don’t want to defrost a whole loaf every time. For around 31% of consumers, this practical approach to stocking up is the main consideration. |
| Size and availability | Compare whole and half loaves, and check whether the variety you want can be ordered or collected. | When I stock up again, I need to be able to get the same size in a way that suits me. For around 13% of consumers, this is the first consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking dark or multigrain bread for wholemeal
A dark colour or a mix of grains won’t tell you whether all the flour used is wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, brown bread is made with a mix of wholemeal flour and white flour.
Look for the label ‘wholemeal’ on the exact loaf, then read the ingredients.
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Buying several loaves without planning portions
If your stock doesn’t suit how much bread you eat at home, you could end up with leftovers after defrosting. Bread also gets drier the longer it stays in the freezer.
Divide the loaves into useful portions on the day you buy them, and follow the instructions on the packaging. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing wholemeal bread in portions as soon as you buy it.
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Assuming ‘fine’ guarantees a particular composition
A fine texture might be why you want to try a loaf, but it doesn’t tell you by itself whether the bread is fully wholemeal.
Use ‘finely milled wholemeal’ as a starting point, then check the description of the variety you’ve chosen.
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Relying on nutritional information for a different variety
Ingredients, allergens and nutritional values can vary from one loaf to another. PLUS also notes that product information may change.
Check the packaging of the exact loaf every time you buy it, especially if allergens, salt or the use of baker’s salt are important to your choice.
Brands to compare
These supermarket ranges give you a starting point for comparing bread textures and sizes. When you buy again, always check the information for the variety you’ve chosen.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers, among other options, round wholemeal bread, hearth-baked loaves and Zaans wholemeal bread.
- A range of bread styles gives you options for your first loaf to try.
- Albert Heijn says product information may change, so check the packaging.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists both Fine Wholemeal and coarser, denser wholemeal varieties.
- The fine variety is worth considering if you don’t want a coarse crumb.
- Check the specific loaf and whether it’s available to order or collect.
Lidl
Lidl describes a wholemeal kids’ loaf made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour.
- The flour texture described is relevant if you’re looking for a finer crumb.
- Lidl says you should discuss large bread orders with your local store; also check the information for the exact loaf.
ALDI
ALDI lists sliced Fine Wholemeal bread and other wholemeal varieties.
- Sliced bread is handy if you want to divide your stock into smaller portions.
- Compare the ingredients and nutritional values on the label of the variety you’ve chosen.
PLUS
PLUS offers, among other options, Round Fine Wholemeal and Farmhouse Wholemeal bread.
- Product pages may include ingredients, allergens, nutritional values and storage instructions.
- PLUS warns that product information may change, so read the packaging when your order arrives.
Dirk
Dirk offers wholemeal hearth-baked bread alongside other bread styles.
- The range gives you the option of trying a different bread texture.
- Check the ingredients and nutritional information for the exact loaf before choosing it.
Bread options on Joybuy
These two sizes from Lekhaven Bakkerij are options if you’re considering a round loaf to stock up on. Their English name doesn’t confirm that they meet your requirements for fully wholemeal bread; check the product description and ingredients on the packaging to make sure.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round, 2 × 550 g
The two-pack suits anyone who wants to buy several loaves at once. Before buying, check that the ingredients and preparation and storage instructions suit your plans for stocking up.
Pack size: two 550 g loaves. Don’t assume from ‘Whole Wheat’ alone that the bread is fully wholemeal.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round, 550 g
The single loaf is a good option if you want to try the taste and texture before buying more of the same variety.
Pack size: one 550 g loaf. If you’re specifically looking for wholemeal bread to freeze, check this variety’s product description, ingredients and storage instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Is brown bread made with wholemeal flour and white flour the same as wholemeal bread?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made with 100% wholemeal flour, while brown bread contains a mix of wholemeal flour and white flour. If you need fully wholemeal bread, choose a loaf labelled ‘wholemeal’.
How long can I keep wholemeal bread in the freezer?
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping wholemeal bread in the freezer for one to three months and advises freezing it in portions as soon as you buy it. Bread may get drier if frozen for longer, so also follow the instructions for the exact product.
Should I stock up on a whole or half loaf?
A half loaf is handy if you want to try a variety first or only use a few slices at a time. A whole loaf could work if you can divide it into useful portions and freeze it straight away; check the storage instructions on the packaging.
Can I tell which allergens a loaf contains or how much iodine it has from its name?
No. Check the current packaging of the exact loaf for allergen information. The term ‘baker’s salt’ alone doesn’t tell you how much iodine is in the finished bread either; ask the supplier for product information if you need it to make your choice.