A half multigrain loaf is a good fit for a small household if a whole loaf often goes uneaten. Freezing a whole loaf in portions as soon as you get it is another option if you can’t order a suitable half loaf. When choosing a half loaf, check the wholemeal designation, ingredients and allergens. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means that at least three types of grain have been used; it doesn’t automatically mean the bread is wholemeal.
If you don’t eat several slices of bread every day, a half loaf may be a better fit for how much you use. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says you can freeze bread in portions after buying it and take out only what you need.
You’re looking for half a loaf, but don’t want to rely on the word ‘multigrain’ alone. Compare the wholemeal designation, ingredients and fibre per 100 g on the product page.
You want to know which grains and other allergens the bread contains before ordering. Check the label when it arrives too, as the information needs to match the specific product.
Start with how much bread you use. If you choose a half loaf, compare the ingredients and check whether that particular option is available to order for your delivery slot.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Portion size and storage | Check that it’s a half loaf and note the weight on the packaging. Consider whether you can freeze any leftover slices straight away. | If you only eat bread occasionally, you won’t want a whole loaf going uneaten. For around 36% of consumers, finding a suitable portion size comes first. |
| Wholemeal content and nutritional value | Look for the wholemeal designation and compare fibre and salt per 100 g, rather than relying on the colour or the word ‘multigrain’ alone. | If you want to know whether your half multigrain loaf is also wholemeal, the name alone won’t tell you. Around 29% of consumers prioritise the ingredients. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the full ingredients list and allergen information before ordering, then check the label when it arrives. | If you need to avoid certain ingredients, you’ll want to know exactly what’s in the bread. For around 21% of consumers, checking the ingredients comes before other selection criteria. |
| Online availability | Enter your postcode and choose a delivery slot, then check whether the specific half loaf is available to order online. | If you’re having your bread delivered with your other shopping, the particular option you want needs to be available for your order. For around 14% of consumers, availability is the deciding factor. |
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain refers to at least three types of grain. The term doesn’t mean the bread is made with wholemeal flour.
Check the wholemeal designation and compare the fibre per 100 g in different half loaves.
Even a half loaf can go stale or mouldy before you finish it. A smaller size won’t necessarily prevent leftovers.
Freeze the bread in portions after delivery if you won’t eat it in time. Throw away any mouldy bread.
A loaf shown online isn’t necessarily available to order for every delivery slot. For example, Lidl lists its Halfje donker meergranenbrood as available in store only.
After entering your postcode and choosing a delivery slot, check the order status of the exact option you want.
These supermarket examples show why it’s important to check the specific loaf and how it can be ordered. A loaf in a retailer’s range isn’t automatically available for home delivery.
Albert Heijn lists AH Vloerbrood meergranen half in its online range.
Jumbo has an online multigrain bread category, with both half and whole loaves.
PLUS sells multigrain bread online for delivery or collection.
Lidl lists a Halfje donker meergranenbrood in its bakery range.
Dirk lists multigrain bread and half loaves in its bread range.
ALDI has bread categories in its range and offers an app with shopping information.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means that a loaf contains at least three types of grain; it says nothing about whether the bread is made entirely with wholemeal flour. Check the wholemeal designation on the loaf you want to order.
Freeze any slices you won’t use soon in portions as soon as your bread arrives. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread straight after purchase and taking out only the amount you need each time.
The term multigrain doesn’t show that bread is gluten-free. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, grains such as wheat, rye and barley contain gluten. Check the specific product for a gluten-free designation, as well as its ingredients and allergen information.
