When choosing multigrain bread for tea time with children, focus on the ingredients rather than the name alone. If wholemeal is important to you, check that wholemeal flour is clearly listed. Seeds, sourdough or a particular shape may suit the occasion, but bear in mind the texture children enjoy. If you’re sharing the food, check the allergen information and the rules at the school or childcare setting.
If you’re choosing multigrain bread for its ingredients, check the ingredients list to see whether it contains wholemeal flour. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes multigrain bread as bread made with at least three types of grain. The name alone doesn’t mean that the bread is entirely wholemeal.
For school, childcare or a children's party, check the allergens in the bread you choose, along with any warnings about possible traces. Also ask about the rules for bringing food from home at the school, childcare setting or event.
A round loaf, sourdough or bread with seeds may be just right for a special occasion. Check that the child likes the crust and texture, and read the ingredients before serving.
First decide what matters most for your tea time: ingredients, allergens, texture, or comparing salt and ingredients. Only compare nutritional values on the same basis, such as per 100 g.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check that wholemeal flour is clearly listed in the ingredients. Compare the stated fibre per 100 g across products using the same measurement basis. | If I choose bread for its wholemeal ingredients and fibre, I want to know more than just how many types of grain it contains. This would be the first thing around 27% of consumers consider. |
| Allergens | Read the allergen information and warnings about possible traces on the current packaging. For unpackaged bread, ask for this information before buying. | When I pack bread to share, I need to consider the allergies of the children who will be eating it. Around 33% of consumers would put checking allergens first. |
| Taste and texture | Choose a shape and crust that suit the occasion, and consider whether the children will enjoy the seeds. | For a special tea time, I’m looking for bread that looks inviting, without choosing a texture the child won’t enjoy. Around 27% of consumers would see this as their main priority. |
| Salt and ingredients | Compare the salt content per 100 g and read the ingredients of the products you’re actually considering. | If I’m choosing between similar loaves, I mainly want to compare their salt content and ingredients. This would be the most important consideration for around 13% of consumers. |
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means that at least three types of grain are used. The name doesn’t tell you whether all the flour used is wholemeal.
If you’re buying it because you want wholemeal bread, check which types of flour are listed in the ingredients.
Bread containing grains, seeds or kernels may also contain other allergens. For example, Jumbo’s product information for Stevig Meergranen lists sesame and soya, among other ingredients.
Check the information for the exact bread, including warnings about possible traces. If the bread is unpackaged, ask for the allergen information.
Baker’s salt is iodised salt, but the name multigrain bread doesn’t confirm that the product you choose is made with it.
If it matters to you, check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt.
A loaf you looked at before may have a different recipe now or may no longer be available. Albert Heijn points out that ingredient, nutritional and allergen information can change.
Check the latest product information just before buying and read the packaging when it arrives, especially if allergens are a concern.
A useful reference if you’re considering a half-size brown multigrain loaf for a smaller gathering.
A useful reference for comparing a hearty multigrain loaf with seeds.
A useful reference if you’re looking for rustic-style multigrain bread with sourdough and seeds.
A retailer where you can look at a specific multigrain loaf labelled gluten-free.
A brand to consider if the bread needs to be specifically labelled gluten-free.
These products offer a range of options for tea time, including round loaves, baguettes and individual rolls. Check the ingredients and allergen information for your chosen product to see whether it also suits your preferences for wholemeal bread or sharing.
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These round loaves are ideal for tea time when you want to serve the bread in slices. Allow time for thawing, baking and cooling before serving. Check the packaging to make sure the ingredients and allergens are suitable for the children.
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Baguettes are a good option if you want to slice the bread for sharing at tea time. Allow time for thawing and baking, and check the latest allergen information before serving.
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Four individual rolls give you handy portions for tea time. If you’re looking for wholemeal bread, check the types of flour on the packaging, and check the allergens before sharing the rolls.
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This round loaf is a good option if you want to serve one loaf at tea time. It needs to be thawed, baked and cooled before serving. Check the packaging for the latest ingredient and allergen information.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three different types of grain, but that doesn’t mean all the flour used is wholemeal. Read the ingredients list if wholemeal is a deciding factor for you.
For children aged 4 to 12, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends wholemeal and brown bread, and points to bread baked with baker’s salt. For a specific multigrain loaf, check the label to see which types of flour and salt have been used.
Yes. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information for unpackaged food must also be available before you buy it. Ask the seller for information about the bread you want to take with you.
You can’t tell from the name alone. Ordinary multigrain bread may contain grains with gluten. If gluten needs to be avoided, choose a product specifically labelled gluten-free and check for other allergens too.
Follow the instructions on the packaging of the bread you choose. For Schär Meesterbakker Mehrkorn, as described by PLUS, the advice is to store it in a cool, dry place, reseal it after opening, and use it within a few days or freeze it straight away.
