Snack makers using substantial or moist toppings
If you want to top slices with something like herring, a whole loaf lets you choose the thickness. First, try a slice to see whether its thickness and crumb work with your topping.
Which option is right for you?
Shoppers checking wholemeal and nutrition information
Having several types of grain doesn’t automatically mean a loaf is wholemeal. According to the Voedingscentrum, ‘multigrain’ means at least three types of grain. Check the wholemeal labelling, ingredients and nutrition information for the loaf you choose.
Hosts planning ahead
When you’re making snacks for a group, both the number of portions and the ingredients of the exact product matter. Read the allergen information on the packaging and, if needed, freeze bread in portions straight after buying it for later use, as advised by the Voedingscentrum.
What should you look for when choosing?
Slice a whole loaf yourself
Choose this if: you want to tailor the slice thickness to substantial or moist toppings.
Bear in mind: slicing takes preparation; first check whether the crumb and the slices work for your snack.
Pre-sliced bread
Choose this if: you want slices ready to top without having to cut them yourself.
Bear in mind: the word ‘sliced’ doesn’t tell you whether the slices are thick enough for your toppings.
Baguette or bread rolls
Choose this if: you’d like to serve smaller portions of bread rather than broad sandwich slices.
Bear in mind: these options aren’t a substitute for broad, evenly sliced pieces from a whole loaf.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Slice thickness and sturdiness | Choose a whole loaf if you want to control the thickness yourself; try a slice with your planned topping before preparing all the snacks. | For herring or another moist topping, I want a slice that works as a sturdy base for a snack. For around 39% of consumers, thickness and sturdiness are the top priorities. |
| Wholemeal and nutritional value | Look for the wholemeal labelling and compare the ingredients and nutrition information for the exact product, including fibre and salt. | If the ingredients determine my choice, I want to know whether the bread is actually wholemeal. Around 31% of consumers put this check first. |
| Allergens for guests | Just before serving, read the allergen information on the packaging of the bread you’ve bought. | When I’m hosting guests with food allergies, the bread I choose needs to suit their needs. Around 15% of consumers put this check first. |
| Portions and storage | Choose an amount that suits your group and freeze bread in portions straight after buying it if you’ll use it later. | When preparing for a group, I want useful portions ready without ending up with unnecessary leftovers. Around 15% of consumers prioritise planning. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘wholemeal’
According to the Voedingscentrum, ‘multigrain’ refers to the number of types of grain, not necessarily to using the whole grain.
Look specifically for the wholemeal labelling and read the ingredients rather than judging by the colour or visible seeds.
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Assuming pre-sliced bread has thick slices
A pre-sliced loaf can make preparation easier, but the label doesn’t tell you whether the slices will stand up to substantial or moist toppings.
Check the slices in the shop, or cut a test slice from a whole loaf before preparing snacks for all your guests.
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Guessing allergens from the bread’s name
The grains, seeds and other ingredients vary from one product to another. If you’re hosting someone with a food allergy, the bread’s name is no substitute for checking the allergen information.
Check the current packaging of the exact loaf you’re serving and keep a suitable alternative separate.
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Preparing all the bread well in advance
Portions left out for too long can dry out, and leftover bread may go unused.
Plan how many snacks you need and freeze bread for later use in portions straight after buying it, following the storage advice from the Voedingscentrum.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Sliced AH Liefde & Passie Meergranen is an option if you’re looking for bread that’s ready sliced.
- Albert Heijn’s product information lists the ingredients and allergens.
- Check the slices yourself if thickness matters for your toppings.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers multigrain breads in different formats, including whole and half loaves.
- A whole loaf lets you choose the slice thickness yourself.
- Check current availability and product information for the option you choose.
Lidl
Lidl describes its multigrain bread as hearty and lists wheat, barley and buckwheat.
- The grains listed can help you identify the product.
- According to the product page, this item is only available in store; check the exact packaging and slices there.
ALDI
ALDI describes Boeren volkoren meergranen as a whole loaf.
- A whole loaf lets you slice it yourself.
- Check how the loaf slices and, if you’re serving guests, read the allergen information on the packaging.
PLUS
PLUS offers multigrain options, including sourdough bread.
- You can explore different bread formats to find the snack portions you want.
- Check the product, availability and slice thickness with your chosen shop or order.
Dirk
Dirk offers whole and half multigrain loaves, as well as baguettes and bread rolls.
- The different formats let you choose between slicing your own bread and serving smaller snack portions.
- Read the ingredients for your chosen product and check that its format suits your toppings.
Whole loaves to slice yourself
These Joybuy products are whole, round multigrain loaves that you slice yourself after baking. This lets you choose the thickness; if you’re serving substantial or moist toppings, try a slice first. Check the packaging if wholemeal labelling or allergens are important to your choice.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 2 × 550 g
This whole, round loaf is a good choice if you want to decide the slice thickness yourself when making snacks.
According to the product name, the pack contains two 550 g loaves. The bread needs to be thawed and baked before slicing; the description then recommends leaving it to cool for 30 minutes.
Try a slice with your planned topping to see if it holds up. Before serving it to guests, check the packaging for wholemeal labelling and current allergen information.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 550 g
This whole, round loaf is a good choice if you want to decide the slice thickness yourself when making snacks.
The product name lists a weight of 550 g. The bread needs to be thawed and baked before slicing; the description then recommends leaving it to cool for 30 minutes.
Try a slice with your planned topping to see if it holds up. Before serving it to guests, check the packaging for wholemeal labelling and current allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, ‘multigrain’ means that the bread is made from at least three different types of grain; it doesn’t confirm that the bread is wholemeal. If that matters to you, look for the wholemeal labelling and read the ingredients for the exact product.
How do I choose slices thick enough for herring or other toppings?
With a whole multigrain loaf, you can choose the thickness yourself. Cut a test slice and try it with your planned topping. If you’re buying pre-sliced bread for a group, check the slices before you buy.
Where should I check for allergens when hosting guests?
Read the allergen information on the packaging of the exact product you’re serving. Ingredients can vary between multigrain breads, so don’t rely only on the bread’s name or the ingredients of a different version.
How can I prepare bread for Flag Day in advance?
Freeze bread you won’t use straight away in portions as soon as you buy it, as advised by the Voedingscentrum. Plan the portions around the number of snacks you’ll be serving. If the bread still needs baking, allow time for both baking and cooling.