Who is this relevant to?

Organisers of small lunch breaks

If you’re providing bread for a small group or a single short lunch break, half a loaf can help you match the amount you buy to the amount you expect to serve. Plan what you’ll do with any portions left over, too.

Caterers comparing wholemeal options and fibre

The term multigrain doesn’t tell you whether a loaf is wholemeal. Compare the product name, ingredients and nutritional information for the bread you’re actually planning to serve.

Organisers of an unpackaged buffet

Record the allergen information for the exact loaf before serving it, so guests can access that information when the bread is offered without its packaging.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by estimating how much bread you’ll need for each serving time. Then check the ingredients, allergen information and whether your chosen shop stocks the size you want.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Portion size and leftovers Check the weight or number of slices and plan the serving times. Decide whether you can freeze unused portions straight away. For a small lunch, I don’t want to open more bread than I can serve or store; around 31% of consumers prioritise an appropriate quantity.
Wholemeal and fibre Read the product name and ingredients list. If fibre information is provided, compare the amount per 100 g. If I specifically want to offer wholemeal bread, I want to be able to tell from the product I choose; around 25% of consumers give this product choice top priority.
Allergen information when serving Check the current ingredients and allergen information for the exact loaf before serving it without its packaging. At an unpackaged buffet, I need to be able to tell guests about allergens; around 25% of consumers put this information first.
Available size Check whether your chosen shop stocks the loaf you want and whether you can order it there or have to buy it in store. For a planned event, I want to be able to buy the size I’ve chosen in good time; around 19% of consumers prioritise availability.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming multigrain means wholemeal

    According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain refers to bread made with at least three types of grain. The term alone doesn’t mean that the flour used is wholemeal.

    Look for a wholemeal label on the exact loaf and read the ingredients list before offering it as a wholemeal option.

  • Checking allergen information only when serving

    Allergen information for bread served without its packaging must be available to guests. A general description such as multigrain doesn’t replace information about the product you’ve chosen.

    Keep the current packaging or supplier specification on record in advance, and make sure the information is available at the buffet. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority sets out requirements for unpackaged foods.

  • Buying a whole loaf without a plan for leftovers

    If fewer people attend than expected, you may have bread left over. The Voedingscentrum advises freezing bread you won’t use in time in portions straight away; it can dry out if stored for longer.

    Before buying, work out how much bread you’ll need for each serving time and which unused portions you can freeze.

Brands and shops to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists a half brown multigrain hearth-baked loaf, available in store only.

  • The product information lists both wholemeal wheat flour and wheat flour, among other ingredients. So you can’t assume this particular loaf is entirely wholemeal just because it’s called multigrain.
  • Before serving, check the current packaging and allergen information for the loaf you buy.

Lidl

Lidl lists a 400 g half loaf of dark multigrain bread as an in-store product.

  • The stated weight helps you plan how much bread you’ll need.
  • Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging in store before serving the bread without its packaging.

Aldi

ALDI lists a half loaf of farmhouse wholemeal multigrain bread for anyone specifically looking for a half loaf labelled wholemeal.

  • The wholemeal label distinguishes this product from multigrain bread without that description.
  • Check the current packaging for the ingredients, allergens and quantity you need.

Plus

PLUS stocks multigrain breads, including a small brown multigrain sourdough loaf.

  • A small loaf may be worth considering if a whole loaf is too much for one serving time.
  • Check the weight and ingredients for each product you’re considering; a small loaf isn’t automatically a standard half loaf.

Dirk

Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Bakers’ multigrain half loaf as a half multigrain loaf.

  • Its half-loaf format makes it a relevant option if you’re buying for a small serving occasion.
  • Before serving it without its packaging, check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging.

A multigrain option at Joybuy

This pack of four individual multigrain baguettes could help you plan separate portions. It isn’t half a loaf, so compare the pack contents with the amount you expect to serve at your conference lunch.

Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, pack of 4 x 135 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette 4 x 135 g

The four individual baguettes offer an alternative for portion planning if you don’t want to open a half loaf.

The pack contains four baguettes, each weighing 135 g. Allow time for defrosting and baking; follow the preparation instructions on the packaging.

Before serving without its packaging, check the full allergen information on the current packaging. Don’t assume the baguettes are wholemeal just because they’re described as multigrain.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread always wholemeal?

No. According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain means that bread is made from at least three types of grain; it may also contain refined flour. Check the wholemeal label and ingredients list for the loaf you want to buy.

What should I do with bread left over after the conference lunch?

Freeze any portions you won’t use in time as soon as possible. The Voedingscentrum says opened wholemeal bread can be kept in a kitchen cupboard for two to four days, and advises freezing it in portions straight away if you plan to use it later.

What allergen information do I need for an unpackaged bread buffet?

The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says information about any allergens present must be available to guests when bread is offered without its packaging. Use the current information for the exact product and make sure guests can access it before eating.

How can I tell whether multigrain bread contains iodised salt?

Check the ingredients list for the specific loaf for the type of salt used, such as iodised salt. Don’t assume that it contains iodised salt just because it’s called multigrain bread.