Who is this for?

If you want to make a quick sandwich late at night

You want bread you can top or toast without having to slice it yourself. Check that the slices are the thickness you want, and freeze some if you only use a few at a time.

If you want to compare wholemeal bread and fibre

Rather than choosing based on the name ‘multigrain’ alone, check whether it is labelled wholemeal and compare the fibre per 100 g on the label.

If you need to check ingredients carefully

Read the current ingredients list and allergen information for each loaf. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergens must be clearly identifiable on the label.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the slice thickness you want for your late-night snack, then compare the wholemeal content, ingredients and how much bread you’ll actually use.

What to consider What to check before buying Who is this important to?
Wholemeal and fibre Check whether it is labelled wholemeal and compare the fibre per 100 g. If wholemeal bread is my preference, I don’t want to rely on the word ‘multigrain’ alone. Around 33% of consumers give wholemeal bread and fibre top priority.
Slice thickness and portions Check for ‘medium-sliced’ on the packaging or product page, and see whether you can store the remaining slices in portions. For a late-night sandwich, I want to be able to top or toast a slice straight away, without having to throw away most of the loaf later. Slice thickness and portion size come first for around 25% of consumers.
Taste and texture Check which grains, kernels, seeds or sourdough are used in the bread. For toast or a topped sandwich, I’m mainly looking for a mix of grains and seeds that appeals to me. Taste and texture are the first consideration for around 25% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the current ingredients list and check which allergens are clearly highlighted for the specific loaf. If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I need to know what’s in this particular loaf. Around 17% of consumers put this check ahead of other selection criteria.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘wholemeal’

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain. The name alone doesn’t mean that the bread is wholemeal.

    Check whether the product is labelled wholemeal and compare the fibre per 100 g if these features matter to your choice.

  • Assuming sliced bread is medium-sliced

    Pre-sliced bread can be handy for a quick snack, but the word ‘sliced’ doesn’t confirm a particular slice thickness.

    Check for ‘medium-sliced’ on the packaging, or ask in store about the slice thickness before choosing it.

  • Guessing allergens from the name of the bread

    Multigrain breads can contain different gluten-containing grains and other allergens; ingredients vary from product to product.

    Read the current ingredients list and allergen information. If you need a gluten-free product, check that this is explicitly stated on the product you choose.

  • Leaving a whole loaf uneaten after one snack

    If you only eat a few slices now and then, you may end up wasting the rest of the loaf.

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread in portions as soon as you buy it. Defrost only the slices you need.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists a 550 g sliced AH Liefde & Passie multigrain loaf made with sourdough, grains and seeds.

  • The product information lists ingredients, allergens, nutritional values and advice on freezing.
  • The word ‘sliced’ doesn’t confirm that this loaf is ‘medium-sliced’. Check the current packaging too, as product information may change.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s bread range includes whole and half loaves, sliced breads and wholemeal options.

  • A product page for wholemeal multigrain bread lists 7,8 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The page also stated that the bread in question was no longer available online. Check the nutritional information and availability of each current product.

Lidl

Lidl describes a multigrain bread made with ingredients including wheat, barley and buckwheat as an in-store product.

  • The product description names specific grains.
  • Check the slice thickness, nutritional information and ingredients on the bread itself in store.

Aldi

Aldi describes a whole multigrain farmhouse loaf that is pre-sliced.

  • Pre-sliced bread is a good fit if you want to top a slice without having to cut it yourself.
  • The product description doesn’t confirm that the slices are medium thickness. Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging too.

Plus

Plus’s multigrain bread range includes products such as PLUS Korenlanders Desem Meergranen Boekweit and Soma Haverkorn.

  • The range gives you a starting point for comparing different multigrain breads.
  • Check the slice thickness, nutritional values and allergens on the page or packaging of the bread you choose.

Dirk

Dirk’s search results include multigrain breads in different sizes, wholemeal multigrain bread and gluten-free Schär products.

  • The results help you distinguish between different types and sizes of bread.
  • For information about slice thickness, ingredients or nutritional values, check the details for the individual product.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three different types of grain, but that doesn’t automatically make it wholemeal. Check whether the bread you want to buy is labelled wholemeal, along with its ingredients and fibre per 100 g.

How should I store bread if I only use a few slices at a time?

Ideally, freeze the bread in portions as soon as you buy it, and take out only the slices you need, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Follow the storage instructions on your bread’s packaging.

Which allergens should I check in multigrain bread?

Read the current ingredients list and check the allergens highlighted for the specific loaf. Gluten-containing grains are relevant in regular multigrain bread. Depending on the recipe, it may also contain other allergens, such as sesame, soya or milk. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires allergens to be clearly identifiable on the label.

Does ‘sliced’ also mean ‘medium-sliced’?

No. The word ‘sliced’ on its own doesn’t tell you the slice thickness. Check the product name or packaging for ‘medium-sliced’, or ask in store if this information isn’t provided.