Anyone making lots of evenly sized appetisers
For an Italian evening with several topped slices, pre-sliced bread saves you time. Just check that the slices are the thickness you want; the label ‘sliced’ on its own doesn’t tell you that.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Anyone looking for a wholemeal base
Compare the product description, ingredients and nutritional information for the bread you want to buy. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ means that at least three types of grain are used; it does not automatically mean wholemeal flour.
Anyone shopping for a small group
A half loaf may be a better fit for a smaller table. If you want to store any slices, follow the instructions on the packaging. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says bread can be frozen, but it dries out if kept in the freezer for longer.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to save time with pre-sliced bread or would rather slice it yourself. Then compare the wholemeal base and the quantity you need; a whole loaf can also be sold pre-sliced.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Slice and thickness | Check whether the bread is sliced. Look at a slice or ask how thick the slices are if this matters for your appetisers. | I want to make lots of similar-sized pieces of toast without slicing each one individually; around 33% of consumers prioritise this practical slice size. |
| Wholemeal base | Read the product description and ingredients; compare fibre and salt on the same basis, for example per 100 g. | When choosing bread, I want to be able to tell whether it has a wholemeal base rather than relying on the word ‘multigrain’. Around 42% of consumers prioritise this check. |
| Quantity and storage | Compare whole and half loaves, and check the product’s weight and storage instructions. | For a small group, I don’t want to put out more bread than we need; getting the right quantity is the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming multigrain means wholemeal
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain. The Netherlands Bakery Centre explains that its base can be white flour, flour or wholemeal flour; a dark colour or visible seeds don’t make the distinction clear.
Look for ‘wholemeal’ in the product description and read the ingredients and nutritional information for the specific loaf.
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Assuming ‘sliced’ means medium-thick slices
A label such as ‘sliced’ doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are. This matters if you want to make small pieces of toast or add generous toppings to your slices.
Look at a slice, check the product-specific description or ask the shop’s baker what thickness you can expect.
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Relying on the label details of a different loaf
Ingredients and allergens vary from product to product. For example, Albert Heijn lists iodised salt for AH Liefde & Passie Meergranen gesneden; that doesn’t tell you how much salt is in another loaf.
If you need to check for specific allergens or other ingredients, read the current packaging for the exact loaf you’re buying.
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Buying a whole loaf without a plan for leftovers
A whole loaf may provide more slices than a small group will use. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread dries out further if it is kept in the freezer for longer.
Choose an amount that suits your group, and follow the product’s storage instructions for any leftovers.
Brands to compare
These retailers’ ranges give you a starting point for comparing sliced, whole and half multigrain loaves. Check the current description and packaging for each product.
Albert Heijn
A useful option if you’re looking for pre-sliced multigrain bread to top.
- Albert Heijn describes AH Liefde & Passie Meergranen gesneden as a 550 g sliced brown multigrain loaf.
- The word ‘sliced’ doesn’t confirm that the slices are medium thickness. Check the latest product information on the packaging too.
Jumbo
A range where you can compare whole and half multigrain loaves.
- Jumbo’s category page includes half loaves and wholemeal multigrain varieties.
- Check the individual loaf to see whether it is sliced and what thickness the slices are.
Lidl
An option if you’d like to assess the multigrain bread in person.
- Lidl describes its Meergranenbrood as a substantial loaf containing grains including wheat, barley and buckwheat.
- Check the slice in store, and consult the ingredients and allergen information for the product you choose.
ALDI
An option if you’d like to look at a wholemeal multigrain loaf.
- ALDI lists a whole boeren-volkoren-meergranenbrood loaf.
- ‘Whole’ doesn’t tell you whether the loaf is sliced. Check the slices and product information when you buy it.
PLUS
A useful option if the wholemeal description is important to your choice.
- PLUS describes Korenlanders Donker meergranen rond heel as wholemeal multigrain bread; it is also labelled as sliced.
- Check the slice thickness, and read the latest information for this exact variety if you need to check for allergens.
Dirk
A range where you can compare a half loaf with whole multigrain loaves.
- Dirk lists, among other products, a half loaf and a whole loaf of Bakker van der Akker Bakkers multigrain bread.
- Ask whether the half loaf is pre-sliced and whether the slices are suitable for your appetisers.
Multigrain bread to slice yourself at Joybuy
These multigrain breads and baguettes are a good fit for an Italian evening if you want to slice them yourself. They are not confirmed as medium-sliced or pre-sliced options, so bear the instructions for your chosen product in mind when preparing them.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette 4 × 135 g
The four individual baguettes give you the option to plan how much bread to serve at a time and slice it yourself.
The product name states 4 × 135 g. Allow time for defrosting and oven preparation, and follow the cooking instructions. Check the current packaging if allergens are relevant to your group.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round 2 × 550 g
This round loaf is a good fit for a table where you’d like to slice the bread yourself; match the two-loaf pack to the number of guests.
The product name states 2 × 550 g. Allow time for defrosting and oven preparation before slicing, and check the current packaging for relevant allergens.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round 550 g
This single round loaf is an option if you want to slice the bread for your appetisers yourself and stick to the quantity provided by one loaf.
The product name states 550 g. Allow time for defrosting and oven preparation, and follow the cooking instructions before slicing the bread. Check the current packaging for relevant allergens.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain; the Netherlands Bakery Centre explains that its base can be white flour, flour or wholemeal flour. Check the product description and ingredients if you want a wholemeal base.
Does sliced bread mean the slices are medium thickness?
No. ‘Sliced’ means the bread has been cut into slices; it doesn’t tell you how thick they are. Look at a slice or ask the shop’s baker about the thickness if it matters for your pieces of toast.
Does multigrain bread always contain iodised salt?
Don’t assume it does. Albert Heijn lists iodised salt for AH Liefde & Passie Meergranen gesneden; check the label on any other loaf.
What should I do with bread left over after an Italian evening?
Follow the storage instructions for the bread you’ve chosen, and freeze any leftovers you can use if the instructions allow it. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread can be frozen, but it gets drier the longer it stays in the freezer.