Brunch planners looking for wholemeal bread
You want to know whether the bread is genuinely made with a wholemeal base, rather than simply having a multigrain appearance.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Hosts serving a range of toppings
You’re looking for a type of bread that works well on sharing platters: a whole loaf to slice, rolls for individual sandwiches or bake-at-home baguettes to serve warm.
Households that need to check allergens
For some guests, particular grains or other ingredients may be a deciding factor. In that case, check the information for the exact variety you’re buying.
What should you look for when buying?
First decide whether wholemeal is a must, then choose a bread format that suits the occasion. Before you buy, check the allergens and how much bread you’ll need.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal base | Look for a wholemeal label and read the ingredients list. The word ‘multigrain’ alone does not confirm that the bread is made with wholemeal flour. | I want bread for Easter brunch that is clearly labelled wholemeal, not just a loaf with a dark crust. For around 40% of consumers, wholemeal would be the main priority. |
| Bread format | Compare a whole loaf, individual rolls and bake-at-home bread; if you’re buying the latter, check the preparation instructions. | If guests are making their own sandwiches, I want to choose a format that works without interrupting the meal. Bread format would be the main consideration for around 30% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the latest ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety, including any warnings about traces. | If a guest has an allergy, I want to know which ingredients and warnings are listed on the packaging before I buy. An estimated 20% of consumers would put this check first. |
| Quantity and storage | Compare the pack size with the number of guests and follow the storage instructions for the bread you choose. | I want to put enough bread on the table without having a lot left over after one brunch. Reducing leftovers would be the main priority for around 10% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming dark bread or bread with seeds is wholemeal
Multigrain and wholemeal don’t mean the same thing. Albert Heijn lists both 31% wholemeal wheat flour and 30% wheat flour in its AH Vloerbrood meergranen heel.
Look for a wholemeal label, then read the ingredients list for the bread you want to buy.
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Choosing bake-at-home bread without planning when to serve it
Warm bread takes time and oven space, possibly at the same time as other brunch dishes. PLUS says its wholemeal multigrain baguettes take 8–10 minutes in the oven at 220 °C.
Check the instructions on the pack you’ve chosen and plan to bake the bread just before serving, or choose bread that doesn’t need baking.
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Only reading the front of the pack when someone has an allergy
The word ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you which allergens a particular variety contains or what warnings apply.
Check the full, up-to-date ingredients and allergen information. If it isn’t clear enough for a guest with a serious allergy, don’t choose the product without further confirmation.
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Buying more bread than your guests will eat
A whole loaf and a pack of rolls contain different quantities, and you’ll need a suitable plan for storing any leftovers.
Choose a pack size that suits the number of people eating and check whether the packaging says the product can be frozen.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists multigrain bread and wholemeal bread as separate options, so you can check the ingredients of the variety you choose.
- For AH Vloerbrood meergranen heel, Albert Heijn lists 31% wholemeal wheat flour and 30% wheat flour.
- Don’t assume this multigrain bread is entirely wholemeal based on its name alone.
Lidl
Lidl offers a multigrain loaf and publishes ingredients and allergen information for its oven-fresh range.
- Lidl lists wheat, barley and buckwheat among the ingredients in its multigrain bread.
- Always check the information for the exact variety to confirm its wholemeal status and allergens.
ALDI
ALDI includes Boeren volkoren meergranen in its daily fresh bread range.
- ALDI says its wholemeal breads are made with 100% wholemeal flour.
- Check the packaging for the variety you choose for its ingredients and allergens.
PLUS
PLUS offers different bread formats, including wholemeal multigrain rolls and bake-at-home wholemeal multigrain baguettes.
- PLUS says its baguettes take 8–10 minutes in the oven at 220 °C.
- Check the latest packaging for the ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions for the variety you choose.
Dirk
Dirk offers a multigrain artisan loaf if you’d like to serve a whole loaf at brunch.
- Dirk describes this artisan loaf as filled with grains and seeds.
- The word ‘multigrain’ doesn’t confirm that the loaf is wholemeal. Check the information for the bread you choose.
Bread options at Joybuy
These bread options can be served at Easter brunch. If you’re specifically looking for wholemeal multigrain bread, check the grains and wholemeal labelling for each variety.
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Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, 6 pieces
An option if you’d like to serve individual portions of wholemeal wheat bread at brunch. Check the grains if multigrain bread is a must for you.
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TastyBasics Rye Bread, 9 pieces
An option if you’d like to serve individual portions of rye bread at brunch. Check the ingredients if you’re specifically looking for wholemeal multigrain bread.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three different types of grain; the name doesn’t mean that all the grain ingredients are wholemeal. So check the wholemeal labelling and ingredients for the bread.
Which bread can I serve warm at Easter brunch?
Bake-at-home bread is one option if you have space in the oven just before serving. PLUS says its wholemeal multigrain baguettes take 8–10 minutes in the oven at 220 °C. For other products, follow the instructions on their packaging.
What should I check if a guest has a food allergy?
Read the latest ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety you plan to serve. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains which allergens must be listed on the label; also check any warnings on the packaging.
Can I buy the bread before Easter brunch?
Yes, if the storage or freezing instructions for the bread you choose fit your plans. PLUS says its Korenlanders wholemeal multigrain rolls can be frozen at home on the day of purchase and should be used within one month. For other breads, follow the instructions on their packaging.