Everyday bread eaters who are sensitive to texture
For households where a fussy eater pays attention to a hard crust, visible seeds, a coarse bite or the thickness of the slice. Check these features before choosing a coarser variety.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Families comparing wholemeal bread and fibre
For anyone looking for multigrain bread for everyday eating, while also considering what the eater will accept. Compare the ‘wholemeal’ label and fibre per 100 g. According to the Voedingscentrum, ‘multigrain’ alone does not mean the bread is wholemeal.
Shoppers with questions about ingredients
For anyone who needs to check allergens, grain types or whether baker’s salt is used before buying. Check the label on the bread you choose; the product name and colour do not give you the full picture.
What should you look for?
Start with the slice and the texture the eater will accept. Then compare the nutritional information and check that the bread you choose meets your household’s requirements for ingredients.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Slice and mouthfeel | Ask about the slicer setting or look at pre-sliced bread; check the crust and visible seeds. | If a hard crust or coarse bite makes eating difficult, I mainly want a sandwich that feels familiar. For around 30% of consumers, this is the top priority. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label and compare fibre per 100 g on the packaging. | For everyday bread, I want to know whether the variety I choose is wholemeal, rather than relying on ‘multigrain’ alone. Around 30% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
| Size and availability | Check whether the loaf is half or whole, and whether the shop you choose can slice it. | A loaf size that suits my household makes it easier to choose the same bread again. This practical consideration matters most to around 20% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and baker’s salt | Read the allergen information and check whether baker’s salt is listed as an ingredient. | If I need to watch out for allergens or baker’s salt, I want to be able to check the label on the exact loaf. For around 20% of consumers, checking the ingredients is their main concern. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming multigrain means wholemeal
According to the Voedingscentrum, ‘multigrain’ refers to at least three types of grain. It does not tell you whether the whole grain has been used to make the bread.
Look specifically for ‘wholemeal’, compare fibre per 100 g, and also consider whether the texture suits the eater.
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Reading ‘half loaf’ as ‘medium-sliced’
‘Half’ describes the size of the loaf, not the thickness of the slices. Slice thickness can be especially important if someone rejects bread because of its texture.
Check whether the bread is sliced and, if necessary, ask which slicer settings are available.
A larger loaf that is then left uneaten can lead to food waste.
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Guessing which allergens are present from the name
‘Multigrain’ does not tell you which grains and other allergens are in the specific bread. It also does not mean the bread is gluten-free.
Read the current ingredients and allergen information. If you need gluten-free labelling, check this on the specific product.
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Assuming every loaf contains baker’s salt
According to the Voedingscentrum, the use of baker’s salt is not compulsory. So don’t assume it has been used based on the type of bread.
Check the ingredients on the label or, if buying unpackaged bread, ask which salt has been used.
Brands to compare
These supermarket ranges include multigrain bread or a relevant bread category. Check the slice thickness, ingredients and availability for each loaf you consider.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists multigrain bread online, including sliced AH Liefde & Passie Meergranen.
- There’s a clearly identified sliced option in the range.
- Check separately whether the slices are the thickness you want.
Jumbo
Jumbo has an online multigrain bread category, which includes half loaves.
- You can consider the loaf size when making your choice.
- ‘Half’ does not confirm that the loaf is medium-sliced.
Lidl
Lidl offers fresh and packaged loaves; according to Lidl, packaged bread has a fibre meter on the packaging.
- The fibre meter can help you compare packaged loaves.
- Also read the full nutritional information and ingredients for the bread you choose.
ALDI
ALDI lists Boeren volkoren meergranen Half as a sliced loaf.
- Both the half-loaf size and ‘sliced’ are specified for this variety.
- Check the slice thickness and current label before buying.
PLUS
PLUS lists multigrain bread online and offers delivery or collection.
- Collection and delivery are both possible ways to shop.
- Compare the crust, seeds, slicing method and ingredients for each loaf.
Dirk
Dirk’s search results include half loaves of multigrain bread.
- A half loaf is worth considering if you don’t want to choose a whole loaf straight away.
- Check the specific product for its slicing method and ingredients.
Multigrain bread at Joybuy
You slice this round multigrain loaf yourself after defrosting, baking and cooling it. It’s a good choice if you want to decide the slice thickness yourself, but not if you’re looking for pre-sliced, medium-thick bread.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round multigrain bread 550 g
For anyone who wants to slice their bread at home and choose the thickness themselves. This 550 g round loaf needs to be defrosted, baked and cooled first; check the preparation instructions on the packaging. Before buying, consider whether the texture of the seeds will suit the eater, and check the current label for allergens, wholemeal status, fibre per 100 g and baker’s salt.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread always wholemeal?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain bread contains at least three different types of grain, but the name does not mean it is wholemeal. Check the ‘wholemeal’ label, the ingredients and fibre per 100 g.
How can I find medium-thick slices for a fussy eater?
Check the slice thickness separately from the loaf size. Look at pre-sliced bread or ask which setting is used on the bread slicer; ‘half loaf’ does not mean ‘medium-sliced’. Also consider the crust and visible seeds.
Where can I check the allergens in multigrain bread?
Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact product. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the mandatory allergen information on labels; the name ‘multigrain’ is no substitute for checking. If you need gluten-free labelling to make your choice, check this separately.
Does Dutch bread always contain baker’s salt?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, baker’s salt is not compulsory. For packaged bread, check the ingredients list; for unpackaged bread, ask which salt has been used.
How can I try a new bread without choosing a whole loaf straight away?
Choose a half loaf if one is available, and first see whether the eater accepts the slice, crust and texture. Also check whether ‘half’ for that variety comes with the slicing method you want.