Who is this choice relevant to?

Anyone packing a school lunch every day

Parents, carers and pupils looking for bread that’s easy to fill and take with them, and who also want to know what the name ‘multigrain’ really means.

Anyone checking for a wholemeal base

Shoppers who want to see which grains are wholemeal in the ingredients list. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ on its own only tells you how many types of grain have been used.

Anyone taking allergens into account

People packing lunches who need to check the current ingredients and allergen information against the pupil’s needs and any school requirements. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for pre-packed bread is shown on the label.

What should you look for when choosing?

First check that the bread meets any allergen requirements. Then compare the ingredients and nutritional information, and finally make sure the slicing thickness works for the lunchbox.

What to consider What to check Who is this most important for?
Wholemeal base and nutritional information Check which grains are listed as wholemeal. Compare the fibre and salt content of similar breads, for example per 100 g. For everyday lunches, I want to be able to see whether the bread also has a wholemeal base, rather than relying on ‘multigrain’ alone. Around 42% of consumers prioritise a wholemeal base.
Allergens and school requirements Read the current ingredients and allergen information, and check what requirements apply at school. If a pupil needs to avoid certain ingredients, the bread you pack must suit their needs and meet the school’s requirements. This is a top consideration for around 33% of consumers.
Slicing thickness and storage Confirm that the bread is medium-sliced and read the storage and freezing instructions on the packaging. I want slices that are easy to fill and can be used over several school days. Practicality comes first for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘wholemeal’

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means that at least three types of grain have been used. The name doesn’t tell you which ingredients are wholemeal.

    Read the ingredients list and, if you’re choosing between breads, compare the fibre and salt per 100 g.

  • Assuming regular multigrain bread is gluten-free

    Multigrain bread can contain grains that contain gluten. Other ingredients and allergens may also be relevant to the pupil.

    If gluten-free bread is needed, choose a product explicitly labelled gluten-free and check the current label and any school requirements.

  • Assuming ‘sliced’ means ‘medium-sliced’

    A general description such as ‘sliced’ doesn’t confirm the thickness of the slices. This can matter if they need to fit the filling or the lunchbox.

    Check the slicing thickness on the packaging or the individual product page before choosing a whole loaf.

  • Relying only on older online product information

    Albert Heijn states that a product’s ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change.

    Use a product page to help you decide, but check the current packaging when you buy the bread.

Brands with relevant multigrain breads

Albert Heijn

As part of AH Liefde & Passie, Albert Heijn describes a 550 g sliced brown multigrain bread containing ingredients including wheat, rye, millet, sunflower seeds and sesame.

  • The individual product information lists the ingredients, allergens, nutritional values and storage instructions.
  • Here, ‘sliced’ doesn’t confirm that the bread is medium-sliced. Check the current label too, as product information can change.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists several multigrain breads in its online range, including Boeren Donker Volkoren Meergranen and Stevig Meergranen.

  • The range page helps you find individual types of bread.
  • Check the slicing thickness, ingredients and allergens for the specific bread you choose; the category label doesn’t provide these details for every product.

PLUS

PLUS lists products including Korenlanders Desem Meergranen Boekweit and Brood van Soma Haverkorn multigrain bread in its online multigrain range.

  • The range page shows which types of bread you can view individually.
  • Don’t rely on the category label to confirm medium-sliced bread, a wholemeal base or suitability for someone with an allergen; check the specific bread instead.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ means that bread contains at least three types of grain. Check the ingredients list to see which of them are wholemeal.

Can regular multigrain bread be packed for a pupil who needs to eat gluten-free?

Don’t rely on the name ‘multigrain’. Choose bread explicitly labelled gluten-free, and check the current ingredients, allergen information and any school requirements.

Where can I find allergen information for pre-packed bread?

Allergen information is shown on the label of pre-packed bread, as described by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. Read the packaging of the bread you’re actually buying, even if you’ve already looked at the product page.

Does every loaf contain iodised baker’s salt?

Don’t assume that it does. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds can be present in bread through the use of baker’s salt; check the ingredients list for the bread you choose.

What if a whole loaf is too much for a few school lunches?

Read the storage and freezing instructions for the specific bread before using it over several days. For example, Albert Heijn says its AH Liefde & Passie Meergranen gesneden can be frozen; instructions can vary from one bread to another.