If you want a loaf to be the centrepiece
For a sharing breadboard, choose a loaf you can present at the table. A whole hearth or sourdough loaf will need slicing, while pre-sliced bread saves time during brunch.
Who should consider this choice?
If you want to consider wholemeal and iodine
Multigrain does not necessarily mean wholemeal. Also check separately whether the ingredients list baker’s salt or iodised salt: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt in bread is not compulsory.
If you’re catering for guests with dietary requirements
If a guest needs to avoid gluten or another allergen, the information for the exact loaf is what matters. Read the label and, if necessary, consider cross-contact when serving.
What should you look for when buying?
First decide whether a whole loaf, pre-sliced hearth loaf or bake-at-home bread suits your serving plans. Then check the product description, ingredients and quantity for your party.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation and crust | Check whether the loaf is whole or sliced, and whether it still needs baking. | I want to put a whole loaf on the table for guests to slice themselves, or bake the bread shortly before serving. For around 31% of consumers, this choice of presentation and serving style comes first. |
| Wholemeal and iodine | Look for ‘wholemeal’ in the product description, compare fibre per 100 g and check the ingredients for baker’s salt or iodised salt. | If I’m choosing wholemeal bread deliberately or want to know which salt has been used, I don’t rely on the colour or the name ‘multigrain’ alone. This label check comes first for around 31% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the allergen information for the exact product, including any ‘may contain’ statements. | A guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, so I want to know before buying which bread and serving utensils are suitable. For around 23% of consumers, checking allergens is the top priority. |
| Quantity and preparation | Compare the size with the number of guests and read the baking and storage instructions. | For a small brunch, I don’t want to be left with too much bread, and baking it also needs to fit into my oven schedule. Around 15% of consumers prioritise this practical consideration. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming dark multigrain bread is wholemeal
The colour and name don’t tell you which flour has been used. A product can be called multigrain without being described as wholemeal.
Read the product description and ingredients if wholemeal is a requirement for you.
-
Assuming speciality bread always contains baker’s salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt in bread is not compulsory. The terms ‘organic’ and ‘sourdough’ do not, on their own, tell you which salt has been used.
Check the ingredients of the loaf you choose for ‘baker’s salt’ or ‘iodised salt’.
-
Confusing gluten-free with allergen-free
A gluten-free multigrain loaf may contain other allergens. For example, the Schär Mehrkorn bread listed by PLUS includes soy and warnings about the possible presence of other allergens.
Ask which ingredients and types of cross-contact are relevant to your guest, read the current label and use separate serving utensils if needed.
-
Buying a whole loaf without a plan for leftovers
A large loaf can work well for a group, but may be more than you need for a small brunch.
Choose a size to suit the number of guests and check the storage instructions before buying if you expect to have bread left over.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s AH OerDesem donker meergranen is a whole, sliced wholemeal multigrain sourdough loaf that’s well suited to a sharing breadboard.
- The product information lists iodised salt and 6,6 g of fibre per 100 g.
- Check the salt used in each loaf: one organic version listed rock salt.
Jumbo
Jumbo is a good place to start if you want to compare whole and half multigrain loaves.
- Different sizes make it easier to choose the right quantity for your guests.
- Check the latest product information and availability for the loaf you choose.
PLUS
PLUS offers, among other products, Korenlanders donker meergranen rond heel and multigrain baguettes to bake at home.
- Korenlanders rond heel is described as a whole wholemeal multigrain loaf and lists baker’s salt.
- For the bake-at-home baguettes mentioned, you’ll need oven space and, according to PLUS, 8–10 minutes of baking time.
ALDI
ALDI describes its Luxe vloerbrood meergranen as a pre-sliced loaf with grains and seeds.
- Pre-sliced bread can make serving easier at a busy brunch table.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the loaf you buy in store.
Lidl
Lidl is an option if you want to pick up freshly baked bread in store just before brunch.
- Lidl lists multigrain bread as part of its fresh bread range.
- According to Lidl, the range varies by store. Ask your local store about ordering larger quantities.
Dirk
At Dirk, you can compare different types of bread, including multigrain and hearth loaves.
- Whole and half sizes give you a choice of quantity.
- Check the information for each individual product for ingredients and allergens.
Multigrain bread for brunch at Joybuy
These products include a round loaf, baguettes and individual rolls for brunch. Choose the shape to suit how you plan to serve the bread, and check the packaging for ingredients, allergens and any baking instructions.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round 550 g
A round loaf for anyone who wants to put one loaf on a sharing brunch table and bake it at home.
Check the baking time on the packaging, as the preparation times listed vary. Read the label if wholemeal, the type of salt used, wheat or sesame are important to your choice.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette 4 × 135 g
Four baguettes for anyone who wants to serve bread in smaller portions and has time to bake it at home.
Allow for oven space and follow the baking time on the packaging, as the times listed vary. Check the label for wholemeal, the type of salt used and allergens such as wheat, barley and sesame.
Image unavailable
g'woon Multigrain Rolls, 4 stuks
Four individual multigrain rolls for anyone who wants to serve individual portions rather than slice a whole loaf.
Check the product description if wholemeal is important to you, and read the current label for ingredients and allergens, including cereals containing gluten and sesame.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. ‘Multigrain’ does not, on its own, tell you whether a loaf is wholemeal. Check the product description and ingredients. For example, PLUS explicitly describes Korenlanders donker meergranen rond heel as a whole wholemeal multigrain loaf.
Does multigrain bread always contain iodised baker’s salt?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt in bread is not compulsory. So check whether ‘baker’s salt’ or ‘iodised salt’ is listed in the ingredients of the product you choose.
How do I choose bread for a guest with an allergy or who needs to eat gluten-free?
If your guest needs to eat gluten-free, choose a loaf that is explicitly labelled as gluten-free, but check for other allergens too. Read both the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ information, and discuss whether separate serving utensils are needed to avoid cross-contact.
Can I buy a whole multigrain loaf in advance?
Yes, if the storage instructions for the loaf you choose fit your plans. Albert Heijn says AH OerDesem can be frozen on the day of purchase, and PLUS says the same about Korenlanders. Follow the instructions on the packaging for each loaf.
Can I order bread from Lidl for a larger brunch?
Ask your local store about ordering options. Lidl says its fresh bread range may vary by store, so check with the shop in good time about the type and quantity you need.