Who is this choice relevant to?

If you want to make a sandwich for an evening snack

You’re looking for a slice that suits the amount of topping you want to use. With sliced bread, you can assess the slices; with an unsliced loaf, you can cut them to your preferred thickness.

If you want to compare wholemeal bread and fibre

You don’t want to rely on ‘multigrain’ alone: you also want to check the product description, ingredients and fibre per 100 g.

If you need to read the label carefully

You check which grains and allergens the bread contains, and whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed among the ingredients.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the slice you want to use for your topping. Then compare the product description and label. If you only have a snack occasionally, choose a quantity that suits how often you’ll eat it.

What to look for What to check when buying Who it matters to
Slice thickness and sturdiness Look at the slices and their size, or choose a loaf you can cut yourself. ‘Artisan loaf’ doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are. If I like plenty of topping on my bread, I want to see first whether the slice will suit my snack. For around 31% of consumers, the slice would be their main concern when choosing.
Wholemeal and fibre Read the product description and ingredients; compare fibre on the same basis, per 100 g. I want to know whether my multigrain bread is wholemeal and how its fibre content compares. This would be a priority for around 31% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Check the latest ingredients and allergen information, and see whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed. I need to know what ingredients and allergens are in my late-night sandwich; the type of salt used may also affect my choice. Checking the label would be the main concern for around 23% of consumers.
Quantity and storage Compare a whole loaf with a half loaf, and read the storage or freezing instructions for the product you choose. If I only eat bread late in the evening occasionally, I want to buy an amount I can use. This would be the biggest consideration for around 15% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘wholemeal’

    The fact that a bread contains several grains doesn’t tell you whether wholemeal flour has been used.

    Look for ‘wholemeal’ in the product description, and compare the ingredients and fibre per 100 g.

  • Assuming ‘artisan loaf’ means thick slices

    A type of bread or product name doesn’t guarantee a particular slice thickness. That can make a real difference if you’re looking for a slice that suits your toppings.

    Look at sliced bread in the shop or ask to see the slices before you choose.

  • Trying to tell whether a loaf contains baker’s salt or allergens from its name

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt isn’t compulsory. The ingredients and allergens also vary from one loaf to another.

    Read the current packaging; for unwrapped bread, ask the baker which salt is used and for allergen information.

  • Buying a whole loaf without a storage plan

    If you only have a late-night snack occasionally, you could also consider buying half a loaf or checking whether the bread can be frozen, as stated on the packaging.

    Compare the pack size with how often you eat bread, and follow the storage instructions.

    Bread left uneaten until it’s no longer usable contributes to food waste.

Brands to explore

These examples can help you compare types of bread and labels. The details apply to the products named, not to every loaf from the same brand.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn describes AH Liefde & Passie Meergranen as a 550 g sliced loaf made with sourdough.

  • Sliced bread is a good starting point if you want to assess the slices before buying.
  • Check the actual slice thickness if it’s important for your toppings.

Jumbo

Jumbo offers several types of multigrain bread, including whole and half loaves.

  • A half loaf is an option if you want to buy less bread at a time.
  • Compare the ingredients and slices for each variety; the category name won’t tell you how they differ.

PLUS

PLUS describes Korenlanders Donker meergranen rond heel as wholemeal multigrain bread.

  • The product description makes clear that this particular variety is wholemeal.
  • Before buying, also check the latest ingredients, allergens and slices for this variety.

ALDI

ALDI describes its Luxe vloerbrood meergranen as pre-sliced.

  • With pre-sliced bread, you can check whether the slices are suitable for your snack.
  • ‘Artisan loaf’ doesn’t guarantee a particular slice thickness.

Dirk

Dirk lists a half loaf of Bakker van der Akker multigrain bread.

  • The half-size loaf may suit you if you only have an evening snack occasionally.
  • For nutritional values and allergen information, read the details for the loaf you choose.

Lidl

Lidl Netherlands provides an ingredients and allergen overview for its oven-fresh bread range.

  • The overview can help you compare breads you’re considering from this range.
  • Check which information applies to the specific loaf you’re buying.

Multigrain bread at Joybuy

These options are for anyone who wants to slice their own bread: a round loaf for slices cut to your preferred thickness, and a pack of four baguettes for separate snack occasions. Check whether the shape suits your toppings; cutting a thicker slice yourself doesn’t tell you how sturdy it will be.

Lekhaven Bakkerij round multigrain bread, 550 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij round multigrain bread, 550 g

For anyone who wants to choose the thickness of their own slices. This 550 g round loaf needs baking and cooling before you slice it; consider whether a thick slice will suit your toppings. Check the label for whether it’s wholemeal, the type of salt used and the full allergen information.

View at Joybuy
Lekhaven Bakkerij multigrain baguettes, 4 × 135 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij multigrain baguettes, 4 × 135 g

For anyone who wants to use individual baguettes for different snack occasions and slice them to their liking. The pack contains four 135 g baguettes; allow time for defrosting and baking. Check the size before counting on a wide, thick slice, and check the label for wholemeal ingredients, salt and allergens.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. ‘Multigrain’ doesn’t tell you whether the bread is made with wholemeal flour. Check the product description and ingredients, and compare fibre on the same basis, per 100 g.

How can I tell whether bread is made with baker’s salt?

Check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt isn’t compulsory; if you’re buying unwrapped bread, ask which salt has been used.

Can I keep multigrain bread for a later snack?

It depends on the bread. Read the storage and freezing instructions on the packaging before choosing a whole or half loaf for several snack occasions.

Is multigrain bread always gluten-free?

No. The name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t mean a product is gluten-free. If gluten is relevant to your choice, check the ingredients and allergen information for the specific bread.