Breakfast lovers who want to stick with the Kaiser shape
Would you like a familiar Kaiser roll on a weekday, but prefer a wholemeal base to a white roll? Then a wholemeal Kaiser is a closer match than a seeded roll in a different shape.
Who might prefer each option?
Breakfast lovers who mainly want seeds
If you’re looking for seeds, kernels and a different texture, a pistolet or roll could work if you’re happy to move away from the Kaiser shape. Check separately whether the roll is wholemeal.
Breakfast lovers who like to plan ahead
If you want to keep rolls in stock for weekdays, consider how they’re stored, how many come in a pack and how long they take to defrost or bake, as well as their ingredients.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether wholemeal flour, seeds or an easy morning routine matters most to you. Then see which type of bread fits the bill.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check the types of flour in the ingredients and compare fibre per 100 g. | I want to keep the Kaiser shape and choose mainly based on wholemeal flour and fibre, not colour or seeds. This combination is the top priority for around 44% of these consumers. |
| Seeds and texture | Check which seeds or kernels are listed, and look separately at the wholemeal flour and allergen information. | If seeds are my priority, I’m happy with a pistolet or roll too, and want to know what’s in it. This is the main consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Preparation and keeping them in stock | Check the storage and preparation instructions, as well as the number of rolls in each pack. | On a weekday, I want to know whether defrosting and baking fit into my morning, and how to store the rest. This is the first consideration for around 23% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Confusing seeds with wholemeal
A roll with kernels or several types of grain doesn’t have to have a wholemeal base. According to the Voedingscentrum, ‘multigrain’ means that at least three types of grain have been used; the word alone doesn’t mean those grains are wholemeal.
Check the ingredients for wholemeal flour, and use the nutritional information per 100 g when comparing fibre between products.
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Overlooking allergen information
According to Jumbo, its wholemeal Kaiser rolls may contain sesame and nuts, among other things. PLUS states that its wholemeal Kaiser roll may contain sesame. So the product information is still important, even for a roll without visible seeds.
If you have an allergy, check the latest information about both ingredients and possible traces. Before buying unwrapped bread, ask for the allergen information.
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Assuming every roll contains baker’s salt
According to the Voedingscentrum, bread made with iodised baker’s salt is an important source of iodine in the Netherlands, but using baker’s salt isn’t compulsory. The shape of the bread alone won’t tell you which salt has been used.
For packaged bread, check the ingredients for baker’s salt or iodised salt. If the bread is unwrapped, ask the shop.
Brands to consider
These ranges offer a few different options: a white or wholemeal Kaiser, or a seeded roll in a different shape. Always check the information for the product you choose.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists white bake-at-home Kaiser rolls alongside options such as wholemeal rolls and multigrain triangles.
- For its white AH Kaiser rolls, Albert Heijn lists 2.9 g of fibre per 100 g and iodised salt.
- A wholemeal roll or multigrain triangle has a different shape; check its ingredients separately.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists frozen wholemeal Kaiser rolls as well as a multiseed pistolet.
- Jumbo lists 6.7 g of fibre per 100 g for its frozen wholemeal Kaiser rolls.
- The multiseed pistolet isn’t a Kaiser roll. Jumbo advises that its frozen Kaisers shouldn’t be refrozen after defrosting.
Lidl
Lidl lists a white Kaiser roll, as well as a separate wholemeal roll with seeds and kernels.
- The wholemeal roll is an option if seeds matter more to you than the Kaiser shape.
- According to Lidl, its fresh bread range may vary from one store to another.
ALDI
ALDI lists white Kaiser rolls from De Afbakker, alongside multigrain triangles and petit pains.
- The different shapes let you decide first whether you’re after a Kaiser or another type of roll.
- The term ‘multigrain’ doesn’t replace checking for wholemeal flour, seeds and fibre.
PLUS
PLUS lists white Kaiser rolls and an individual wholemeal Kaiser roll.
- PLUS states that its wholemeal Kaiser roll contains 67% wholemeal wheat flour and 6.9 g of fibre per 100 g.
- It isn’t automatically a seeded roll; according to PLUS, the product may contain sesame.
Dirk
Dirk lists white bake-at-home Kaiser rolls, including a pack of four.
- For its bake-at-home option, Dirk gives a cooking time of 6–8 minutes in an oven or air fryer.
- A white bake-at-home Kaiser roll isn’t the same choice as a wholemeal Kaiser or a seeded roll.
Bread alternatives at Joybuy
This selection includes baguettes, round loaves and brioche rolls for anyone happy to move away from the Kaiser shape at weekday breakfast. First decide whether seeds or a wholemeal base matters more to you, then check the packaging for ingredients and preparation instructions.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 4 × 135 g
A baguette to consider if you’re looking for a different shape from a Kaiser and seeds are your priority. Check the ingredients, allergen information and preparation instructions on the packaging; the name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t confirm that it has a wholemeal base.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 550 g
A round loaf for when you don’t need an individual Kaiser roll. If you’re looking for a wholemeal option, don’t rely on the word ‘multigrain’ alone: check the types of flour and seeds in the ingredients, and follow the preparation instructions on the packaging.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
A round loaf for anyone who values a wholemeal base more than the Kaiser shape. Check the ingredients on the label, and only compare fibre when the nutritional information uses the same unit.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Brioche Roll 50 Sesame/Flaxseed Deco, 2 × 50 g
A brioche roll for anyone looking for sesame and linseed and happy to move away from the Kaiser shape. Check the latest allergen information and the defrosting and storage instructions; seeds in the name don’t confirm that it has a wholemeal base.
Frequently asked questions
Is a seeded roll automatically wholemeal?
No. Seeds alone don’t tell you which types of flour have been used. According to the Voedingscentrum, ‘multigrain’ means that at least three types of grain have been used, not that the bread is wholemeal. So if wholemeal flour is essential for you, check the ingredients list.
What should I check on a seeded roll if I have an allergy?
Check the latest allergen information before buying, even if you can’t see any seeds. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists sesame seeds as an allergen that must be declared; allergen information appears on the label of pre-packed products. For unwrapped bread, ask the shop for the product information.
Does every Kaiser roll contain iodised baker’s salt?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, using baker’s salt isn’t compulsory. For packaged rolls, check whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed in the ingredients; if the bread is unwrapped, ask the shop.
Can I buy Kaiser rolls in advance for several weekdays?
Yes, as long as the storage method and preparation instructions work with your plans. Jumbo states that its frozen wholemeal Kaiser rolls shouldn’t be refrozen after defrosting; for other rolls, follow the instructions on their own packaging.