Shopping for a small get-together
If not everyone eats much bread, half a loaf may be a better fit than a whole one. Also think about whether you’ll use any leftover slices later or freeze them.
Which size is right for you?
Hosts who want to share bread
You can serve baguettes and French sticks in pieces with dips, spreads or cheese. If you’re buying part-baked bread, check that you have the time and equipment to prepare it.
Shoppers checking wholemeal and allergens
The name ‘multigrain’ on its own doesn’t mean that bread is wholemeal or gluten-free. Check the product description, ingredients and allergen information. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also distinguishes between multigrain and wholemeal bread.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how much bread you want to serve and store. Then check whether it’s ready to eat or needs baking, and separately check any nutritional information that matters to you.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and leftovers | Compare the number of pieces and the weight with how much you want to serve. Consider whether you can freeze any leftovers. | For a small get-together, I don’t want to be left with more bread than I’ll use later. Around 42% of consumers would choose reducing leftovers as their top priority. |
| Serving and preparation | Check whether the bread needs baking, and how much time and what equipment this will take. | If I want to serve warm bread in pieces, the preparation needs to fit into my plans. For around 33% of consumers, ease of serving would come first. |
| Wholemeal and allergens | Check whether it’s labelled wholemeal, the nutritional information per 100 g and the current allergen information. | If wholemeal or an allergen determines my choice, I can’t rely on the name ‘multigrain’ alone. This is expected to be the first consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming multigrain means wholemeal
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain refers to different types of grain; it doesn’t automatically mean the bread is wholemeal.
If you want wholemeal bread, look for the wholemeal label on the packaging and check the ingredients and fibre per 100 g.
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Looking only at the number of loaves
A whole loaf, half a loaf and a pack of small baguettes provide different quantities. How much is left after your get-together also affects whether the size you choose is practical.
Choose a size that suits your guests, and freeze any bread you want to eat later in good time.
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Planning to serve part-baked bread without allowing time to prepare it
Part-baked bread needs to be prepared before serving, so it’s less suitable if you want to put bread on the table straight away.
Read the preparation instructions before buying, and check that you can use the oven or air fryer required.
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Relying on the product name if you have allergies
Even bread sold as gluten-free may contain other allergens. The name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you whether it’s suitable.
For every purchase, read the current ingredients list and check both the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements.
Brands and shops to explore
Dirk
Dirk offers both half a multigrain loaf and a multigrain part-baked French stick.
- Half a loaf could suit a small get-together, while the part-baked French stick is a handy size to serve in pieces.
- Check the preparation instructions for the part-baked French stick, and check the current packaging for both products.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers products including Boeren Donker Volkoren Meergranen and Stevig Meergranen.
- Stevig Meergranen is described as a wholemeal multigrain loaf with seeds and kernels.
- If you buy a whole loaf, plan what to do with any slices left over after a small get-together.
PLUS
PLUS stocks wholemeal multigrain baguettes and a sourdough multigrain French stick.
- The product information for the French stick includes preparation instructions.
- Factor in the preparation time when choosing part-baked bread.
ALDI
ALDI offers both a luxury multigrain artisan loaf and a farmhouse wholemeal multigrain loaf.
- The product names distinguish between a multigrain artisan loaf and a loaf labelled wholemeal.
- Check the packaging of the loaf you choose for ingredients, nutritional information and allergens.
Albert Heijn
The online range includes various types of multigrain bread.
- You can browse different types of bread before choosing a size.
- Check the packaging for the latest ingredients, nutritional information and allergen details.
Lidl
Lidl has a freshly baked bread range with a separate ingredients list.
- The ingredients list makes it easier to browse the freshly baked range.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information for the bread you choose.
Multigrain bread for different get-togethers
This Joybuy selection includes baguettes to serve in pieces, a round loaf you can slice yourself and individual rolls. Choose a pack to suit the number of guests, and allow time to prepare part-baked products.
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g'woon Popular multigrain baguettes, 2 pieces, 300 g
Two baguettes are a good choice if you want to serve bread in pieces at your get-together. Check the packaging to see whether they need baking, and read the current ingredients information if you have allergies.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 4 × 135 g
Four individual baguettes let you plan how many to serve at a time. Allow for thawing and baking, and check the packaging instructions before planning when to prepare them.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 2 × 4 × 135 g
Eight individual baguettes are a good fit for a get-together where you want to prepare more bread. It may be more than you need for a small group, so allow for thawing and baking and follow the packaging instructions.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 550 g
You can slice this 550 g round loaf yourself after baking, ready to serve at your get-together or save for later. Allow time for thawing and cooling, and check the baking instructions on the packaging.
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g'woon multigrain rolls, 4 pieces
Four individual rolls are a good alternative if you want to serve bread one piece at a time. Check the packaging for preparation and allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ refers to the use of different types of grain; it doesn’t automatically mean that the whole grain has been used. Look for the wholemeal label and check the ingredients if you specifically want wholemeal bread.
What size multigrain bread is handy for a get-together?
French sticks and baguettes are easy to serve in pieces, as long as you can allow time for baking if needed. Half a loaf may suit a small group; if you buy a whole loaf, it’s worth deciding in advance what you’ll do with the rest.
What should I do with bread left over after a get-together?
Freeze any bread you want to eat later in good time. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against storing bread in the fridge, as it dries out there. Don’t keep mouldy bread to eat later.
Is regular multigrain bread gluten-free?
Not necessarily. Multigrain bread may contain grains that contain gluten. If you need a gluten-free product, check that the specific product is labelled gluten-free and read the other allergen information on the current packaging too.