If you want to serve sandwiches with coffee and cake without having to slice the bread yourself, check that the multigrain loaf is pre-sliced and that the slices are the medium thickness you want: ‘multigrain’ tells you nothing about slice thickness. Also choose between a half or whole loaf based on how much you expect to use. If wholemeal is important to you, look specifically for that description; according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ on its own does not mean the bread is wholemeal.
When you’re having coffee and cake, you’ll want to be able to put the sandwiches straight on the table. Check that the loaf is ‘sliced’ and that the slices are the thickness you want: for example, Albert Heijn stocks both sliced and unsliced multigrain bread.
If you’re buying wholemeal, the name ‘multigrain’ isn’t enough. Look for the description ‘wholemeal’ on the specific loaf; according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour.
If you only need a few slices, a half loaf may be a better fit. You could also freeze a whole loaf in portions; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre offers storage advice for wholemeal bread in the kitchen cupboard and freezer.
Start with the slice thickness you want to serve, then choose the ingredients and quantity. Check these details for each loaf: a description of the grains does not confirm how thick the slices are.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is it most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-to-serve slices | Check that the loaf is ‘sliced’. If you prefer medium-thick slices, ask how thick they are. ‘Medium’ in a product description doesn’t necessarily confirm the thickness of the slices. | If I don’t want to slice the bread myself while serving coffee, it needs to be cut into suitable slices in advance. This convenience is the top priority for around 45% of consumers. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look specifically for ‘wholemeal’ and, if needed, compare the fibre per 100 g on the current packaging. | I’m not just looking for different types of grain; I want to choose wholemeal bread specifically. This is the main reason for buying bread for around 33% of consumers. |
| Getting the right amount | Choose a half or whole loaf based on how much you expect to use, and check how to store any leftover slices. | For a small gathering, I don’t want to be left with more opened bread than we can use. Around 22% of consumers prioritise getting the right amount. |
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain. The name doesn’t mean that the bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour.
Look for the description ‘wholemeal’ if that’s what you want to buy; don’t rely on the colour or visible seeds alone.
A loaf can be sliced without the slices being the thickness you want. Albert Heijn, Jumbo and ALDI also stock half and whole loaves, as well as unsliced bread.
Check the product information or packaging for the type of cut, and ask about the thickness if it isn’t clear.
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that sellers must provide allergen information for unpackaged foods. The name or appearance of the bread is no substitute for this information.
Check the allergen information by the display or ask a member of staff before buying.
If you only use a few slices, you’ll have a lot of bread left from a whole loaf. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping wholemeal bread in the kitchen cupboard for only a limited time.
Choose a half loaf if that suits how much you eat, or freeze any unused slices in portions as soon as you get home.
Its online range includes several types of multigrain bread.
Its range includes multigrain bread in both half and whole loaves.
Lidl stocks, among other options, a half loaf of dark multigrain bread and publishes ingredient and allergen information for its freshly baked bread.
Its fresh daily range includes Boeren volkoren meergranen in half and whole loaves.
PLUS lists Korenlanders multigrain bread with ingredients and nutritional information specific to each product.
Dirk stocks fresh multigrain bread in a range of loaf sizes.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three different types of grain, while wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour. So look specifically for ‘wholemeal’ if that’s the type you want.
First check that the bread is sliced, then check the slice thickness on the packaging, product page or with the shop. The description ‘multigrain’ alone confirms neither.
Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for unpackaged foods must be available to customers. Ask before buying if you can’t find it alongside the bread.
Choose a half loaf if you expect to use only a few slices, or freeze any unused portions as soon as you get home. For wholemeal bread, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping it for 2–4 days in the kitchen cupboard or 1–3 months in the freezer; always follow the information on the packaging too.
