If you want to serve without slicing
You want slices that are ready to top straight away. Before buying, check whether the loaf is sliced: PLUS, for example, also sells its multigrain bread as a whole loaf.
Which option is practical for you?
If you’re choosing bread for other days too
You want to know more than just how many types of grain it contains. Check whether the packaging says wholegrain, and compare the fibre per 100 g in the breads you’re considering.
If you check ingredients carefully
You want to know which salt and allergens are listed for the variant you choose. Check the ingredients list, allergen information and nutritional values on the packaging of the loaf you buy.
What should you look for when choosing?
When choosing multigrain bread for a coffee break, the first practical decision is whether it’s sliced. After that, your preferences about ingredients and how much you plan to serve will determine what to check on the label and in store.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Slicing and ease of serving | Look for the word ‘sliced’ and, if necessary, ask how thick the slices are. With a whole loaf, you’ll need to slice it yourself or ask whether a slicing service is available. | I want slices I can top straight away, without having to slice a whole loaf first; for around 33% of consumers, ease of serving would be the top priority. |
| Wholegrain content and fibre | Check whether the packaging says wholegrain and compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutritional information. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ means at least three types of grain, not necessarily wholegrain. | If you eat the bread on other days too, you’ll want to compare its ingredients; for around 27% of consumers, wholegrain and fibre would come first. |
| Salt and allergens | Compare the salt per 100 g and check the ingredients, allergens and any ‘may contain’ statement for the exact variant. If you’re checking for iodine, also look for baker’s salt or iodised salt. | If certain ingredients matter to me, I want to read the label on this loaf before serving; around 20% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Quantity and storage | Choose a size that suits your coffee break and read the storage and freezing advice for the loaf you’ve chosen. If you’re ordering a larger quantity, ask the store about the options available. | For a small gathering, I don’t want more bread left over than necessary; for around 20% of consumers, minimising leftovers would be their main concern. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming multigrain means wholegrain
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ refers to at least three types of grain. The name doesn’t tell you whether the bread is wholegrain.
If you want wholegrain bread, look for the wholegrain wording on the packaging of the variant you’ve chosen.
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Judging whether bread is suitable for you based on its name
The name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you whether the bread contains gluten-containing grains, sesame or other allergens.
Before serving, check the latest allergen information and any ‘may contain’ statement on the packaging.
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Relying on an old product page as a regular buying option
Jumbo says that its Lo-Sel Meergranenbrood is no longer available, even though the nutritional information is still shown on the product page.
For the loaf you actually choose, check availability, whether it’s sliced and the packaging information again.
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Buying a whole loaf without a plan for the leftovers
If you’re only serving a few slices, you may have some bread left over. Storage and freezing advice can vary from one product to another.
Choose a suitable size and follow the instructions for any leftovers on the packaging of the variant you’ve bought.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
A retailer where you can check the product information for a loaf you’re considering.
- You can check the ingredients and nutritional values for each product.
- Albert Heijn notes that product information can change; also read the packaging of the loaf you buy.
Jumbo
A retailer where you can compare the nutritional information for different multigrain breads.
- The product page for Jumbo Lo-Sel Meergranenbrood lists 0.5 g of salt per 100 g as a specific label value.
- Jumbo says this Lo-Sel variant is no longer available; choose a current product based on its own label.
PLUS
A retailer where you can check the product format and storage advice for multigrain bread.
- PLUS describes its Korenlanders Donker meergranen rond as a whole loaf.
- If you want slices that are ready to top, check whether the product you choose is sold sliced.
Lidl
A retailer to consider if you want to pick up bread in store for the same coffee break.
- According to Lidl Netherlands, almost all of its stores have an in-store bakery.
- Ask your local store which multigrain bread is available, whether it can be sliced and what options are available for larger quantities.
Joybuy products for this topic
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread always wholegrain?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three different types of grain; that doesn’t automatically make it wholegrain. If wholegrain content matters to you, check the packaging for a wholegrain label.
Can I freeze multigrain bread for a later coffee break?
Follow the freezing advice for the bread you buy. PLUS says you can freeze its Korenlanders Donker meergranen rond on the day of purchase and use it within one month; don’t assume the same advice applies to other breads.
Does multigrain bread always contain iodine?
No, you can’t tell from the word ‘multigrain’. Check the ingredients list for the variant you’ve chosen to see whether it contains baker’s salt or iodised salt.
Is all multigrain bread gluten-free?
No. The name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t mean gluten-free. Check the latest ingredients and allergen information for the exact variant, rather than relying on the name of the bread alone.