Host planning a special bread-based meal
Looking for bread for lunch or a sharing board, and wants to be able to check whether a multigrain loaf is wholemeal as well as how it looks when served.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Carer or buyer for older diners
Taking into account what guests can eat, their allergen information and any individual arrangements around chewing or swallowing.
Buyer for a guest with a dietary restriction or allergy
Needs information about the specific bread. The name ‘multigrain’, its colour and its appearance don’t tell you which allergens it contains.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide what matters most to your guests: wholegrain content, bread that’s easy to eat or a specific dietary requirement. Then compare the packaging of breads that meet that need.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholegrain and fibre | Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ in the product name or on the packaging. When comparing similar breads, check the fibre per 100 g. | I want to know what kind of bread I’m serving, rather than relying on the name ‘multigrain’. Around 40% of consumers prioritise wholegrain status and fibre information. |
| Ease of eating and presentation | Consider the shape, crust and any seeds in relation to your guests. If anyone is known to have difficulty swallowing, follow their individual care advice. | I want the bread to look right on my sharing board, but guests also need to be able to eat it. Around 30% of consumers consider this combination their main concern. |
| Allergens and dietary requirements | Read the latest ingredients and allergen information. If you need gluten-free bread, choose only a product that is labelled gluten-free. | If a guest needs to avoid an allergen, I want to be able to check the specific bread before serving it. For around 30% of consumers, checking dietary requirements matters most. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘wholemeal’
Multigrain bread can also be made with refined flour. According to the Voedingscentrum, these are different descriptions; using several types of grain doesn’t prove that a bread is wholemeal.
Look for ‘wholemeal’ in the official product name or on the packaging, then compare the nutritional information of similar breads.
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Assuming a firm crust is suitable for every older guest
Bread that looks appealing on a sharing board may not be suitable for someone who has difficulty chewing or swallowing. Zorg voor Beter highlights swallowing difficulties in older people as something to consider at mealtimes.
Check in advance what arrangements apply to the guest. If they have difficulty swallowing, follow the individual advice of their care team rather than trying to change the texture of the bread yourself.
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Taking a dark colour or sourdough as proof of wholegrain content
A loaf’s appearance doesn’t tell you whether it’s wholemeal or which allergens it contains.
Consider appearance and flavour separately from the official product name, ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.
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Confusing regular multigrain bread with gluten-free bread
‘Multigrain’ doesn’t mean gluten-free. If a guest needs to eat gluten-free, don’t rely on the type of bread stated in its name.
Check that the product itself is labelled gluten-free and follow the relevant arrangements for preparation and serving.
Storing and serving it separately may require extra preparation.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn sells multigrain bread in its AH Liefde & Passie range, as well as organic multigrain varieties.
- Sliced and unsliced options give you different ways to serve the bread.
- Albert Heijn recommends checking the current packaging, as product information may change.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists products including Volkoren Meergranen Brood and Boeren Donker Volkoren Meergranen.
- The product names make it easier to search specifically for a wholemeal option.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for the specific product before choosing.
PLUS
PLUS sells multigrain and sourdough products, including multigrain baguettes for a sharing board.
- There are breads ready to serve as well as varieties that need to be baked at home.
- Allow time to bake bread that needs finishing at home. ‘Sourdough’ alone says nothing about wholegrain content or allergens.
Dirk
Dirk lists products including multigrain bread and a multikorn variety explicitly labelled as wholemeal.
- The different product names help you distinguish wholemeal options from other multigrain breads.
- Check the bread you’re choosing and the information on its current packaging instead of relying on a category description.
ALDI
ALDI lists Boeren Volkoren Meergranen and multigrain products that need to be baked at home.
- If you’re looking for wholemeal bread, start with products labelled as such.
- Compare the nutritional information and allergens for the individual product. If it needs to be baked at home, factor in the preparation time.
Lidl
Lidl is another option to consider when comparing bread for a special meal.
- In store or in the app, check the product name, ingredients and allergens of the bread you’re considering.
Multigrain bread at Joybuy
These rolls and loaves offer different options for a bread-based meal, from individual rolls and baguettes to round loaves. Check the latest packaging for each product for its wholegrain status, allergens and preparation instructions. The shape doesn’t indicate whether it’s suitable for someone with swallowing difficulties.
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g'woon multigrain rolls, 4 pieces
These four individual rolls are a good option if you want to serve bread rolls individually. Check the packaging to see whether they’re wholemeal and which allergens they contain. If a guest has difficulty chewing or swallowing, consider the texture separately.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 4 × 135 g
The four 135 g baguettes can be arranged individually on a sharing board. Check the packaging instructions before baking, and check the wholegrain status and allergens too. If a guest has difficulty swallowing, don’t judge suitability by the shape of the bread alone.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 2 × 550 g
These two 550 g round loaves are a good choice if you want to slice a round loaf for the meal. Plan the preparation according to the packaging and compare nutritional values on a like-for-like basis, such as per 100 g. Also check the wholegrain status, allergens and the texture your guests need.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 550 g
This 550 g round loaf is an option if you want a single loaf in this shape for your sharing board. Follow the current packaging instructions for defrosting and baking. Check the wholegrain and allergen information there too, and consider whether the texture is right for your guests.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, variant 4 × 135 g × 2
This baguette variety is designed to be baked before serving. The product label lists 4 × 135 g × 2, while the description says four pieces. If you’re planning portions, check the quantity on the packaging. Also check the preparation instructions, wholegrain status and allergens.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread always wholemeal?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain bread can also be made with refined flour. If wholemeal is one of your selection criteria, look for ‘wholemeal’ in the product name or on the packaging, and compare the nutritional information of similar breads if you wish.
How can I check allergens when buying bread for several guests?
For pre-packed bread, read the allergen information on the current label. For unpackaged bread, ask the supplier for information about the specific product. Don’t rely on the bread’s name or colour alone.
Can I serve crusty multigrain bread to someone with swallowing difficulties?
Not unless you know which texture has been agreed for that guest. Zorg voor Beter explains that swallowing difficulties can make eating difficult. Follow the individual advice of the care team, and don’t replace a prescribed texture with standard bread on your own initiative.
Does all multigrain bread contain iodine?
You can’t tell from the name ‘multigrain bread’. If the ingredients matter when choosing bread for the meal, check the specific product, including whether it lists baker’s salt.