Host looking to share a loaf
Looking for a whole, rustic loaf or sourdough bread with grains and seeds for the Mother’s Day table. Its appearance matters, but it doesn’t tell you whether it’s labelled as wholegrain.
Who is this relevant for?
Shopper looking for wholegrain
Wants to make sure their multigrain bread is also wholegrain. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ does not automatically mean ‘wholegrain’.
Host catering for guests with allergies
Buying bread for several people and checking in advance which ingredients they need to avoid. The allergen information on the current packaging determines whether a particular loaf is suitable.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how you want to serve the bread. Then compare the wholegrain labelling and, if any guests have specific requirements, check the ingredients and allergens for each product.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Shape and occasion | Choose between a whole loaf to share and individual rolls. If you’re buying bake-at-home bread, check the preparation instructions on the packaging. | If I’m serving the bread as part of a special brunch, I want to know whether I can share it or serve it to each guest individually. For around 42% of consumers, presentation and serving style come first. |
| Wholegrain labelling | Look for ‘wholegrain’ in the name or legal description, and read the ingredients list. | If I’m specifically looking for wholegrain bread, the ‘multigrain’ label alone isn’t enough. Around 33% of consumers say choosing wholegrain is their top priority. |
| Ingredients for guests | Read the current allergen information; if necessary, also check whether iodised salt has been used. | If a guest has an allergy or gluten intolerance, I need to find out first which bread they can eat. This is the most important factor for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘wholegrain’
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread is made using at least three types of grain. That doesn’t tell you whether the bread is wholegrain.
If you want wholegrain bread, look for an explicit wholegrain label and check the ingredients list.
-
Choosing seeded bread without checking the allergens
A rustic appearance or visible seeds don’t make bread suitable for every guest. Ingredients and any cross-contamination warnings vary from product to product.
Ask in advance which allergens you need to consider and check the current packaging. If someone has a gluten intolerance, choose bread that is explicitly labelled gluten-free.
-
Assuming all bread contains iodised salt
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt.
If you want to know which salt a loaf contains, read the ingredients list or ask the baker about unwrapped bread.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
AH Liefde & Passie Multigrain is a rustic multigrain loaf for anyone who wants to serve a whole loaf at the table.
- Albert Heijn lists ingredients including wheat sourdough, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and sprouted rye grains for this loaf.
- Check the current allergen information for your guests; this standard loaf is not gluten-free.
Jumbo
The multigrain range includes different types of bread to compare for breakfast or lunch.
- Jumbo’s category includes whole and half multigrain loaves.
- Check the current product page and availability for the variety you want to buy.
Lidl
Lidl lists a multigrain loaf as an in-store product for shoppers who want to choose their bread in person.
- The product description lists wheat, barley and buckwheat.
- The multigrain label doesn’t confirm that this bread is wholegrain.
ALDI
At ALDI, you can compare a deluxe multigrain hearth loaf with a separate variety specifically labelled wholegrain multigrain.
- The product names help distinguish between a whole hearth loaf and a half wholegrain multigrain loaf.
- Don’t assume the wholegrain labelling for one variety applies to another loaf; check the packaging of the one you choose.
PLUS
PLUS lists both a Korenlanders sourdough variety and a dark Korenlanders multigrain loaf that is explicitly described as wholegrain.
- According to PLUS, the legal description for the dark round loaf is ‘Whole wholegrain multigrain bread’.
- Check the description and allergens for the specific variety you choose for your guests.
Dirk
Dirk lists a whole multigrain hearth loaf as an option if you want bread you can slice at the table.
- Dirk describes this hearth loaf as packed with grains and seeds.
- Before buying, check the ingredients and allergens for the loaf you’ve chosen on the packaging.
Multigrain bread at Joybuy
This selection includes round loaves to share, as well as baguettes and rolls for individual portions. Check the packaging of your chosen product for preparation instructions and to make sure the ingredients are suitable for your guests.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette 4 × 135 g × 2
The baguette shape is ideal if you want to serve bread in pieces for several guests.
The product name lists 4 × 135 g × 2; check the packaging for the total quantity. Also read the preparation instructions and allergen information.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette 4 × 135 g
These multigrain baguettes are ideal for a brunch where you want to offer individual portions of bread.
The product name lists 4 × 135 g. Follow the preparation instructions on the packaging before serving, and check the allergens.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round 550 g × 2
A round loaf is a good choice for a Mother’s Day table where you want to slice and share the bread.
The product name lists the 550 g × 2 variant. Before serving, check the preparation instructions and read the allergen information for your guests.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round 550 g
The round shape is ideal if you want to serve a single loaf at the table for slicing.
The product name lists 550 g. Check the preparation instructions on the packaging, and read the ingredients and allergen information before serving it to guests.
Image unavailable
g'woon Multigrain Rolls, 4 pieces
Rolls are a good option if your guests would prefer individual portions rather than a whole loaf.
The product name lists four rolls; check the quantity and any preparation instructions on the packaging. Also read the current allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread automatically wholegrain?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain, but the name doesn’t tell you whether it’s wholegrain. Look for an explicit wholegrain label and read the ingredients list.
Does Dutch bread always contain iodised baker’s salt?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list on packaged bread, or ask which salt has been used for unwrapped bread.
Which multigrain bread should I choose for a guest with gluten intolerance?
Choose a product explicitly labelled gluten-free, rather than a standard multigrain loaf. Also check the full, up-to-date allergen information for that specific variety.
Can I buy multigrain bread in advance and freeze it?
It depends on the loaf. PLUS says you can freeze its Korenlanders Donker meergranen rond heel loaf on the day you buy it and should use it within one month. For other bread, follow the storage instructions on its packaging.