Who is this choice relevant to?

Hosts putting on a toppings spread

You want to lay out bread that guests can easily pick up and top. Don’t just check whether it’s sliced; make sure the thickness works with your dips and toppings too.

Shoppers who look for wholemeal and fibre

You’re looking for a clear wholemeal description and want to compare the fibre content per 100 g, rather than relying on the name multigrain bread.

Hosts catering for guests with dietary requirements or allergies

You need to be able to check in advance which allergens the bread contains. Even with a separate gluten-free loaf, the other ingredients and any warnings still matter.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether easy sharing is your main priority or whether a wholemeal description comes first. Then check the slice thickness and any information that matters to your guests. ‘Sliced’ doesn’t automatically mean ‘medium-sliced’.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Slice thickness and ease of sharing Look at the slices or ask how thickly the bread is cut. Consider whether you want to divide the slices into smaller pieces. When I’m laying out several dips and toppings, I want bread that guests can pick up without needing to cut it further. Easy sharing would be the main priority for around 36% of consumers.
Wholemeal and fibre Look for the description ‘wholemeal multigrain bread’ and compare the stated fibre per 100 g. If I want to keep using the same bread after the event, I’d rather make an informed choice based on the wholemeal description and nutritional information. Around 29% of consumers would put this first.
Allergens and dietary requirements Read the current label; for unpackaged bread, ask for allergen information. If you’re choosing a gluten-free alternative, check for other allergens too. If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know which bread is suitable and serve it separately if needed. This would determine the choice for around 21% of consumers.
Quantity and storage Choose an amount that suits the number of guests and the other dishes. Follow the packaging instructions if you want to freeze the bread. For a small group or when serving several types of bread, I don’t want to be left with too much. A suitable quantity would be the main consideration for around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming multigrain means wholemeal

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread is made using at least three types of grain. The name doesn’t tell you whether the bread is wholemeal.

    If you want wholemeal bread, look for the explicit product description and compare the fibre content in the nutritional information per 100 g.

  • Assuming sliced bread is medium-sliced

    A product name that includes ‘sliced’ doesn’t tell you whether the slices are the right thickness for your dips or toppings.

    Look at the bread in the shop, ask about the slice thickness or choose a whole loaf that you can cut to size yourself.

  • Checking allergens only in the regular bread

    Regular multigrain bread may contain allergens such as gluten-containing cereals or sesame. A gluten-free alternative can contain other allergens too.

    Read the label for every product you choose, or ask for allergen information if the bread is unpackaged. Keep products separate if cross-contact could be an issue for a guest.

  • Buying more fresh bread than you can use

    With several dishes on the table, it’s easier to have bread left over than when it’s the only base for the meal.

    Choose an amount that suits the number of guests and consider a half loaf. Check the storage instructions if you want to freeze any leftovers.

Brands and shops to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists AH Liefde & Passie sliced multigrain, a brown multigrain bread made with wheat, rye and millet.

  • The product information lists ingredients including sunflower seeds, sesame and iodised salt, as well as 5,7 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • Check the slice thickness of the bread you choose; ‘sliced’ doesn’t tell you how thick it is.

Jumbo

Jumbo provides product information for a wholemeal multigrain bread, which is useful for comparing the description and nutritional information.

  • Jumbo lists 7,8 g of fibre per 100 g for Jumbo Wholemeal Multigrain Bread.
  • Before buying, check which variety is available and whether the slice thickness suits you.

Lidl

At Lidl, you can check what multigrain bread is available in the bakery section at your local shop.

  • Check the specific loaf and, if needed, ask about its slice thickness, ingredients and allergens before choosing.

ALDI

ALDI lists Boeren wholemeal multigrain half loaf as sliced bread.

  • A half loaf may be a good choice if you’re serving other types of bread too.
  • Check the slice thickness in store and read the information on the packaging.

PLUS

PLUS lists Korenlanders Donker multigrain round loaf as wholemeal multigrain bread, and also sells a separate gluten-free multigrain bread from Schär.

  • The Korenlanders bread is an option to consider when checking the wholemeal description and nutritional information.
  • The Korenlanders variety listed is a whole loaf, not a confirmed medium-sliced option. Check the other allergens in the Schär variety too.

Dirk

Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Bakkers half multigrain loaf, an option to consider if you want a smaller amount of bread.

  • A half loaf can be practical alongside other dishes or types of bread.
  • Check the slice thickness, ingredients and allergens in the bread you buy.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread is made using at least three types of grain; the bread may also contain refined flour. If you specifically want wholemeal bread, look for the description ‘wholemeal multigrain bread’.

Does bread have to contain iodised baker’s salt?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread doesn’t have to be made with baker’s salt. To find out whether the bread you’ve chosen contains it, check the label.

How do I check allergens in unpackaged bread?

Before buying, ask for allergen information about the specific bread. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that consumers must be given this information for unpackaged foods in a way other than on a label.

Can I freeze the bread in advance?

First check the storage instructions for the bread you buy. Albert Heijn and PLUS state that the breads mentioned here can be frozen on the day of purchase; this doesn’t automatically apply to every multigrain bread.