If you want bread that is definitely wholegrain for your Easter brunch, choose a multigrain option that is also labelled wholegrain: ‘multigrain’ on its own doesn’t mean the whole grain has been used. If flavour, seeds or crust are your main priorities, standard multigrain bread could be a good fit. Whichever you choose, check the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens. For a small gathering, individual rolls or half a loaf may be a better match for the amount you need, as long as the storage instructions suit your plans.
If you want to know whether the whole grain has been used, look beyond the dark colour or visible seeds. Check whether the bread is labelled wholegrain and compare the fibre per 100 g on the packaging of the breads you’re considering.
If you’re buying bread for yourself or guests who need to avoid certain ingredients, check the allergen information for each product. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, this information must also be available before purchase for unpackaged bread. Ask for it if you can’t see it.
If you want to serve a selection of breads without having too much left over, half a loaf or individual rolls may be better suited to the number of people you’re catering for. Read the storage instructions for your chosen product before setting any aside for later.
First, decide whether a wholegrain base, allergen checks or the right quantity for your Easter brunch is your top priority. Then compare the information on the packaging of the specific breads you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholegrain base and fibre | Look for the wholegrain label and compare the fibre per 100 g of the products you’re considering. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ means that at least three types of grain have been used; it doesn’t mean the bread is wholegrain. | If I’m looking for bread made with the whole grain, I want to be able to tell from the product information rather than judging by its colour. For around 42% of consumers, a wholegrain base would be their top priority when buying. |
| Allergens and ingredients | For packaged bread, read the ingredients and allergen information. For unpackaged bread, ask for this information before buying if it isn’t displayed. | When I’m buying bread for guests who need to avoid certain ingredients, I need to be able to check what’s in each variety. Around 33% of consumers would put allergen and ingredient checks first. |
| Quantity and storage | Choose the number of loaves or rolls to suit your gathering and follow the storage advice for the specific product. | For a small brunch, I want to be able to offer a selection without ending up with too much bread left over. The amount needed would be the main consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ tells you something about the number of types of grain used. It doesn’t tell you whether the whole grain has been used to make the bread.
If that’s your main priority, look for the wholegrain label, then compare the nutritional information for the specific variety.
A dark loaf or one with seeds may look right on your Easter table, but its appearance doesn’t tell you which types of flour make up the base.
Check the product name, description and ingredients list before choosing it as a wholegrain option.
Ingredients vary from one roll to another, and allergen information can be crucial to your choice even for unpackaged products.
Check the information by the shelf or ask a member of shop staff before buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says consumers must be able to get this information before purchase.
A whole loaf may be more than you need for a small Easter gathering, especially if you’re serving other types of bread too.
Consider half a loaf or individual rolls, and follow the product’s storage advice for any leftovers.
Albert Heijn explains what wholegrain bread is and shows a range of bread types in its online selection.
Jumbo lists, among other products, a half loaf of dark wholegrain multigrain farmhouse bread with seeds.
Lidl sells freshly baked bread and directs shoppers to its ingredients and allergen information for details about what’s in it.
ALDI describes a freshly baked wholegrain multigrain farmhouse loaf with grains and seeds.
PLUS lists examples of wholegrain multigrain rolls and dark multigrain bread.
Dirk lists both a half loaf of multigrain wholegrain tin bread and a separate multigrain hearth loaf.
This pack of four multigrain rolls is an option if you’re looking for individual portions for Easter brunch. Don’t assume the rolls are wholegrain based on their name; check the current product information if a wholegrain base is important to you.
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Four individual rolls may suit a brunch where you want to tailor the amount of each type of bread to your gathering.
Before buying, check the current wholegrain label, nutritional information and allergen information if these matter to you or your guests. When planning your brunch, allow time to defrost and bake the rolls according to the product instructions.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ means that at least three types of grain have been used; it doesn’t mean the whole grain has been used. If that’s one of your buying criteria, look for the wholegrain label on the bread you’re considering.
You must be able to get this information before buying. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, it may be displayed by the shelf or provided verbally, as long as it’s clearly indicated that you can ask for it.
Overheid.nl describes baker’s salt as iodised table salt used to make bread and other bakery products. Don’t assume a particular type of salt is used based on the type of bread; check the ingredients list for the specific product.
Choose a size to suit the number of people you’re catering for, and consider half a loaf or individual rolls if you’re serving several varieties. Follow the chosen product’s instructions for storing and freezing. For example, PLUS advises freezing its wholegrain multigrain rolls on the day of purchase and using them within one month.
