Who is this choice important for?

Anyone serving generously topped slices

For cheese, egg, fish or spreads, you’ll want a slice that’s easy to top. If a loaf is simply described as ‘sliced’, ask how thick the slices are; that doesn’t tell you whether they’re medium-sliced.

Anyone comparing wholemeal bread and fibre

The word ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you whether a loaf is wholemeal. Check the product description and compare the stated fibre per 100 g for the loaves you’re considering.

Anyone catering for allergies or dietary requirements

Check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact loaf for every guest. The grains, seeds and any ‘may contain’ statements vary from product to product.

What should you look for?

Start with the slice thickness you want and the toppings you’re planning for Easter lunch. Then compare wholemeal content, nutritional information and allergens, and plan when to buy the bread.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters most to
Slice thickness and toppings Ask whether the bread is medium-sliced or can be sliced that way. If needed, look at a slice in store. When I’m adding generous toppings, I want slices that are easy to top, without being too thick for my lunch. About 31% of consumers give slice thickness and toppings top priority.
Wholemeal bread and fibre Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the exact product and compare the fibre content per 100 g. I want to know whether my multigrain bread is wholemeal too, rather than judging by its name or colour. For about 31% of consumers, wholemeal content and fibre information come first.
Ingredients and allergens Read the allergen information and check for any ‘may contain’ warning. Before buying unpackaged bread, ask for allergen information. If I’m buying for guests with an allergy, I need to be able to check whether this particular loaf is suitable for them. Ingredients and allergens are the main concern for about 23% of consumers.
Storage and planning Check your store’s opening hours and range, and read the storage instructions if you’re buying the bread in advance. For Easter lunch, I want to have the bread ready in time without leaving everything until Easter Sunday. About 15% of consumers prioritise this kind of planning.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘wholemeal’

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ refers to several types of grain; it doesn’t automatically mean that the bread is wholemeal.

    If you prefer wholemeal bread, check the product description and compare the fibre per 100 g for the exact loaves you’re considering.

  • Assuming ‘sliced’ means ‘medium-sliced’

    A loaf can be pre-sliced without the name telling you how thick the slices are. So you won’t know how a slice will work with your choice of toppings.

    Ask in store for medium-sliced bread, or whether the loaf can be sliced to that thickness.

  • Looking only at the seeds

    The outside of a loaf doesn’t tell you which allergens the exact product contains. The multigrain breads described by retailers including Albert Heijn and Jumbo list different types of grain and sesame.

    Read the ingredients and allergen information, including any ‘may contain’ statements. If the bread is unpackaged, ask what information is available.

  • Leaving it until Easter Sunday to look for bread

    According to the Dutch Government, Sunday opening hours vary by municipality. You’ll also need to check whether your local store stocks the bread you want.

    Check with your store in advance. If you buy the bread earlier, follow the storage instructions; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread in portions as soon as you buy it.

Brands to compare

These brands give you a starting point for comparing loaves. For Easter lunch, always check the exact product and the slice thickness you want.

Albert Heijn

An option if you want to check information about a sliced multigrain loaf in advance.

  • Albert Heijn lists AH Liefde & Passie Meergranen as weighing 550 g, with 5,7 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • ‘Sliced’ doesn’t confirm that the slices are medium thickness. Also check the listed allergens, including sesame, and any ‘may contain’ warnings.

Jumbo

A brand to consider when comparing different multigrain varieties by product description and ingredients.

  • The Waldkorn variety described is a whole brown multigrain loaf with seeds.
  • Check whether you can have this loaf sliced to your preferred thickness, and read the allergen information for the variety you choose.

Lidl

Worth considering if you want to check the slice thickness and packaging of multigrain bread in store.

  • Lidl describes a multigrain loaf made with wheat, barley and buckwheat as an in-store product.
  • Check the slice thickness, ingredients and nutritional information for the loaf you’re buying in store.

ALDI

A brand to consider if you want to compare a sliced multigrain loaf with a sliced wholemeal multigrain loaf.

  • ALDI describes a pre-sliced premium multigrain artisan loaf and a sliced farmhouse wholemeal multigrain loaf.
  • Ask whether the slices of your chosen loaf are medium thickness, and check the packaging in store.

PLUS

An option if you want to compare the ingredients and nutritional information of a wholemeal multigrain loaf in advance.

  • PLUS lists Soma Haverkorn volkoren meergranenbrood as containing 6,2 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • Check the slice thickness and read the grains and allergens listed for the exact product, including any ‘may contain’ warnings.

Dirk

Worth considering if half a multigrain loaf is a better fit for the amount of bread you want to buy for lunch.

  • Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Bakkers meergranen half as fresh bread.
  • Before buying, ask about the slice thickness and the ingredients and allergen information for this loaf.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain refers to bread made with at least three different types of grain; the term alone doesn’t mean that the bread is wholemeal. If this matters to you, check for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the exact product.

Does ‘sliced’ mean that a loaf is medium-sliced?

No, ‘sliced’ doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are. For an Easter lunch with your chosen toppings, ask how thick the slices are or whether the loaf can be medium-sliced.

Does multigrain bread always contain iodine?

You can’t tell from the word ‘multigrain’. The Dutch legal definition of baker’s salt refers to iodised salt, so check the ingredients list for the exact loaf for ‘baker’s salt’ or ‘iodised salt’.

How do I check allergens in bread from the bakery counter?

Before buying, ask for allergen information for the exact loaf if it isn’t displayed. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the mandatory declaration of allergens. If you have an allergy, don’t rely on the bread’s name or on visible seeds alone.

Can I buy the bread in advance for Easter lunch?

Yes. Follow the storage instructions for the loaf you choose. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread in portions as soon as you buy it if you plan to use it later. Also check your store’s opening hours in advance: according to the Dutch Government, Sunday opening hours vary by municipality.