Which option is right for you?

Shopping for a small barbecue

If half a loaf is enough for your group, you won’t need to deal with leftovers from a whole loaf. Check the pack size and type of bread before you choose.

Hosts who want warm bread to share

You can serve bake-at-home baguettes in pieces, as long as you have time to prepare them just before eating and can use an oven or a suitable air fryer.

Checking ingredients or allergens

The name multigrain doesn’t tell you whether a loaf is wholemeal. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and, if you have an allergy, check the latest ingredients and allergen information for the bread you’re buying.

What should you look for when choosing?

For a budget barbecue, first decide how much bread you want to serve. Then choose between bread that’s ready to serve and bake-at-home bread. Finally, check the ingredients that matter to your group.

Fresh half or whole loaf

Choose this: if you want to put the bread on the table without any extra preparation.

Bear in mind: a whole loaf could leave you with leftovers if you’re catering for a small group.

Bake-at-home baguettes

Choose this: if you want to serve warm bread in smaller pieces.

Bear in mind: you’ll need time to prepare them and an oven or suitable air fryer.

What to consider What to check before buying Most relevant for
Choosing the right amount Compare a half loaf, a whole loaf and the number of pieces per pack with the number of people eating. For a small barbecue, I want to serve enough bread without ending up with lots of leftovers; an estimated 40% of consumers say buying economically is their priority.
Portions and serving Check the type of bread and, for bake-at-home bread, the preparation instructions. If I want to serve warm bread in individual portions, preparation needs to fit the time and equipment I have; convenience when serving is the top priority for around 30% of consumers.
Ingredients Check the wholemeal claim, nutritional information per 100 g and the latest ingredients and allergen information. When I’m buying bread for other people, I want to be able to check which ingredients and allergens it contains; around 30% of consumers put these checks first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming multigrain means wholemeal

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain. That doesn’t necessarily mean the grain ingredients are wholegrain.

    If you want wholemeal bread, look specifically for the wholemeal claim, then compare the nutritional information for the specific loaves you’re considering.

  • Treating different loaf sizes as equal portions

    A half loaf, a whole loaf and a pack of bake-at-home baguettes won’t necessarily provide the same amount of bread for your guests.

    Check the weight or number of pieces, and think about how much you actually want to serve.

  • Guessing allergens from the name of the bread

    Multigrain products can contain different types of grain and other allergens. The name or dark colour won’t tell you which ingredients are in a particular loaf.

    Check the latest allergen information for packaged bread. If you’re buying unpackaged bread and the information isn’t readily available, ask for it before you buy.

  • Assuming every loaf contains iodised salt

    The name multigrain doesn’t tell you what type of salt has been used. The Dutch Bakery Centre explains that the use of bakers’ salt can vary from one product to another.

    If it matters to you, check the ingredients list for details of the salt used.

Brands and shops to consider

These examples show the types of bread you can compare. They don’t represent the full range or guarantee availability at a particular shop.

Dirk

Dirk lists, among other options, a half loaf of multigrain bread from Bakker van der Akker.

  • A half loaf could be a good fit for a smaller barbecue.
  • Check that the pack size and type of bread suit your group.

ALDI

ALDI lists a whole farmhouse wholemeal multigrain loaf for those looking for bread that’s ready to serve.

  • The product name makes it clear that it’s a whole loaf labelled wholemeal.
  • Check the amount if you’re shopping for a small group.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists various multigrain loaves, including a whole wholemeal multigrain loaf with seeds.

  • You can check the type of bread and ingredients for each product.
  • If you have allergies, check the information for the loaf you choose; the details for one variety won’t apply to the whole range.

PLUS

PLUS lists, among other options, wholemeal multigrain baguettes to bake at home.

  • The pack of two baguettes can be served in pieces as warm bread to share.
  • The baguettes featured require an oven or suitable air fryer; follow the instructions on the pack.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists a Soezie multigrain bread mix. A bread mix takes more preparation than bread that’s ready to serve at a barbecue.

  • A mix is another option if you want to make your own bread.
  • Albert Heijn marks the AH Boeren Donker Multigrain Whole Loaf that was reviewed as discontinued; don’t count on finding that specific loaf for your barbecue.

Multigrain rolls on Joybuy

These multigrain rolls are a good fit for a barbecue where you want to serve individual portions. Decide whether a pack of four will be enough for your group.

g'woon Multigrain Rolls, 4 rolls

g'woon Multigrain Rolls, 4 rolls

Four individual rolls are a good option if you want to serve separate portions alongside your barbecue food.

Check the pack for ingredients and allergen information, and follow the product instructions if you want to serve the rolls warm.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means that at least three types of grain are used. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority defines wholemeal separately: for a product to be wholemeal, all of its grain ingredients must be wholemeal flour. So check the label on the specific loaf.

Can I tell from the name whether multigrain bread contains iodised salt?

No, the name of the bread doesn’t tell you what type of salt has been used. If it matters to you, check the ingredients list for terms such as bakers’ salt or iodised salt.

How can I check allergens in fresh bread?

For packaged bread, check the latest ingredients and allergen information. If you’re buying unpackaged bread and the allergen information isn’t displayed alongside it, ask for it before you buy; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says this information must be available for unpackaged foods.

How do I prepare multigrain baguettes for a barbecue?

Follow the instructions on the pack of baguettes you buy. PLUS recommends baking its pack of two wholemeal multigrain baguettes in an oven at 220 °C for 8–10 minutes, or in an air fryer at 200 °C for 5–6 minutes. These instructions apply to that specific product.