Hosting an Easter brunch
You’re looking for bread that also makes a visual contribution to the table. A rustic shape, sourdough or seeds are features worth comparing, but none of them tells you on its own whether the bread is wholemeal.
Which bread choice is right for you?
Looking for wholemeal bread and fibre
You want to look beyond the word ‘multigrain’. Check that it is labelled wholemeal and, if both packs provide the information, compare the fibre content per 100 g.
Checking ingredients carefully
You need clear information about the grains and other allergens in your chosen bread before buying it. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for unpackaged bread must also be available before purchase.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide what matters most for your Easter brunch: a wholemeal label, presentation, when you’ll serve it or checking the ingredients. A rustic shape or topping can fit in with those other preferences, but it doesn’t replace checking each one separately.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for an explicit wholemeal label. Only compare fibre figures on a like-for-like basis, such as per 100 g. | If I want my Easter brunch bread to be wholemeal, I don’t want to rely on the word ‘multigrain’ alone. Around 36% of consumers put this first. |
| Presentation and texture | Check the shape of the loaf and any information about how it is made, sourdough, kernels or seeds; check the ingredients separately. | For a sharing breadboard, I’m mainly looking for a shape and texture that work well when serving. Around 29% of consumers put this first. |
| Preparation and planning | Check whether it needs baking and read the storage and preparation instructions for the option you’ve chosen. | If brunch starts at a set time, I want to know how much preparation the bread needs. This is the main consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Ingredient information | Read the latest allergen information and any warnings. If you wish, check whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed. | If I need to assess ingredients carefully, that comes before the bread’s appearance. Around 14% of consumers put this first. |
Common purchasing mistakes
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Assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘wholemeal’
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means that the bread contains at least three types of grain; it doesn’t mean that it is entirely wholemeal.
Look for an explicit wholemeal label. If you want to compare fibre levels, use figures given on the same basis.
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Assuming all bread contains iodised salt
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bakers are not required to use baker’s salt. Its presence therefore varies from one loaf to another.
Check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt, or ask about it when buying unpackaged bread.
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Assuming sourdough or seeds make it suitable for a particular diet
Bread made with sourdough or seeds can still contain gluten-containing grains or other relevant allergens.
Read the latest allergen information. If you need a gluten-free product, only rely on an explicit gluten-free label on the product itself, not on the word ‘multigrain’.
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Planning your brunch around an old product page
A shop’s range and product information can change. This can be especially inconvenient if you want to serve a particular type of bread on a set day.
Check the shop you’ve chosen and the packaging shortly before buying. If you buy in advance, read the storage and any freezing instructions for that bread too.
Brands and shops to explore
These examples can help you compare bread styles and product information; they are not a review of a shop’s entire range.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn describes AH Liefde & Passie sliced multigrain bread as a rustic sourdough loaf baked on a stone oven floor.
- The product page lists ingredients, nutritional information, allergens and freezing advice for this variety.
- Albert Heijn notes that product information can change, so check the packaging.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s multigrain bread category features a range of bread styles and brands.
- The category gives you a starting point for comparing whole and half loaves.
- Check whether your chosen variety is available at your local shop or for your order.
Lidl
Lidl lists, among other products, an organic rustic multigrain sourdough loaf with seeds and kernels.
- Lidl provides ingredient and allergen information for its freshly baked range.
- Check local availability of the shop’s product you’ve chosen.
ALDI
ALDI lists, among other products, wholemeal multigrain bread, luxury multigrain hearth-baked bread and bake-at-home baguettes.
- For De Afbakker multigrain baguettes, ALDI gives a baking time of 8–10 minutes; this applies to that specific product only.
- Check the range at your chosen shop and follow the instructions on the packaging.
PLUS
PLUS stocks Korenlanders multigrain loaves, including round and sourdough varieties.
- The product page for PLUS Korenlanders Dark Multigrain Round Whole Loaf lists ingredients, allergens and freezing advice.
- Check the product information for the variety you’re actually buying.
Dirk
Dirk stocks a range of multigrain bread styles, including hearth-baked loaves, bake-at-home bread and bread rolls.
- The range of bread styles gives you options for a sharing breadboard or individual portions.
- Check the ingredients, preparation method and availability for each product.
Multigrain bread for your Easter meal on Joybuy
Below are multigrain baguettes, rolls and round loaves to consider for an Easter brunch. Choose a style that suits the way you’ll serve it, and check each product’s packaging before drawing conclusions about whether it is wholemeal, its allergens or how to prepare it.
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g'woon Popular multigrain baguettes, 2 pieces, 300 g
The baguette shape works well for bread served as part of a shared meal.
Check the packaging for preparation instructions, a wholemeal label and allergen information.
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g'woon multigrain rolls, 4 pieces
Four individual rolls are a handy option if you want to serve separate portions.
Check the packaging if a wholemeal label or specific ingredients are important to you.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij rustic multigrain baguettes, 4 × 135 g
The rustic baguette style is ideal if you want to serve bread at a shared brunch table.
Allow time for preparation if baking at home, and follow the baking instructions on the packaging; check the allergen information too.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round multigrain country loaf, 550 g × 2
The round loaf is a good choice for sharing at the table.
The title lists two 550 g loaves; check the quantity, preparation instructions and allergens on the packaging.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round multigrain country loaf, 550 g
This 550 g round loaf is another pack option for sharing at a meal.
Before planning your brunch, check the storage and preparation instructions, as well as the ingredients on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain, but the name doesn’t mean that the bread is wholemeal. Look for an explicit wholemeal label if that’s important to you.
Does multigrain bread in the Netherlands always contain iodised baker’s salt?
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bakers are not required to use baker’s salt. For packaged bread, read the ingredients list; for unpackaged bread, ask which salt has been used.
How can I check allergens in bread for an Easter brunch?
Read the latest allergen information for the specific bread and look out for any warnings about cross-contamination. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, this information must be available before purchase for unpackaged bread. If you can’t find it, ask the seller.
Can I buy multigrain bread in advance and freeze it?
You can, provided the product information includes freezing advice, but instructions vary from one loaf to another. Albert Heijn and PLUS give freezing advice for specific multigrain breads; follow the storage and defrosting instructions on the packaging of the product you buy.