If you're budgeting for bread for a dinner party
You want to put out enough bread without having lots left over. Compare the weight of a half and a whole loaf, then choose an amount that suits the number of guests and the rest of the meal.
Which choice is right for you?
If you want to serve warm bread
You want to bake the bread just before the meal and have time and space in the oven or air fryer to do so. The preparation instructions will help you work out whether it fits in with the rest of the dinner.
If you need to cater for dietary requirements
You need to check whether a loaf is wholemeal or gluten-free, and which allergens and ingredients it contains. Check the exact product rather than relying on the name ‘multigrain’ alone.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how much you need and when you plan to serve it. Then compare like-for-like loaves by weight and price, and separately check whether your chosen product meets your guests' dietary requirements.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it's important for |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and budget | Compare half and whole loaves by weight and price per loaf or kilo, making sure you're comparing the same type of bread. | If I'm serving only a little bread alongside the meal, I don't want lots left over. For around 40% of consumers, getting the right amount within budget is the top priority. |
| Serving it warm | For bake-at-home bread, check the preparation time, temperature and number of pieces per pack. | I want to put warm bread on the table, but I also need the oven for other dishes around dinnertime. Serving it warm is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Dietary requirements and allergens | Check the product description, ingredients and allergens for the exact product; also look for a mention of iodised salt if relevant. | If a guest has specific dietary requirements, I want to know which bread I can actually serve. For around 30% of consumers, this is their first concern. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming multigrain means wholemeal
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ refers to bread made with at least three types of grain. The name alone doesn't mean the bread is wholemeal.
Look for a wholemeal label on the specific loaf and read the ingredients if this matters to your choice. Don't rely on the colour or visible seeds alone.
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Comparing only the price per item
A half loaf, a whole loaf and a pack of baguettes don't contain the same amount of bread. So the price per item won't tell you which option is right for your table.
Compare weight and price for the same type of bread, then choose the quantity you expect to serve.
With bake-at-home bread, defrosting or baking it and finding space in the oven are all part of preparing for your dinner party.
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Relying on the bread's name to meet dietary requirements
The word ‘multigrain’ alone won't tell you whether a product is gluten-free, which allergens it contains or what type of salt has been used.
If your guests have relevant dietary requirements, check the current ingredients and allergen information for the exact product you're buying.
Brands and shops to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn's range includes several multigrain breads, including a whole farmhouse loaf and other lines.
- The range of bread types makes it easy to compare sizes and product descriptions.
- Check whether each item can be ordered online or is only available in store.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers multigrain bread in half and whole sizes, including a dark wholemeal multigrain loaf.
- Having a half and a whole loaf to choose from makes it easier to get the amount you need.
- Check the weight, product description and latest store information before comparing options.
Lidl
Lidl sells multigrain bread as part of its fresh-from-the-oven range.
- Its fresh-from-the-oven range is worth considering when you shop for your dinner party.
- Lidl says its current food prices are displayed in store, so check with your local branch for the specific product.
ALDI
ALDI offers half and whole farmhouse wholemeal multigrain loaves, as well as part-baked multigrain baguettes.
- You can weigh up a loaf size that suits the number of portions you need against baguettes that still need baking.
- Check which options are available at your local shop and how long they take to prepare.
PLUS
PLUS offers multigrain bread and wholemeal multigrain baguettes to bake at home.
- The baguettes' preparation instructions make it easier to plan when to serve them.
- Check the current price of your order; PLUS notes that local differences or changes may apply.
Dirk
Dirk's search results include half and whole multigrain loaves, as well as other types of bread.
- The different sizes let you choose an amount that suits your dinner party.
- If wholemeal matters to you, check the product description and ingredients of the option you choose.
Multigrain bread and rolls on Joybuy
These products include round loaves, baguettes and individual rolls to serve at the table. Choose according to the quantity you need and how much preparation you're happy to do. Check the current price and packaging before deciding what suits your budget and your guests' dietary requirements.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round multigrain bread, 2 × 550 g
For a table where you want to share two round loaves. Allow time to defrost and bake them as part of your preparations, and check the instructions on the packaging.
Compare the total quantity with how much you expect your guests to eat, and check the ingredients if wholemeal content, salt or allergens are important.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij rustic multigrain baguettes, 4 × 135 g
For anyone who wants to serve baguettes and has time to prepare the bread before the meal. Allow time to defrost and bake them, and check the packaging for the correct baking time.
Check the latest ingredients and allergen information if your guests need to avoid certain ingredients.
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g'woon Popular multigrain baguettes, 2, 300 g
For anyone who wants to serve two baguettes with dinner. Before planning when to serve them, check the packaging to see whether and how they need to be prepared.
Read the ingredients and allergen information for this product if wholemeal flour, iodised salt or a dietary restriction is relevant to your guests.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round multigrain bread, 550 g
For a table where one round loaf of this size will be enough. Make room for defrosting and baking, and follow the baking time on the packaging.
Check the product description and ingredients if wholemeal content or the type of salt matters to your guests.
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g'woon multigrain rolls, 4
For anyone who would rather put individual rolls on the table than slice a loaf. Check the pack weight if you want to compare the quantity with other types of bread.
Check the preparation instructions before serving, and read the latest ingredients and allergen information if your guests have dietary requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ refers to bread made with at least three types of grain; it doesn't tell you whether the bread is wholemeal. Check the product description and ingredients if you want to buy wholemeal bread.
How can I tell whether the bread contains iodised salt?
Check the ingredients for the exact product for a mention of iodised salt or baker's salt. Don't assume what type of salt has been used from the word ‘multigrain’.
How should I plan bake-at-home multigrain baguettes for dinner?
Set aside time and use the equipment specified on the packaging for the baguettes you've chosen. PLUS says its wholemeal multigrain baguettes take 8–10 minutes in the oven at 220 °C or 5–6 minutes in the air fryer at 200 °C; these instructions don't automatically apply to other products.
Can I simply choose gluten-free multigrain bread for a guest?
If your guest needs gluten-free bread, choose a product that's explicitly labelled gluten-free. Also check the other ingredients and allergens on that specific pack; gluten-free doesn't mean it is free from other allergens.
Can I compare Lidl's online bread price directly with prices at other shops?
Not as a definitive price comparison. Lidl refers customers to its shops for current food prices. So check the price of the specific bread at the branch where you plan to shop.