Who is this choice relevant to?

Anyone organising a Mother’s Day brunch

You want to be able to top and serve the bread straight away. Check that it’s actually pre-sliced and that a half or whole loaf is right for the number of guests.

Anyone specifically looking for wholemeal bread

You want to be able to compare wholemeal claims and nutritional information. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means that at least three types of grain are used; the name alone doesn’t mean that a loaf is wholemeal.

Anyone buying for guests with an allergy

Before buying, you need to know which allergens are in the bread you choose. Check the label on pre-packed bread, and ask the bakery department for product information if the bread is unwrapped.

What should you look for when buying?

First, work out how many slices you need and whether you want to cut the bread yourself. Then compare the wholemeal information and check anything that matters to your guests.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Serving and loaf size Check whether the bread is sliced, then choose a half or whole loaf to suit the number of guests. Check the slices if thickness matters. For a brunch, I want to be able to top the slices straight away and avoid buying more bread than I need. This convenience is a priority for around 45% of consumers.
Wholemeal and fibre Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ and compare the fibre content in the nutritional information if you’re choosing between loaves. If I want wholemeal bread, I don’t want to assume it is from the name multigrain alone. This preference for wholemeal bread and fibre is the deciding factor for around 33% of consumers.
Allergens and ingredients Read the label on pre-packed bread or ask for allergen information if the bread is unwrapped. Check the ingredients if iodised salt used in breadmaking matters to your choice. When I’m buying for a guest with an allergy, I need to be able to check the information for that specific loaf. Checking allergens comes first for around 22% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming multigrain means wholemeal

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means that a loaf is made from at least three different types of grain. It doesn’t tell you whether the bread is wholemeal.

    Look for the wholemeal information and, if needed, compare the nutritional information per 100 g rather than relying on the name, colour or seeds on the crust.

  • Assuming all sliced bread has medium-thick slices

    ‘Sliced’ doesn’t tell you how thick the slices will be. That can matter if you want to use the bread for a particular topping or for toast.

    Check the packaging and the slices, or ask the bakery department what slicing options are available.

  • Skipping the allergen information

    The name or appearance of a loaf won’t tell you everything you need to know about the ingredients that matter to a guest with an allergy.

    Check the label on pre-packed bread before buying. If the bread is unwrapped, ask for the allergen information for that specific product.

  • Buying a whole loaf for a small gathering

    If you use fewer slices than expected, you may have a lot left over after breakfast.

    Choose a half or whole loaf to suit the number of guests. Store leftover bread according to the product’s guidance, and freeze slices in good time if needed.

Supermarket chains to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists sliced multigrain bread online, among other products.

  • You can compare the listed loaf options in advance.
  • Before buying, check your chosen variety and its availability at your local store or for your delivery address.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists multigrain bread online, including whole and half wholemeal loaves.

  • Half and whole loaves are useful options to consider for the number of guests.
  • Check each product to see whether it’s sliced and which ordering options are available.

Lidl

Lidl describes a multigrain loaf on one of its product pages, listing wheat, barley and buckwheat among its ingredients.

  • The product description helps you compare the grains listed.
  • The page says the product is sold in store, so check the slicing options and availability there.

ALDI

ALDI lists a sliced half loaf of farmhouse wholemeal multigrain bread.

  • The description ‘sliced half loaf’ is useful if you’re shopping for a small gathering.
  • Check the packaging and availability at your chosen store.

PLUS

PLUS has an online category featuring different multigrain breads, with delivery or collection listed as ordering options.

  • The category helps you compare loaf styles and pack sizes.
  • Check the individual product for slicing options, ingredients and allergen information.

Dirk

Dirk’s search results include both half and whole multigrain loaves.

  • The loaf sizes listed can help you choose what’s right for your gathering.
  • Check how the specific loaf is sliced and read its label before serving.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means that at least three different types of grain have been used; it doesn’t mean that the bread is wholemeal. If you want wholemeal bread, look for that information on the specific product.

What should I check if a guest has a food allergy?

Check the allergen information for the bread you want to buy. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, this information is on the label of pre-packed bread. If the bread is unwrapped, ask the bakery department for the information before buying.

Does multigrain bread always contain iodised salt used in breadmaking?

Don’t assume this is true of every loaf. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bread made with iodised salt is a source of iodine in the Netherlands. Check the ingredients list if the type of salt used matters to your choice.

How should I store opened wholemeal bread after brunch?

Follow the storage advice for your chosen loaf, and freeze any leftover slices in good time. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping opened wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2 to 4 days, or in the freezer for 1 to 3 months.