If you’re shopping for a large household and keeping an eye on fibre, first choose bread that is clearly labelled wholegrain: ‘multigrain’ alone doesn’t mean it’s made with wholegrain flour. Then decide between a whole loaf and individual portions based on how much bread your household eats, the allergens listed on the packaging, and what you can freeze and use in time.
You’re looking for bread for breakfast and lunch, and don’t want to rely on its dark colour or the word ‘multigrain’ on the label. Look for the word ‘wholegrain’ and compare the fibre per 100 g to make an informed choice.
You’re choosing between whole loaves and smaller portions based on how much bread your household gets through. According to the Voedingscentrum, you can also freeze opened wholegrain bread.
You check the information for the specific variety before buying bread for your household. Product information from Jumbo and PLUS shows that the grains and other allergens listed vary from loaf to loaf.
Wholegrain multigrain bread meets both criteria; standard wholegrain bread is an alternative if you don’t need several types of grain. Then choose a whole loaf or portions you can separate to suit how much your household eats.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholegrain and fibre | Look for the word ‘wholegrain’ and compare the fibre per 100 g on the packaging. According to the Voedingscentrum, ‘multigrain’ means the bread contains at least three types of grain; it doesn’t mean it’s wholegrain. | For everyday bread, I want to be sure I’m choosing a wholegrain variety rather than relying on the name or colour. Around 33% of consumers prioritise a wholegrain base. |
| Stock and consumption | Compare a whole loaf with portions you can separate, and check the storage advice on the packaging. | If family members eat at different times, I want to defrost only what we’ll use. Around 27% of consumers give stock management top priority. |
| Size and availability | Check the weight or number of items, and whether the variety you want is available at your shop. | When doing a big shop, I want to be able to buy enough suitable portions without relying on a particular loaf that may not be in stock. Availability matters most to around 20% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information; compare the salt per 100 g if that matters to your choice. | If not everyone at home can eat the same ingredients, I need to be able to check the exact variety. Ingredients and allergens are the main concern for around 20% of consumers. |
According to the Voedingscentrum, ‘multigrain’ tells you how many types of grain the bread contains, not whether it’s made with wholegrain flour. A dark crust doesn’t tell you that either.
Look for the word ‘wholegrain’ and then compare the fibre per 100 g of the loaves you’re considering.
A large loaf is only a good fit if your household will use it in time or can store some of it. According to the Voedingscentrum, opened wholegrain bread keeps for 2–4 days in a kitchen cupboard and 1–3 months in the freezer.
Divide bread you won’t use soon into portions and follow the storage advice on the packaging.
Bread that isn’t used in time may go to waste.
The ingredients listed vary by variety. Product information from Jumbo and PLUS lists different grains and allergens in the multigrain products reviewed, including soya, milk and sesame.
Read the current ingredients and allergen information for the exact loaf you’re buying.
The fresh bread range can vary by branch, as Lidl points out. So you can’t assume your chosen variety will be available at every shop.
Check which varieties are available shortly before you buy, and read the product information on the packaging.
Albert Heijn lists wholegrain bread separately from multigrain and maize bread online, with options including whole loaves and a four-pack of multigrain bread.
Jumbo provides product information for a Wholegrain Multigrain Bread, including fibre and ingredient details.
ALDI lists whole and half-sized versions of Boeren wholegrain multigrain bread.
PLUS lists both a whole wholegrain loaf and wholegrain multigrain rolls.
Dirk lists wholegrain and multigrain products from Bakker van der Akker, including whole loaves.
Lidl lists both wholegrain and multigrain options among its freshly baked bread.
These are wholegrain bread options for households looking for a whole loaf or individual portions. The product names don’t describe them as wholegrain multigrain bread; check the packaging if having several types of grain is important to you.
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The pack of six flatbreads is a good fit for a household that wants individual portions.
Check the current ingredients and allergen information if having several types of grain or avoiding certain ingredients matters to your choice.
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This 550 g wholegrain loaf is an option if you don’t need several types of grain.
Allow time to defrost and bake, and follow the preparation instructions on the packaging. Only compare fibre values with other breads if they’re given per 100 g.
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain, but the label doesn’t mean the bread is wholegrain. Look specifically for ‘wholegrain’ and compare the fibre per 100 g on the packaging.
For opened wholegrain bread, the Voedingscentrum recommends 2–4 days in a kitchen cupboard and 1–3 months in the freezer. Divide a loaf into portions if your household won’t use it all quickly, and also follow the storage advice on the packaging.
Check the allergens for the exact variety, as ingredients vary from recipe to recipe. The product information reviewed from Jumbo and PLUS lists other allergens alongside gluten-containing grains, including soya, milk or sesame. So make sure you read the current packaging before buying.
