If you want to share bread at the table
You can slice a whole farmhouse loaf or round loaf at the table and serve it with the rest of dinner. Check whether it’s ready to eat or needs baking first.
Which type of bread suits you?
If you want to bake it just before eating
A part-baked baguette or demi-baguette is ideal if you’ve planned time to finish baking it. You’ll need the appliance and preparation time stated on the packaging.
If the label is your priority
Compare the wholemeal description, ingredients, fibre per 100 g and allergens for each product. The shape of the loaf or the word ‘multigrain’ won’t tell you everything about its ingredients.
What should you consider when choosing?
Whole rustic loaf
Choose this if: you want to slice and share bread without having to bake it first.
Bear in mind: a whole loaf may be more than two people need for one dinner.
Part-baked baguette
Choose this if: you want to plan the baking just before serving.
Bear in mind: part-baked bread needs a suitable appliance and time to prepare.
Half wholemeal multigrain loaf
Choose this if: a smaller pack and a clearly stated wholemeal base are your priorities.
Bear in mind: ‘wholemeal’ doesn’t tell you whether the bread needs baking or is suitable for someone with an allergy.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Serving and presentation | Is the bread ready to serve, or does it need baking first? If it’s part-baked, read the preparation instructions. | If you want to share the bread at the table or bake it just before eating, the way it’s served will shape your choice. An estimated 42% of consumers put this serving occasion first. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check the wholemeal description, ingredients and fibre per 100 g. | If you’re looking specifically for wholemeal bread, the word ‘multigrain’ on its own isn’t enough. For around 33% of consumers, a wholemeal base is the deciding factor. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current allergen information and any warnings about the possible presence of other allergens. | If a guest has an allergy, you’ll want to check whether this particular bread is suitable before serving it. For an estimated 17% of consumers, this check is the main priority. |
| Quantity and leftovers | Compare the pack weight and think about what you’ll do with any leftover bread. | For two people, you may not want to open more bread than you’ll eat, unless you can store the rest. For around 8% of consumers, choosing the right quantity matters most. |
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ refers to bread made with at least three types of grain; it doesn’t mean the bread is wholemeal. So if the ingredients matter to your choice, assess these two features separately.
Common mistakes
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Assuming multigrain means wholemeal
Bread made with several types of grain doesn’t have to be made with wholemeal flour. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ tells you how many types of grain are used, not whether the whole grain is included.
If you’re looking for wholemeal bread, check the wholemeal description and compare the ingredients and fibre per 100 g.
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Choosing part-baked bread without allowing time for it
A part-baked baguette still needs to be prepared. This can be inconvenient if you need the oven for the rest of dinner.
Read the instructions on the packaging before buying and plan when to bake it around serving time.
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Assuming seeds and multiple grains mean the bread is allergen-free
The breads discussed here may contain cereals containing gluten, sesame or other declared allergens. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority stresses that allergens must be clearly listed on the label.
For every guest with an allergy, check the current label, including any warnings about the possible presence of other allergens. If in doubt, choose a product whose suitability you can confirm.
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Buying a whole loaf without a plan for the rest
A whole loaf may leave you with leftovers after dinner for two. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists bread among the foods that are often wasted.
Consider a smaller size, or freeze any unused portions soon after buying them, as advised by Together Against Food Waste.
Bread ranges to compare
AH Liefde & Passie
Albert Heijn describes Liefde & Passie Multigrain as a sliced, sourdough bread weighing 550 g.
- A whole sliced loaf is ready to serve at the table without baking.
- The product lists cereals containing gluten and sesame, among other ingredients; check the current allergen information.
Jumbo Broodgeluk
Jumbo’s bread range includes both a part-baked multigrain sourdough baguette and a half dark wholemeal multigrain loaf.
- The half wholemeal version lists 55.7% wholemeal wheat flour and 8.0 g of fibre per 100 g; the baguette offers a different way to serve bread.
- Preparation, ingredients and allergens vary from loaf to loaf, so check the label on each individual product.
PLUS Korenlanders
PLUS describes Korenlanders multigrain sourdough demi-baguettes in a 250 g pack.
- PLUS provides oven and air fryer instructions, so you can plan when to bake them.
- The product contains cereals with gluten and also warns of the possible presence of other allergens.
ALDI
ALDI describes a whole, pre-sliced Luxe multigrain farmhouse loaf and a half Boeren wholemeal multigrain loaf.
- The two loaf sizes let you weigh up a whole loaf for the table against a smaller pack.
- Check the label on your chosen loaf for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.
Lidl
Lidl lists oven-fresh multigrain bread and an organic rustic multigrain sourdough loaf in its bread range.
- According to Lidl, its oven-fresh bread is baked in store.
- Check the packaging for each loaf to find the ingredients and any information that’s important for your guests.
Multigrain products at Joybuy
These products offer different options for dinner for two: individual baguettes to bake, a round loaf to slice after baking, and individual rolls. Check the preparation instructions and label for each product before planning when to serve it.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 4 × 135 g
Four individual baguettes are ideal if you want to bake the bread and share it at the table.
Allow time for thawing and baking. Check the current packaging for cooking time and allergens, and look at the grains listed on the label if the multigrain description is important to your choice.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 550 g
A round loaf for anyone who wants to slice and share it at the table after baking.
Allow time for thawing, baking and cooling before slicing. Check the current packaging for preparation time, allergens and ingredients.
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g'woon multigrain rolls, 4 rolls
Four individual rolls are a good option if you want to share the bread out one roll at a time.
Check the packaging to see whether they need preparing, and read the current allergen information before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread always wholemeal?
No, multigrain bread isn’t automatically wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain refers to bread made with at least three types of grain. Check the wholemeal description and ingredients if you’re specifically looking for wholemeal bread.
Should I choose a whole loaf or a part-baked baguette for dinner for two?
A whole loaf that’s ready to serve is a good choice if you want to slice and share it without any extra preparation. A part-baked baguette is ideal if you want to bake it just before eating. For the latter, check the preparation instructions and make sure you have an oven or air fryer available.
How can I check whether multigrain bread is suitable for a guest with an allergy?
Read the current allergen information for the specific bread, including any warnings about the possible presence of other allergens. The products discussed may contain cereals with gluten or sesame, among other ingredients, so don’t rely on the name of the bread alone.
What should I do with bread left over after dinner?
Freeze any bread you don’t expect to eat soon, dividing it into portions first. Together Against Food Waste advises doing this soon after buying it and not storing bread in the fridge.