Who is a half loaf useful for?

Anyone packing for one or two people

For a short journey, a half loaf may be a better fit for what you need to take. If you do have slices left over, you can freeze them in portions after purchase, as the Voedingscentrum advises.

Anyone keeping an eye on wholemeal and fibre

The word ‘multigrain’ isn’t enough for you. You’ll want to compare the wholemeal description and the fibre content per 100 g of the specific loaves you’re considering.

Anyone who needs to check ingredients carefully

If you have an allergy or a question about salt or baker’s salt, check the label on the variant you’ve chosen. If you’ve bought the loaf before, check the current packaging again too.

What should you look for when buying?

First, work out how many slices you’ll need for the journey. Then compare the wholemeal description and nutritional information, and check the ingredients of your chosen variant before buying.

What to look for What to check when buying Who it matters to
Portions and storage Check that it’s a half loaf and whether you can freeze any leftover slices in portions after purchase. For a short journey with one or two people, I don’t want to take more bread than we’ll use. Around 43% of consumers prioritise portion size and freshness.
Wholemeal and fibre Look for ‘wholemeal’ in the product description or ingredients list; compare the fibre content per 100 g. If I’m keeping an eye on fibre, I want to know what this bread is made from rather than relying on ‘multigrain’ alone. This is the main consideration for around 29% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the current label for allergen information, and check whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed if needed. If an ingredient matters to me, I need to be able to read the information for this exact variant. An estimated 28% of consumers put this check first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘wholemeal’

    According to the Voedingscentrum, ‘multigrain’ refers to bread made with at least three types of grain. The name doesn’t confirm that the bread is wholemeal.

    If you’re looking for a wholemeal option, read the product description and ingredients list. The nutritional information tells you how much fibre the chosen loaf contains per 100 g.

  • Thinking you’ll automatically get through half a loaf

    Even with half a loaf, slices can be left over or go stale if you buy more than you’ll eat during your journey.

    Take the portions you need and freeze the rest in portions after purchase. This is also the Voedingscentrum’s storage advice.

  • Assuming every loaf contains baker’s salt

    According to the Voedingscentrum, using baker’s salt is not compulsory. So you can’t tell from ‘multigrain bread’ alone whether iodised salt has been used.

    Check the label to find out. If it matters to your choice, ask about the ingredients when buying unwrapped bread.

Brands and shops to explore

Albert Heijn

The product page for AH Zaans meergranen half describes a wholemeal multigrain variant.

  • The page includes details such as ingredients and nutritional information.
  • Albert Heijn marks this particular variant as ‘Discontinued’. Check which half loaves are currently available.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s multigrain range includes products such as Jumbo Boeren Donker Volkoren Meergranen Half.

  • The range lets you see which half-loaf options are worth exploring.
  • Another product page, for Jumbo Volkoren Meergranen Brood Half, is listed as unavailable from the online range. Check the status of the variant you choose.

Lidl

Lidl describes Halfje donker meergranenbrood as a 400 g in-store product.

  • The product description mentions ingredients including wheat, barley and buckwheat.
  • Check the packaging in store if the wholemeal description, nutritional values or allergens are important to you.

ALDI

ALDI lists Boeren volkoren meergranen Half in its fresh daily bread range.

  • The name makes it clear that this is a half loaf and describes it as wholemeal.
  • Check what your local store has in stock and read the packaging for the ingredients of the loaf you’re taking with you.

PLUS

According to PLUS, PLUS Korenlanders Donker Meergranen Rond 1/2 is a 400 g half loaf.

  • For this variant, PLUS lists 50% wholemeal wheat flour and 6.8 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • PLUS says product information may change or differ. So be sure to check the packaging of the loaf you receive too.

Dirk

Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Bakkers meergranen half as a half-loaf option.

  • The product name makes it clear that it’s a half loaf.
  • Read the packaging if you need to check the wholemeal description, ingredients or allergens before choosing.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain, but the name alone says nothing about whether it is made with wholemeal flour. Check the product description and ingredients list for the loaf you’re considering.

Does Dutch multigrain bread always contain iodised baker’s salt?

No. The Voedingscentrum says that using baker’s salt is not compulsory. Check the label for ‘baker’s salt’ or ‘iodised salt’, or ask about the ingredients if you’re buying unwrapped bread.

What should I do with a half loaf I’m not taking on my trip?

Freeze any slices you won’t need straight away in portions after purchase. The Voedingscentrum recommends keeping opened wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2 to 4 days, or in the freezer for 1 to 3 months. Take into account when you plan to eat it when deciding how much to bring.

What should I look out for if I have an allergy?

Read the allergen information on the specific packaging before eating the bread. Ingredients and possible traces vary between variants, so don’t rely on the word ‘multigrain’ alone or on information for a different loaf.