Who might find these options useful?

Holidaymakers who eat bread every day

If bread is a regular part of your breakfast or lunch, look beyond the word ‘multigrain’. The wholemeal label, ingredients and fibre per 100 g can help you compare specific loaves.

Small travel groups

If you’re only away for a short time, you may not want to be left with a whole loaf. Half a loaf, or portions that can be frozen according to the label, may suit your plans better.

Shoppers checking allergens

The grains, seeds and allergens vary from loaf to loaf. Always check the latest ingredients and allergen information for the product you’re buying.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide which type and quantity of bread will suit your stay. Then check the packaging to make sure the slicing, ingredients and storage instructions suit how you plan to take and use the bread.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Wholemeal and fibre Look for the wholemeal label and compare the fibre per 100 g on the labels of the loaves you’re considering. According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain does not automatically mean wholemeal. If I eat sandwiches every day, I want to know what ‘multigrain’ really means. For around 31% of consumers, this nutritional information is the top priority.
Storage and leftovers Check the date and storage advice on the packaging. Only freeze portions if the loaf you’ve chosen is suitable for freezing and you have access to a freezer. I don’t want bread I haven’t eaten during my stay to go to waste. Around 31% of consumers give planning for freshness and leftovers top priority.
Slicing and quantity Check whether the loaf is sliced and whether a whole or half loaf will suit the number of people and length of your stay. Look at the slices themselves if thickness matters for your lunchbox. For a small group, I want to be able to pack sandwiches without taking more bread than I need. For around 23% of consumers, convenience matters most.
Ingredients and allergens Check the latest ingredients and allergen information for the specific loaf. Don’t assume you know what it contains from the category name. If particular ingredients matter to me, I need to be able to check the label for this specific loaf before buying. This is the top priority for around 15% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming multigrain means wholemeal

    A loaf can contain several types of grain without being wholemeal. According to the Voedingscentrum, the word ‘multigrain’ on its own doesn’t tell you enough to make that choice.

    Look for the wholemeal label and read the ingredients. Don’t let the colour or visible seeds make the decision for you.

  • Taking a whole loaf without a plan for the leftovers

    If you’re only away for a short time, you may have bread left over before you’ve had a chance to use it. According to the Voedingscentrum, bread is one of the foods that is often wasted.

    Choose a quantity that suits your travel group and check whether the loaf can be frozen in portions according to the label.

  • Assuming you know the allergens from the product name

    Not all multigrain loaves have the same ingredients. For example, Albert Heijn’s sliced multigrain bread in its Liefde & Passie range lists cereals containing gluten and sesame. That doesn’t tell you what other loaves contain.

    Check the latest label every time you buy, including any allergen warnings.

  • Assuming ‘medium sliced’ means a standard slice thickness

    The word ‘sliced’ alone doesn’t tell you whether the slices are the right thickness for your toppings or lunchbox.

    Check the product listing and look at the slices in store if their thickness is important to your choice.

Brands and shops to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers sliced multigrain bread in its Liefde & Passie range.

  • The product information lists a 550 g loaf, its ingredients and allergens, and advises freezing it on the day of purchase.
  • The name doesn’t say that the loaf is wholemeal. Check the ingredients if wholemeal is one of your criteria.

Dirk

Dirk stocks a fresh half loaf of multigrain bread from Bakker van der Akker.

  • Half a loaf may suit a smaller group or a short stay.
  • Before buying, check the ingredients, nutritional information and slicing on the latest packaging.

Lidl

Lidl lists a 400 g half loaf of dark multigrain bread in its fresh-from-the-oven range, available in store.

  • This loaf lists wheat, barley and buckwheat. Its smaller size may be handy for a short stay.
  • Check the latest ingredients and allergen information in the product details and Lidl’s ingredients list for fresh-from-the-oven bread.

PLUS

PLUS lists multigrain bread and varieties in its Korenlanders range.

  • You can compare the listed bread varieties and their product information when choosing.
  • Check the slicing, ingredients, nutritional values and allergens on each pack. PLUS notes that product information may change.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread always wholemeal?

No. Multigrain and wholemeal don’t mean the same thing. According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain bread isn’t automatically wholemeal. Look for the wholemeal label and check the ingredients of the specific loaf.

How should I take multigrain bread for a short stay?

Choose a quantity that suits the number of people and follow the date and storage advice on the packaging. If the loaf you’ve chosen is suitable for freezing and you have access to a freezer, the Voedingscentrum recommends freezing bread in portions after purchase.

Does ‘medium sliced’ mean the same slice thickness everywhere?

Don’t assume it means a standard thickness. Check that the loaf is actually sliced and look at the slices if they need to fit in your lunchbox.

Which allergens should I check in multigrain bread?

Check the allergens for the loaf you’re buying, as ingredients vary from product to product. Albert Heijn’s Liefde & Passie Meergranen gesneden, for example, lists cereals containing gluten and sesame. Don’t use that label as a guide to other loaves.

Does all multigrain bread contain iodised salt?

You can’t tell from the word ‘multigrain’ alone. The ingredients list for the Albert Heijn loaf mentioned above includes iodised salt. Check the latest packaging for the loaf you choose.