The budget-conscious brunch planner
You want to have enough bread for your guests without buying more than you’re likely to need. So don’t just check whether a loaf is half or whole: think about how many other types of bread you’ll be serving too.
Who is this choice relevant to?
For shoppers who pay attention to wholemeal and fibre
You’re looking for multigrain bread with a particular composition for your Easter brunch and beyond. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that multigrain doesn’t automatically mean wholemeal, so check the label and ingredients of the variety you choose.
The organiser of a small brunch
You’d like to have some bread left for later, but don’t want more leftovers than necessary. Half a loaf may be a good fit for a small table. If you want to keep a whole loaf, check the product’s freezing instructions.
What should you look for?
First, work out how much bread you’ll need alongside the other brunch dishes. Then choose the right size and check the ingredients of the specific variety.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Amount to suit your budget | Compare the loaf format and weight, and choose an amount that suits the number of guests and other dishes. | For a small Easter brunch, I want to serve enough bread without having too much left over; around 42% of consumers place the greatest importance on getting an amount that fits their budget. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check the wholemeal label and ingredients. Compare stated fibre values only on the same basis, such as per 100 g. | I want to know whether my multigrain bread is actually a wholemeal variety; for roughly 33% of consumers, this composition is the top priority. |
| Size and leftovers | Choose between half a loaf, a whole loaf or individual rolls, and check the storage instructions if you want to freeze the bread. | When there are other brunch dishes too, I want a size that’s likely to be eaten; around 25% of consumers prioritise avoiding leftovers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming multigrain means wholemeal
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means that several types of grain have been used. The name alone doesn’t mean the bread is wholemeal.
If this matters to you, look for the wholemeal label on the packaging of your chosen variety and check the ingredients.
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Treating half a loaf and a whole loaf as the same amount
Half a loaf can work well for a small brunch, but it provides less bread than a whole loaf. The number of guests and the other dishes will help you decide which size is right.
Check the weight and work out how much bread you want to put on the table before choosing a size.
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Guessing allergens from the name or appearance
The grains, kernels and seeds used vary from one multigrain bread to another. So the name of the bread doesn’t tell you which allergens a particular variety contains.
For packaged bread, read the allergen information on the label. For unwrapped bread, ask for the allergen information for that particular product.
Brands to consider
These examples can help you compare bread formats and product information. Always check the ingredients and size of each individual loaf.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers multigrain bread in a range of sizes, including half and whole loaves.
- The different sizes give you options when planning how much bread to serve at your brunch.
- Check the product information for the variety you choose; Albert Heijn notes that it may change.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers multigrain bread in half and whole loaves, as well as wholemeal varieties.
- Ingredients, allergen and nutritional information are available for Jumbo Stevig Meergranen.
- The ingredients of Stevig Meergranen won’t necessarily be the same as those of another Jumbo loaf.
Lidl
Lidl lists multigrain bread and multigrain baguettes in its range.
- These different bread formats give you a choice for your brunch table.
- Check the size and packaging information for the variety you choose.
ALDI
ALDI offers, among other products, a half loaf of Boeren wholemeal multigrain bread.
- The half-loaf size may suit a small brunch.
- Check the packaging of your chosen variety for the quantity and nutritional information.
PLUS
PLUS offers multigrain bread in standard loaf form as well as bake-at-home varieties.
- For Korenlanders Donker meergranen rond heel, PLUS provides information on ingredients and allergens, as well as advice on freezing it at home.
- Don’t assume the information for this round loaf applies to another PLUS variety.
Dirk
Dirk offers half and whole multigrain loaves, multigrain rolls and bake-at-home baguettes.
- You can choose a bread format that suits how you want to serve and share it at brunch.
- Check the nutritional information for the product you choose before comparing varieties by their ingredients.
Multigrain bread to bake at home
These Joybuy products are suited to an Easter brunch where you want to bake multigrain bread at home. Choose the amount you need and allow time for defrosting and baking.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 2 × 550 g
The two loaves give you a set quantity to plan for a larger brunch gathering. Allow time for defrosting and baking, and check the preparation instructions on the packaging.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 4 × 135 g
Four individual baguettes can be handy if you want to share the bread between guests. Allow time for defrosting and baking, and follow the baking time given on the packaging.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 550 g
This single 550 g round loaf is a different quantity from the pack containing two loaves. Allow time for defrosting and baking, and check the packaging for the baking time.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means that several types of grain have been used; it doesn’t mean the bread is wholemeal. So check the wholemeal label and ingredients of the bread you want to buy.
How can I check for allergens for my Easter brunch?
Check the allergen information for each individual multigrain bread. Read the label on packaged bread, and ask for product information about unwrapped bread. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that sellers must also provide information about allergens in unwrapped foods.
What can I do with bread left over after brunch?
Check whether the packaging says your chosen bread can be frozen. PLUS says that Korenlanders Donker meergranen rond heel can be frozen on the day of purchase. For other varieties, follow their own storage instructions.