Families comparing wholemeal bread and fibre
If these qualities matter to your family, look beyond the bread’s name or appearance. Check whether it’s labelled wholemeal and compare the fibre per 100 g for the variant you’re considering.
Who are these options for?
Families who want bread that’s quick to top and share
A pre-sliced half or whole loaf can save you time when several people are eating. Also check the slices themselves: ‘pre-sliced’ doesn’t tell you how thick they are.
Families who need to check ingredients and allergens
If someone at the table needs to avoid certain ingredients, always check the current packaging for that exact loaf. Read the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any warnings about cross-contamination.
What should you look for?
First, decide which quality matters most for your meal. Then compare only the variants that meet that need.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is it important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for a wholemeal label and compare the fibre per 100 g for the exact variant. | If wholemeal is the deciding factor for us, I don’t want to judge by visible grains alone. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this question of composition. |
| Slice and loaf size | Check whether the bread is pre-sliced, how thick the slices are, and whether a half or whole loaf is right for you. | When there are several people at the table, I want slices that are easy to top and share. Around 27% of consumers prioritise this convenience. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredient list, highlighted allergens and any warnings on the packaging. | If someone at the table needs to avoid an ingredient, I need to be able to check the exact loaf. This is the first concern for around 20% of consumers. |
| Quantity and availability | Choose a half or whole loaf to suit the number of people eating, and check where the variant you want is available. | I want enough bread for the meal, without ending up with a different size from the one I intended to buy. Around 20% of consumers prioritise quantity and availability. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking visible seeds for a wholemeal label
Multigrain and wholemeal describe different qualities. So a loaf made with several grains won’t necessarily meet your preference for wholemeal bread.
Look for an explicit wholemeal label, then compare the fibre per 100 g for that variant.
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Relying only on online product information
Ingredients and allergens may differ if you’re looking at another variant or the recipe has changed.
When you buy the bread, read the current packaging of the loaf you’re taking home, especially if someone at the table needs to avoid an allergen.
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Confusing pre-sliced with medium-sliced
‘Pre-sliced’ doesn’t confirm how thick the slices are. That can affect the toppings or portion sizes you have in mind.
Look at the slices in store or ask the bakery department what slice thickness is available.
Brands to compare
These brands offer different multigrain loaves or relevant bread categories. Always check the qualities of each individual variant, rather than relying on the brand name.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn has a multigrain and maize bread category, which includes AH Liefde & Passie Meergranen.
- The category gives you a starting point for exploring different loaves.
- Check the slice thickness, ingredients and nutrition information for your chosen variant separately.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers, among other options, a half wholemeal multigrain loaf.
- For this specific loaf, Jumbo lists 7,8 g of fibre per 100 g and advises storing it in a cool, dry place.
- Don’t assume the nutrition information or availability of one Jumbo variant applies to another loaf.
Lidl
Lidl describes a multigrain loaf containing, among other ingredients, wheat, barley and buckwheat, which is available in store.
- The grains listed help distinguish this variant from others.
- Check the slices in store and read all the information on the packaging.
ALDI
ALDI describes a whole, pre-sliced luxury multigrain hearth loaf.
- Pre-sliced bread can save you time when preparing a meal.
- The description doesn’t say whether the slices are medium thickness, so check the loaf itself.
PLUS
PLUS offers Brood van Soma Haverkorn multigrain bread, with ingredients and nutrition information for that specific product.
- For this variant, PLUS lists 6,2 g of fibre and 1,1 g of salt per 100 g.
- Check the current packaging when you buy it, including for allergens and any warnings.
Dirk
Dirk offers a half multigrain loaf from Bakker van der Akker.
- A half loaf is a handy size to match to the number of people eating.
- Check the slice thickness and nutrition information on the packaging for this variant.
Multigrain bread at Joybuy
These round loaves and baguettes are multigrain options to share with a meal. They need preparing, and their names alone don’t tell you whether they’re medium-sliced everyday bread.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread, round, 2 × 550 g
These two round loaves are a good option if you want to share bread at the table and have time to defrost, bake and cool them before slicing.
Before buying, check that the slice thickness suits you and read the current packaging for ingredients, allergens and nutrition information per stated amount.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 4 × 135 g
Four individual multigrain baguettes are a handy option for sharing with a meal, as long as you have time to defrost and bake them.
A baguette isn’t the same size as a sliced everyday loaf. Think about how you’d like to cut them, and check the current packaging for ingredients, allergens and nutrition information per stated amount.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. Multigrain and wholemeal are different product qualities. Look for an explicit wholemeal label if that’s what you’re after, then compare the fibre in the exact variant. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that, for a product to be wholemeal, all the flour used must be made from whole grains.
Is the product name enough to check for allergens?
No. Check the current ingredient list, highlighted allergens and any cross-contamination warnings on the packaging of the variant you’ve chosen. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that common allergens must be clearly listed on the label.
Does all multigrain bread contain iodised salt?
Don’t assume it does: check the ingredients of the loaf you choose. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes both the addition of iodine through iodised salt and baker’s salt, and multigrain bread made without baker’s salt.
How should I store the bread until the family dinner?
Follow the storage advice on the packaging for the exact variant. For example, Jumbo advises keeping its half wholemeal multigrain loaf in a cool, dry place. Don’t assume the same advice applies to another loaf.