If you want to make a conscious choice about wholemeal bread and fibre for Christmas dinner, choose a multigrain loaf that is explicitly labelled wholemeal and compare the fibre content per 100 g. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ means that a loaf contains at least three types of grain; it doesn’t mean that it’s wholemeal. Then choose a loaf shape and quantity to suit your menu, and check the latest ingredient and allergen information for your guests.
You’re looking for multigrain bread that is also labelled wholemeal. The colour of the loaf or grains on the crust aren’t a substitute for this; the ingredients and fibre content per 100 g give you a better guide.
You want to serve bread with, for example, soup or as part of a bread basket, while making sure the quantity suits the rest of your Christmas dinner. A half loaf or a variety that can be stored according to the packaging may be a practical choice.
If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, check the label on the exact loaf you’re buying. For unpackaged bread, ask for allergen information.
For a Christmas dinner where fibre matters, first look for a wholemeal label and compare the fibre content per 100 g. Then decide how much to serve and check the ingredients for your guests.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for a wholemeal label and compare the fibre content per 100 g. | If you’re consciously choosing wholemeal bread and more fibre, don’t rely on the word ‘multigrain’ alone. Around 33% of consumers put this first. |
| Shape and quantity | Compare whole, half or compact loaves, and check the weight and preparation instructions. | For soup, nibbles or a bread basket, the loaf should suit the occasion and the number of diners. For around 27% of consumers, how the bread will be served is the most important factor. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the latest allergen information for the loaf you’ve chosen; ask for information about unpackaged bread. | If a guest needs to avoid an ingredient, clear information about this particular loaf is essential. Around 20% of consumers prioritise checking for allergens. |
| Storage and leftovers | Check the quantity, use-by date and storage instructions, including any advice on freezing. | If you shop in advance or serve bread as a side, you’ll want to avoid having lots left over. Around 20% of consumers prioritise reducing leftovers. |
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ refers to the number of different types of grain. A brown multigrain loaf can also contain wheat flour.
If you want to choose wholemeal bread, look specifically for the word ‘wholemeal’ and compare the fibre content per 100 g.
The name or colour doesn’t tell you which allergens are present in a particular loaf, or which may be present according to the packaging. The multigrain products reviewed included cereals containing gluten.
If a guest has a relevant food allergy or coeliac disease, check the latest information on the packaging. For unpackaged bread, ask for allergen information before buying.
There may be bread left over after a multi-course dinner, especially if it’s served at the table as a side.
Choose a quantity that suits your menu and opt for a half loaf if needed. If you want to freeze the bread, follow the advice on that product’s packaging.
The product information reviewed from Albert Heijn and Jumbo lists iodised salt or baker’s salt for specific loaves. This doesn’t tell you which type of salt is used in another loaf.
If iodine or salt content is relevant to your choice, check the ingredients and salt content on the latest packaging.
These product examples show the differences you may find on labels; always compare the specific variety you’re planning to buy.
Worth considering if you want to compare a clearly labelled wholemeal multigrain loaf with a brown multigrain loaf from the same range.
Worth considering if you want to compare a half wholemeal multigrain loaf with a more compact loaf that keeps for longer.
Worth considering if you’re looking for multigrain bread or a rustic sourdough multigrain loaf to serve at the table.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means that a loaf contains at least three different types of grain. If you specifically want to choose wholemeal bread for Christmas dinner, look for the wholemeal label and compare the ingredients and fibre content per 100 g.
Choose a quantity of bread that suits the number of diners and the other courses. A half or compact loaf may be a good option if you don’t need much; if you’re buying in advance or plan to freeze it, check the storage instructions on the specific packaging.
Ask before buying if the information isn’t visible and allergens are relevant to you or a guest. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must also be available for unpackaged foods, for example on a shelf label or verbally, with a visible sign directing you to it.
