For a daily staff canteen lunch, choose multigrain bread with an explicit wholemeal claim if wholegrains and fibre matter to you: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ does not automatically mean ‘wholemeal’. Confirm the required slice thickness separately with your supplier, as ‘sliced’ does not tell you how thick the slices are. Before serving, also check the current ingredients and allergen information for the bread you have chosen.
Looking for bread that can be served consistently and wants to check the product information with every delivery. Up-to-date allergen information is essential for guests when serving unpackaged bread.
Doesn’t want to rely on the word ‘multigrain’ alone, but compares the wholemeal claim and fibre content of the breads being considered on a like-for-like basis.
Needs clear ingredient information and, where necessary, a separate product choice. The allergens present, or listed as possible traces, vary from one bread to another.
Start with the bread’s ingredients and how it will be served. Then check whether the exact variant meets your requirements for slice thickness and the information guests need.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholegrains and fibre | Check the wholemeal claim and compare the fibre content of the exact variants per 100 g or per equal serving. | Anyone choosing bread for daily use and prioritising wholegrains will want to check this rather than infer it from the name ‘multigrain’ alone. It is the main consideration for around 36% of consumers. |
| Slice thickness and serving | Ask what slice thickness will be supplied; ‘sliced’ and ‘half’ do not confirm that the slices are medium thickness. | For a busy lunch service, I want to be able to rely on slices that suit the planned portions. This matters most to around 29% of consumers. |
| Allergens and dietary requirements | Use the current ingredients and allergen information for the bread you have purchased; assess any separate dietary variant individually. | If guests ask which grains or other allergens their bread contains, I need to be able to answer before buying it. This is the main concern for around 21% of consumers. |
| Flavour and texture | Check the grains, seeds and kernels listed; compare nutritional values such as salt only on the same basis, for example per 100 g. | For bread served every day, I want to choose a texture that suits the lunch we offer. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this consideration. |
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread is made using at least three types of grain. That alone does not mean the bread is wholemeal.
Make wholemeal status a separate selection criterion, then compare the fibre content of the exact product variants.
A recipe or supplier can change, so information recorded earlier may no longer apply to the bread served in the canteen.
Check the current packaging or supplier specification when deliveries arrive and whenever anything changes, then update the allergen information for guests.
‘Half’ describes the size of the loaf, while ‘sliced’ only confirms that it has been pre-sliced. Neither term specifies the thickness of the slices.
Ask your supplier about the slice thickness or assess a sample loaf before adding it as a regular canteen specification.
Gluten-free multigrain bread can still contain other allergens. For example, Schär Rustico, as described by Albert Heijn, contains soya and may contain lupin.
When choosing a separate gluten-free option, check all the allergens for the exact variant and take care to prevent cross-contact when serving it.
Albert Heijn describes AH Liefde & Passie Meergranen as sliced brown bread made with ingredients including wheat, rye, millet, sunflower seeds and sesame.
PLUS describes Brood van Soma Haverkorn as a 400 g wholemeal multigrain loaf.
ALDI describes a half-size farmhouse wholemeal multigrain loaf as sliced bread.
Lidl describes a multigrain bread containing ingredients including wheat, barley and buckwheat, and also provides information about the ingredients and allergens in its freshly baked bread.
Jumbo described Waldkorn Authentic Half as multigrain bread, but notes that this variant is no longer listed in its online range.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three different types of grain; the term does not mean the bread is wholemeal. Check the name or product description of the variant you choose separately.
Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, a provider must make information about the 14 specified allergens available before purchase when serving unpackaged food. For cereals containing gluten, the type of cereal must be made clear. Information can be provided in writing or, subject to certain conditions, verbally.
No. Albert Heijn and ALDI describe certain breads as sliced, but this does not specify the thickness of the slices. Ask your supplier about the slice thickness or assess a sample loaf before placing a regular canteen order.
No, don’t assume this applies to every loaf. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority describes baker’s salt as a possible source of iodine compounds in bread. If the type of salt used matters, check the ingredients list for the exact variant.
