Who is this guide for?

Households keeping an eye on fibre

You’re looking for bread to share at a meal and want to check the wholemeal labelling and fibre per 100 g, rather than relying on its colour or the word ‘multigrain’.

Anyone who wants to share warm bread

You’re serving dips or mezze, for example, and want bread you can bake shortly before eating and share at the table.

Households that read labels carefully

You want to check which grains and other ingredients the bread contains before buying, and see which allergens are listed as present or potentially present.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check that the bread is labelled wholemeal. Then choose a type that suits how you plan to serve it, and read the latest ingredients and allergen information. According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain; the term alone doesn’t tell you whether the bread is wholemeal.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Wholemeal and fibre Look for the wholemeal labelling and compare fibre on the same basis, per 100 g. If I’m looking for wholemeal bread to serve at the table, I want to compare the fibre content without relying on a dark colour. For around 50% of consumers, choosing wholemeal bread and comparing fibre comes first.
Bread type and preparation Compare a whole or half loaf with rolls and bake-off bread; check the preparation instructions for bake-off bread. When serving a meal with dips, I want to decide whether to serve slices straight away or bake warm bread just before eating. Around 30% of consumers prioritise bread type and preparation.
Ingredients and allergens Check which allergens the bread contains or may contain, and, if you wish, whether iodised salt is listed. When I need to check ingredients for the people I’m serving, I want to know which grains and other allergens are listed in the bread. For around 20% of consumers, ingredients and allergens matter most.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘wholemeal’

    According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain means that at least three types of grain are used. The word alone doesn’t confirm that the bread is wholemeal.

    Look for the wholemeal labelling on the bread, then compare the nutritional information, including fibre per 100 g.

  • Judging by a dark colour or a grain-rich name

    A dark colour or a name such as waldkorn doesn’t tell you by itself whether the bread is wholemeal. The product description still matters, even when the bread contains visible grains.

    Check the description and ingredients on the current packaging of the specific bread.

  • Comparing fibre but overlooking allergens

    The breads reviewed list different gluten-containing grains. Some products also list soya, milk or sesame as an ingredient or as a potential allergen.

    For each product you choose, check both the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements on the current label.

  • Choosing a whole loaf without considering how many people are eating

    A whole loaf may leave leftovers if you’re serving a smaller group, while a half loaf, rolls or baguettes can make it easier to share at the table.

    Choose a size to suit the meal, and check the storage instructions if you want to freeze the bread.

Brands and bread options to consider

Albert Heijn

The AH Extra lang lekker waldkorn volkoren heel reviewed is a wholemeal multigrain loaf.

  • Albert Heijn lists 7,4 g of fibre per 100 g for this bread.
  • The product lists gluten-containing grains and soya; milk, sesame and lactose may also be present. Check the current packaging.

Jumbo

Jumbo Boeren Donker Volkoren Meergranen was reviewed in a half-loaf size.

  • Jumbo lists 8,0 g of fibre and 0,98 g of salt per 100 g for this half loaf.
  • Check the current ingredients and availability of the specific bread before planning your meal.

Lidl

Lidl describes a multigrain bread made with wheat, barley and buckwheat, among other ingredients.

  • The grains listed give you a useful starting point for checking the ingredients on the label.
  • Check the wholemeal labelling and nutritional information if these are important to your choice.

ALDI

ALDI describes Boeren volkoren meergranen Heel as a whole loaf containing grains and seeds.

  • The product name includes both ‘wholemeal’ and ‘multigrain’.
  • If you’re choosing based on fibre or allergens, check the nutritional information and ingredients on the packaging.

PLUS

PLUS has reviewed wholemeal multigrain rolls and part-baked wholemeal multigrain baguettes: two different options for sharing.

  • PLUS lists 7 g of fibre per 100 g for the baguettes, with baking instructions for an oven and air fryer.
  • The allergen information differs between the rolls and baguettes, so check the label on the pack you choose.

Dirk

Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Boeren donker volkoren heel as a bread option.

  • The product name describes this bread as wholemeal.
  • Check the grains and nutritional information before comparing it with wholemeal multigrain bread.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain means that the bread contains at least three different types of grain; that doesn’t necessarily make it wholemeal. Check the product description, and read the ingredients and nutritional information.

Should I choose a whole loaf, a half loaf or bake-off baguettes?

Choose bread that’s ready to serve if you don’t want to prepare it just before the meal, and pick a whole or half loaf to suit the number of people eating. Bake-off baguettes are a good choice if you want to share warm bread and have the time and suitable equipment. According to PLUS, the PLUS baguettes reviewed need 8–10 minutes in an oven at 220 °C or 5–6 minutes in an air fryer at 200 °C.

Does bread in the Netherlands always contain iodine?

You can’t assume this is the case for every loaf, so check whether iodised salt is listed on the label. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that iodine compounds may only be added to bread via bakers’ salt, at a maximum of 65 mg of iodine per kg of salt.

Which allergens should I check in this bread?

Check the allergens in the specific bread, not just the grains in its name. The products reviewed list gluten-containing grains and, depending on the product, soya, milk or sesame as an ingredient or a potential allergen. So check both the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements on the current label.

What should I do with bread left over after the meal?

Check the storage instructions and freeze suitable bread if you want to use it later. The Voedingscentrum advises against storing bread in the fridge, as it dries out there. For the AH bread reviewed, Albert Heijn says you can freeze it at home on the day of purchase.