For a larger Christmas table, a wholemeal multi-seed sourdough loaf could be a good fit. For a smaller gathering, a smaller loaf is often more practical, especially if you’re serving several other dishes. Check the ingredients and allergen information before you buy: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multi-seed’ does not automatically mean ‘wholemeal’, and not every loaf is made with baker’s salt.
You’re looking for bread to serve to several guests, perhaps with soup or savoury toppings. Albert Heijn lists a whole, sliced 800 g multi-seed sourdough loaf. Think ahead about what you’ll do with any leftovers.
You want to know which grains, fibre, type of salt and allergens the bread contains. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the label ‘multi-seed’ alone doesn’t mean a loaf is wholemeal, so check the specific product label.
You’re looking for a size that will sit neatly alongside the other dishes. PLUS, for example, lists a smaller 300 g multi-seed sourdough loaf. If you choose a part-baked loaf, read the baking instructions before planning when to serve it.
First, choose a size to suit your Christmas table and serving time. Then check the ingredients of the loaf you’re actually buying.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour and presentation | Check the size and find out whether the loaf is part-baked or baked in store. | If you’re serving bread on a festive board, you’ll want the crust, flavour and serving time to suit the meal; around 31% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Wholemeal and ingredients | Read the ingredients list; compare fibre and salt per 100 g if needed, and look for baker’s salt or iodised salt. | If you’re specifically looking for wholemeal bread, don’t rely on the word ‘multi-seed’ alone. This is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Check the current allergen information and details of any possible traces on the packaging. | If someone at your table needs to avoid certain ingredients, you’ll want to know what’s in the loaf; an estimated 23% of consumers prioritise allergen information. |
| Quantity and storage | Compare the loaf’s weight with the number of people eating and the other dishes; decide whether you can freeze any leftovers. | If you’re hosting a small gathering, you won’t want too much bread left over. That’s why around 15% of consumers prioritise size and storage. |
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multi-seed bread is made with at least three types of grain. That doesn’t tell you whether the bread is wholemeal.
Look for a clearly labelled wholemeal option and check the ingredients list if wholemeal flour is a deciding factor for you.
The word ‘sourdough’ doesn’t tell you everything about a particular loaf’s recipe. Bread can contain both sourdough and baker’s yeast.
If the raising agents used affect your choice, check the ingredients of the loaf you want to buy.
Ingredients and allergen information can vary between products or change over time. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also notes that not every baker uses baker’s salt.
Check the current label on packaged bread. For unpackaged bread, ask about the ingredients, allergens and type of salt if you need that information to make your choice.
A large loaf can be handy when you’re feeding several guests, but you may have bread left over if you’re catering for a small table.
Choose a size to suit the number of people eating and the other dishes. If you want to buy ahead, freeze the bread in portions.
The AH OerDesem donker meergranen heel gesneden is an example of a large wholemeal multi-seed sourdough loaf.
Jumbo includes ‘desem bruin meergranen’ in its rustic sourdough range.
PLUS lists both a smaller brown multi-seed sourdough loaf and a multi-seed sourdough loaf with buckwheat.
Lidl lists a 600 g organic brown multi-seed sourdough loaf with seeds and kernels.
ALDI lists multi-seed bread and wholemeal multi-seed bread in its freshly baked range.
Dirk lists both multi-seed bread and sourdough bread in its bread range.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multi-seed bread is made with at least three different types of grain, but the name doesn’t mean it’s wholemeal. Check the product name and ingredients list of the loaf you’re buying.
No, don’t assume so without checking the label: bread can contain both sourdough and baker’s yeast. Read the ingredients if the raising agent matters to your choice.
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. For packaged bread, look for ‘baker’s salt’ or ‘iodised salt’ in the ingredients list; for unpackaged bread, ask the baker.
If you’re buying it well ahead, freeze it in portions. For opened wholemeal sourdough bread, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing it in a kitchen cupboard for 2–4 days or in the freezer for 1–3 months. Also follow any instructions on the packaging.
No. That description doesn’t give you a full ingredients list. Check the packaging or, for unpackaged bread, ask which grains and raising agents are used, what type of salt it contains and whether there are any allergens.
