Those planning daily meals with bread
You want to have breakfast and lunch at the holiday home without bringing more bread than your group is likely to eat. The pack weight and number of meals will help you work out how much to buy.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Holidaymakers looking for wholemeal bread
You don’t want to assume that bread is wholemeal just because it’s called ‘multigrain’. So you check the product description and ingredients before choosing.
Small groups with limited storage space
For a short stay, you’ll want to avoid leftovers. A half loaf or individual portions may be more practical than a large loaf; the kitchen will also need to be suitable if you plan to freeze or bake the bread.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you need bread that’s ready to eat or whether you can bake it. Then choose an amount that suits the number of people eating, and check for a wholemeal label if that matters to you.
Fresh whole or half loaf
Best when: you want bread for breakfast or lunch straight away, without using an oven.
Consider: choose a whole or half loaf to suit the number of people eating and the storage space available.
Part-baked bread
Best when: you want to bake bread during your stay and the required equipment is available.
Consider: baking takes time and preparation; a part-baked baguette won’t necessarily serve the same purpose as sliced bread.
Bread mix
Best when: you want to bake your own bread and know the kitchen is suitable.
Consider: a mix isn’t ready-to-eat bread; check how it needs to be prepared and whether you’ll need any additional ingredients.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Amount for your meals | Check the net weight and estimate how many meals the pack will provide. | If I serve bread every day during my stay, I want to choose an amount that suits the number of people eating. Meal planning is the top priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Wholemeal and ingredients | Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ in the product description and read the ingredients on the pack. | I want to choose wholemeal bread rather than relying on the name ‘multigrain’; this product choice matters most to around 30% of consumers. |
| Storage and preparation | Check the storage and preparation instructions, and see whether there’s freezer space and the required oven or air fryer. | For a short stay, I want to avoid leftovers without assuming equipment will be available. Ease of use is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘wholemeal’
According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain bread contains at least three different types of grain. The term alone doesn’t mean that wholemeal flour has been used.
Check the product description and ingredients if you want wholemeal bread; don’t judge by the colour or the number of visible seeds.
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Taking more fresh bread than you need
You may have bread left over from a large loaf during a short stay, especially if you’re in a small group or have limited storage space.
Choose an amount that suits your planned meals. If you want to freeze some, read the instructions for the product you’ve chosen first.
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Guessing allergens from the name of the bread
A name such as ‘multigrain’ or ‘wholemeal’ doesn’t tell you which allergens are listed on a particular pack.
If you have an allergy or coeliac disease, always check the current ingredients and allergen information for the product you’re buying.
Brands and shops to consider
Albert Heijn
Stocks both multigrain bread and a multigrain bread mix.
- Having a choice between ready-made bread and a mix is useful if you want to bake your own.
- A bread mix isn’t ready to eat; read the preparation instructions before choosing it for a holiday home.
Jumbo
Offers multigrain loaves, including one described as wholemeal.
- Jumbo describes Stevig Meergranen as a wholemeal multigrain loaf with kernels and seeds.
- Check the product description on each pack; not every multigrain loaf is automatically wholemeal.
Lidl
Stocks freshly baked multigrain bread and provides ingredient and allergen information.
- Ingredient and allergen information can help you choose a particular loaf.
- Check the information on the pack of the bread you actually take with you.
ALDI
Stocks products including a half loaf of farmhouse wholemeal multigrain bread.
- A half loaf is one pack size to consider for a smaller group.
- Check the weight and ingredients of the pack you choose.
PLUS
Stocks both wholemeal multigrain bread and part-baked varieties.
- The wholemeal multigrain baguettes come with preparation instructions, while the Korenlanders bread includes information about freezing.
- If you choose part-baked bread, check that the required equipment is available at the holiday home.
Dirk
Stocks fresh multigrain bread and a part-baked multigrain baguette.
- The different types of bread give you a choice between bread that’s ready to eat and bread that needs baking.
- A part-baked baguette needs to be baked and isn’t the same as a sliced loaf for everyday meals.
Multigrain products on Joybuy
These multigrain products are designed to be baked before eating. Choose them for a holiday home only if you have the necessary oven and storage space; pack sizes and weights vary.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 4 × 135 g
Four individual baguettes may be suitable for bread meals on different days, provided you can store and bake them according to the pack instructions.
Pack: 4 × 135 g. Check the wholemeal labelling and current allergen information if these are important to your choice.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 550 g
One round loaf may be a good choice if you expect to use that amount during your stay and can store and bake it according to the instructions.
Pack: one 550 g loaf. Check the wholemeal labelling and allergens on the pack before buying.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 2 × 550 g
Two loaves may suit a larger group that will use both during the stay. For a short stay, consider the storage space needed and the baking instructions.
Pack: 2 × 550 g. Check the wholemeal labelling and current allergen information on the pack.
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g'woon Multigrain Rolls, 4 pieces
Four individual rolls may be handy for smaller meals, as long as you can store and bake them according to the instructions.
Pack: 4 pieces. Check the net weight, wholemeal labelling and current allergen information on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread always wholemeal?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, ‘multigrain’ means that the bread contains at least three different types of grain. Check the product description and ingredients if you’re specifically looking for wholemeal bread.
Can I freeze multigrain bread for my stay?
That depends on the bread you choose. PLUS says that Korenlanders Donker meergranen rond heel can be frozen on the day of purchase and used within one month; for other breads, follow their own storage instructions.
Can part-baked multigrain bread be prepared in any holiday home?
No. Before buying, check that the required oven or air fryer is available and read the preparation instructions for the specific bread. If there’s no suitable equipment, bread that’s ready to eat is the practical choice.
Does all multigrain bread contain iodised baker’s salt?
You can’t assume that. The term ‘multigrain’ says nothing about the salt used; check the ingredients list on the pack you choose.