If you want to compare fibre per 100 g for everyday breakfasts and lunches, choose a multigrain loaf labelled wholemeal. For a Christmas brunch, pre-sliced bread can be a good option, provided the slices suit your toppings. The word ‘sliced’ doesn’t confirm that the bread has medium-thick slices: check the slice thickness, ingredients, allergens and storage instructions for the product you choose.
You’re looking for multigrain bread for everyday breakfasts and lunches, and want to know whether it’s actually wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ on its own doesn’t mean ‘wholemeal’.
You want to be able to top and serve sandwiches quickly. Don’t just check whether the bread is pre-sliced; also make sure the slices are suitable for the toppings you have planned.
You’re planning bread for several meals and want to decide whether half a loaf will be enough or whether you should freeze some portions. Check the storage instructions on the packaging of the bread you choose.
First, decide whether the bread is mainly for everyday sandwiches or for Christmas brunch. Then check the slice thickness and how much you’ll need: ‘half’ describes the size of the loaf, not the thickness of a slice.
| What to look for | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ and compare the ingredients and fibre per 100 g. ‘Multigrain’ alone doesn’t tell you whether the bread is wholemeal. | For breakfasts and lunches after the festive season, I want to know whether the bread is wholemeal and how much fibre it contains. Around 42% of consumers prioritise wholemeal content and fibre. |
| Slice thickness and toppings | Check whether the bread is sliced, then ask about the slice thickness or inspect the slices yourself. ‘Sliced’ doesn’t confirm that the slices are medium-thick. | If I’m putting out different toppings for Christmas brunch, I want slices that are easy to top and serve. That’s why around 33% of consumers prioritise slice thickness. |
| Quantity and storage | Choose half or a whole loaf to suit the meals you have planned. If you’re shopping ahead, check the date and storage instructions on the packaging. | If I’m buying bread for several festive meals, I want to have enough without ending up with lots left over. For around 25% of consumers, quantity and storage are the top priorities. |
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means that different types of grain are used. That doesn’t necessarily mean the bread is wholemeal, which is an important distinction when comparing ingredients and fibre.
Check whether it’s labelled wholemeal and compare the nutritional information per 100 g.
A half loaf tells you about the size of the loaf. Even if the bread is pre-sliced, that doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are.
Before placing a larger order for Christmas, ask about the slice thickness or check the slices on the packaging or in store.
The grains, seeds and allergens used vary from one multigrain loaf to another. A general product name is no substitute for information about the specific product.
Check the latest allergen information for the bread you choose. If it’s sold loose, ask the retailer for this information before you buy.
If you’re only buying bread for Christmas breakfast or brunch, you may have some left over to store for later.
Take the meals you have planned into account, consider buying half a loaf and, if needed, freeze portions in line with the product’s storage advice.
The bread types listed here can help you compare product information. Always check the slice thickness and ingredients of the loaf you’re planning to buy.
Albert Heijn describes AH Liefde & Passie Meergranen gesneden as a brown multigrain loaf made with wheat, rye and millet, among other ingredients.
Jumbo lists Boeren Donker Volkoren Meergranen Half as a half-size wholemeal multigrain loaf with kernels and seeds.
ALDI lists a sliced wholemeal multigrain farmhouse loaf in a half-loaf size.
The PLUS Christmas range includes multigrain sourdough rolls for breakfast or brunch.
Dirk’s range includes half and whole multigrain loaves.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains different types of grain, but that doesn’t mean it’s wholemeal. If this distinction matters to you, check the wholemeal label and the ingredients.
No. ‘Sliced’ tells you that the bread has been pre-sliced, not how thick the slices are. Ask about the slice thickness or check the slices yourself before buying bread for a Christmas brunch.
If needed, freeze the bread in portions and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. For opened wholemeal bread, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends 2 to 4 days in a kitchen cupboard and 1 to 3 months in the freezer. For an unopened pack, follow the date and instructions on the label.
Ask for allergen information about the specific bread before you buy. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, this information must also be available to consumers for unpackaged food. Don’t rely on the word ‘multigrain’ to tell you what’s in it.
Don’t assume so. Check the ingredients of the bread you choose for iodised salt or baker’s salt. Albert Heijn lists iodised salt in AH Liefde & Passie Meergranen gesneden.
