If wholemeal flour and fibre are your priorities for a snack, choose based on the ingredients and nutritional information, rather than the word ‘multigrain’. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists a slice of wholemeal bread as a possible snack for children aged 4 to 12. A rustic seeded loaf could be just the thing for a special snack, but check the allergens, preparation instructions and your school or after-school club’s rules before packing it.
For families who want to offer a slice of bread after school and are looking for wholemeal flour, fibre and a suitable portion size. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists a slice of wholemeal bread as a possible snack for children aged 4 to 12.
For anyone who likes the flavour or texture of a dark or rustic multigrain loaf, but wants to check the ingredients and allergens before packing it.
For households that need to check the chosen bread and any rules set by the school or after-school club. Even bread labelled gluten-free may contain other allergens.
First decide whether wholemeal flour and fibre, flavour, allergens or portion size matter most. Then compare the current packaging of breads that suit your needs.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check whether wholemeal flour is listed in the ingredients and compare the fibre per 100 g. | If you’re choosing bread mainly for its wholemeal flour and fibre, the ingredients matter more than the word ‘multigrain’. An estimated 36% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Flavour and texture | Check which grains or seeds are listed and whether the bread is pre-sliced. | For a special snack, a family might prefer a firm crust or seeded bread, provided the child enjoys it. This is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Allergens and rules | Read the current allergen information, even for gluten-free bread, and check the school or after-school club’s rules. | If you’re packing bread to take with you, whether the child is allowed to eat and bring it may determine your choice. An estimated 21% of consumers say this is their main concern. |
| Portions and storage | Choose a suitable loaf size and follow any freezing instructions on the packaging. | If you only use bread for a snack now and then, you may want to avoid having some of the loaf left over. Around 14% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
The name alone doesn’t tell you how much wholemeal flour or fibre the bread contains.
Check the ingredients and compare the stated fibre per 100 g, if that information is available for both breads.
Multigrain breads may contain gluten-containing cereals and other allergens. Other allergens are still relevant even in a gluten-free version.
Check the current packaging when you buy it and make sure you know the school or after-school club’s rules on bringing and sharing food.
If you only use it occasionally, some of the bread may go uneaten.
Consider choosing a smaller loaf or freezing portions, if the instructions for your chosen product allow it.
A rustic loaf shape or seed mix doesn’t, by itself, tell you whether the bread contains wholemeal flour or fibre, or whether it’s suitable for someone with allergies.
Choose these features for flavour and convenience, and check the ingredients separately on the label.
A starting point for dark multigrain bread with seeds.
A product example for assessing the ingredients and nutritional information of dark multigrain bread.
Worth considering if you’re looking for freshly baked multigrain bread.
A reference point for luxury multigrain hearth bread and farmhouse wholemeal multigrain bread.
A reference point for dark multigrain bread and a separate gluten-free multigrain option.
A starting point if you’re looking for a half-size multigrain loaf.
These products suit a rustic bread snack after school. If you’re specifically looking for wholemeal flour or fibre, compare the ingredients and nutritional information on the current packaging first.
Image unavailable
An option if you want to prepare rustic multigrain baguettes in advance for several snack occasions.
Check the preparation instructions and current allergen information, including details of wheat and sesame. If wholemeal flour or fibre matters to you, compare the label separately.
Image unavailable
Four individual baguettes could work well if you want to portion out snacks and have time to prepare them.
Check the baking time on the current packaging, as the product information gives different timings. Also read the allergen information for wheat and sesame, and check the wholemeal flour and fibre content if these are deciding factors for you.
Image unavailable
Two round loaves are handy for several planned snack occasions, as long as you allow time to prepare, cool and slice them.
The packaging states 550 g per loaf. Check the current allergen information for wheat and sesame, and read the label if you want to compare wholemeal flour or fibre content.
Image unavailable
This round loaf is a good fit if you can prepare the snack in advance rather than needing bread that’s ready to eat straight away.
The loaf weighs 550 g. Check the baking time on the packaging, as the product information gives different timings, and read the allergen information for wheat and sesame. Compare the wholemeal flour and fibre content separately if these are deciding factors for you.
No, the word ‘multigrain’ doesn’t confirm that a loaf is wholemeal. Check whether wholemeal flour is listed in the ingredients and, if the information is available, compare the fibre per 100 g.
Yes, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists a slice of wholemeal bread as a possible snack for children aged 4 to 12. Choose a portion that suits the snack occasion, and take the bread and topping ingredients into account.
No, it depends on the child’s needs and the rules set by the school or after-school club. Check the current allergen information for your chosen bread; gluten-free multigrain bread may contain other allergens too.
You can, if the instructions for your chosen product allow it. The PLUS and Albert Heijn loaves reviewed were listed as suitable for freezing on the day of purchase. Follow the instructions on the current packaging for your loaf.
