Bread buyer looking for wholemeal and fibre
You want more than a mix of grains: you also want to know whether the bread is wholemeal. According to the Voedingscentrum, the name ‘multigrain bread’ doesn’t in itself mean that the bread is wholemeal.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Fussy eater looking for a lighter option
You’re looking for bread made with a blend of flours rather than relying on the name or visible seeds alone. Albert Heijn product information shows that wholemeal wheat flour and white wheat flour can both be used in one loaf. Whether you like the flavour and texture is a separate matter.
Buyer who needs to check allergens
As well as checking the types of grain, you read the full allergen information. Standard multigrain bread may contain cereals containing gluten and other allergens. A gluten-free label doesn’t mean that a loaf is free from all allergens.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide which feature matters most to you. Then use the product description, ingredients and nutritional information to compare breads that offer it.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Read the product description and ingredients, and compare fibre per 100 g. | If I’m looking for wholemeal bread, I want to be able to tell from the description and types of flour, not from the seeds. Around 46% of consumers put checking for wholemeal and fibre first. |
| Flavour and texture | Check which flours and seeds are listed. Don’t judge whether you’ll prefer a light or soft bite based on the flour blend alone. | For a fussy eater, I’m looking for bread with a flavour and texture they’ll enjoy, without assuming that wholemeal flour mixed with white flour will automatically taste mild. Around 27% of consumers put flavour and texture first. |
| Gluten and allergens | Read the current ingredients, allergen information and any warnings about traces. | If I need to avoid an ingredient, I want to know what’s in the particular loaf and what warnings apply. This is the main concern for around 18% of consumers. |
| Origin and storage | For an organic or prominently marketed option, check the ingredients and storage instructions too. | If I’m choosing bread because of its presentation or organic label, I also want to know whether I can store it properly at home. This practical consideration is the deciding factor for around 9% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming multigrain means wholemeal
According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain. The term doesn’t tell you how much wholemeal flour it contains. You could end up choosing a loaf that doesn’t meet your preference for a wholemeal base.
Check the product description, the types of flour in the ingredients list and the fibre per 100 g.
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Judging by seeds or colour when you have a dietary requirement
A dark colour or seeds don’t tell you whether a loaf is gluten-free. Product information from Jumbo, PLUS and Schär also shows that allergen content varies from one loaf to another.
If you need to avoid something, always check the current allergen information for the specific product.
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Assuming a product page confirms availability
A page may still show ingredients and nutritional values even when the bread is marked as discontinued.
Check what’s currently available and, when you buy, compare the packaging with the product information you looked at earlier.
Brands and product ranges to explore
Albert Heijn
AH Biologisch Zaans meergranen bruin half is an example of bread made with both wholemeal flour and white flour.
- Albert Heijn lists 35% wholemeal wheat flour and 24% white wheat flour for this option.
- The flour blend doesn’t automatically make the bread entirely wholemeal. Check the allergens and nutritional information on the packaging too.
Jumbo
Jumbo Volkoren Donker Meergranen Brood is a useful example of a label for anyone looking for bread explicitly described as wholemeal.
- Jumbo lists 37.9% wholemeal wheat flour and 8.1 g of fibre per 100 g for this option.
- The word ‘wholemeal’ doesn’t mean it’s suitable for anyone with an allergy. Check the ingredients and allergens separately.
PLUS Korenlanders
PLUS Korenlanders Rond licht meerzaden half is a multiseed bread. Here, it’s simply an example of a mixed flour base, not necessarily a multigrain bread.
- PLUS lists 30% wholemeal wheat flour and 22% white wheat flour for this option.
- According to the product information, the bread contains soya and sesame, among other ingredients. Check for warnings about other allergens too.
Brood van Soma
PLUS describes Haverkorn meergranen brood as wholemeal multigrain bread.
- The stated fibre content for this product is 6.2 g per 100 g.
- The product contains oats, spelt and rye, among other ingredients, and may contain hazelnuts. The wholemeal description doesn’t mean it’s gluten-free.
Schär
Schär Meesterbakker Mehrkorn is labelled as gluten-free multigrain bread, making it a different option from standard multigrain bread.
- The product information lists 9.9 g of fibre per 100 g.
- The bread contains soya and may contain lupin, sesame and mustard. Read the full allergen information.
Related Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain, and it can also contain white flour. If you’re specifically looking for wholemeal bread, check the product description and ingredients.
Does a dark colour tell you anything about nutritional value?
Not on its own. For the specific loaf, check the types of flour in the ingredients list and the fibre per 100 g. Don’t try to work out how much wholemeal flour it contains from its colour or visible seeds.
Can I choose standard multigrain bread if I need to eat gluten-free?
Don’t assume standard multigrain bread is gluten-free: it may contain cereals containing gluten. Choose a product explicitly labelled as gluten-free, and check the current packaging for other allergens and warnings too.
How should I store fresh multigrain bread?
Follow the storage instructions for the bread you buy. For AH Biologisch Zaans meergranen bruin half, Albert Heijn says you can freeze it at home on the day you buy it. Don’t assume the same instructions apply to other breads.