Families keeping an eye on quantity
They want to choose bread for several people without buying more than they can finish or store. Loaf size and portions are important when shopping for the family.
Who is this choice relevant for?
Families specifically looking for wholemeal
They don’t want to rely on the word ‘multigrain’ alone. Instead, they check whether the bread is labelled wholemeal and compare the nutritional information per 100 g.
Families with dietary restrictions
They need to check the ingredients, allergens and any ‘may contain’ statements for the exact loaf. A gluten-free label says nothing in itself about other allergens.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how much bread you need for the family dinner. Then check the wholemeal labelling, storage instructions and, where relevant, the allergen information on the pack.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity for the family | Compare the weight and choose a size your family can finish or store according to the label. | If not everyone is eating, I don’t want to be left with bread that goes stale. Around 36% of consumers put getting the quantity right first. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label and compare fibre content on the same basis, such as per 100 g. | I want to know whether the bread really is wholemeal, rather than judging by its dark colour or seeds. For around 29% of consumers, this clarity is the main priority. |
| Portions and storage | Check the number of portions and the instructions for storing, freezing and any preparation. | Bread I set aside in advance needs to be ready to serve at the right time. Planning portions and storage is the main priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the up-to-date ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety, including any relevant ‘may contain’ statements. | If someone at the table needs to avoid certain ingredients, a suitable label matters more than size or convenience. Around 14% of consumers put this check first. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming multigrain means wholemeal
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain. That doesn’t automatically mean it is made from wholemeal flour.
If wholemeal is what you’re looking for, check specifically for that label and read the ingredients list.
-
Comparing only the number of loaves
A half loaf, a whole loaf and a pack of rolls aren’t equivalent quantities unless you also compare their weight or portion information. A large loaf also won’t suit every family or every meal.
Check the weight and choose an amount you can finish or store according to the packaging.
-
Assuming the product name means it is free from allergens
Standard multigrain bread may contain gluten-containing cereals and other allergens. Even a specific gluten-free bread may contain ingredients that aren’t suitable for someone else at the table.
Check the up-to-date allergen information for the variety you choose, even if the label on the front meets one particular dietary requirement.
-
Assuming every loaf contains iodised salt
Whether a loaf contains baker’s salt or iodised salt can vary. So don’t assume what’s in a particular pack based on the type of bread alone.
Read the ingredients list if the type of salt used matters to you.
Brands to consider
ALDI
ALDI lists its Boeren wholemeal multigrain bread in both whole and half sizes. This makes the quantity you need a practical starting point when choosing.
- The listed variety comes in two sizes, so you can compare them with the number of people eating.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you choose in store.
Dirk
Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Bakkers multigrain half loaf as an option if you’re looking for a half loaf.
- The half size may suit you if you need less bread for your meal.
- If you’re comparing it with another variety, check the pack weight and nutritional information for the loaf you choose.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers multigrain and wholemeal varieties, including half loaves. Compare the labelling on the exact variety with what your family is looking for.
- The individual product information can help you compare wholemeal labelling, fibre per 100 g and ingredients.
- Check the allergens and make sure the variety you choose is available before planning your meal around it.
Albert Heijn
The information about AH Zaans whole multigrain bread shows which portion and storage details are useful when planning a family meal.
- For this particular loaf, Albert Heijn lists the number of portions and says it can be frozen on the day of purchase.
- Don’t assume the storage instructions for this loaf also apply to another variety; check the pack you choose.
PLUS
PLUS Korenlanders Dark multigrain bread is an example where the ingredients tell you more than the name on the front alone.
- PLUS lists 50% wholemeal wheat flour for this variety, so you can assess its composition more precisely.
- Don’t assume this ingredient means the whole loaf is wholemeal; also check the allergens on the pack you choose.
Lidl
Lidl lists multigrain varieties in its fresh bread range for anyone who prefers to choose bread in store.
- You can check the label and size of any available variety as you make your choice.
- Lidl says its fresh bread range may vary between stores.
Multigrain bread and rolls at Joybuy
These multigrain breads and rolls come in different formats for a family meal: individual portions or a loaf to share. For each variety, check the quantity, any preparation steps, the wholemeal labelling and the allergens.
Image unavailable
g'woon multigrain rolls, 4 pieces
Four individual rolls may suit you if you want to serve one per person. Check the pack for wholemeal labelling and up-to-date allergen information; the product details list cereals containing gluten and sesame.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij round multigrain bread, 2 × 550 g
Two 550 g round loaves suit a meal you can plan for in advance. Allow time to defrost and bake according to the instructions. Check the wholemeal labelling and allergens; the description lists wheat and sesame.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij rustic multigrain baguettes, 4 × 135 g
Four 135 g baguettes give you individual loaves to serve with your meal. Allow time to defrost and bake them according to the instructions. Check the pack for wholemeal labelling and allergens; the description lists wheat and sesame.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij round multigrain bread, 550 g
This 550 g round loaf is a size you can share at the table. It needs to be defrosted and baked according to the instructions provided. Check whether the pack says ‘wholemeal’ and read the allergen information; the description lists wheat and sesame.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij rustic multigrain baguettes, 4 × 135 g × 2 variety
These baguettes are intended to be baked after defrosting for your meal. Check the number of pieces on the current pack: the product title says 4 × 135 g × 2, while the description refers to one pack of four. Also check the wholemeal labelling and allergen information; the description lists wheat and sesame.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread always wholemeal?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three different types of grain, while the label ‘wholemeal’ means the bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour. Check for that label on the pack you choose rather than judging by the colour or seeds.
When should I choose a whole loaf for a family dinner?
Choose a whole loaf if your family can finish it or if the storage instructions fit your plans. Albert Heijn says AH Zaans whole multigrain bread can be frozen on the day of purchase. For another loaf, follow the instructions on its own packaging.
Does every multigrain loaf contain iodised salt?
Don’t assume so without checking the label. Look at the ingredients list for the loaf you choose to see whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) sets out requirements for iodine in baker’s salt, but that doesn’t confirm what’s in every variety of bread.
Is gluten-free multigrain bread also free from other allergens?
No. A gluten-free label says nothing about all the other allergens. The Schär multigrain bread described by PLUS contains soya and may also contain sesame and mustard, among other allergens. Check the allergen information on the current pack before serving it.