Which size works best for you?

A small picnic with minimal leftovers

If you only need a few slices, half a loaf may be a better match for how much you’ll actually eat. Compare the amount of bread you get, not just the size shown on the packaging.

Picnickers looking for wholemeal bread

If you specifically want wholemeal multigrain bread, check the product description and ingredients. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the word ‘multigrain’ alone does not mean a loaf is wholemeal.

Groups who want bread that’s easy to share

A whole sliced loaf or individual rolls can make it easier to share the bread in the park. Check how many portions you’ll have and whether the bread needs preparing first.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide how much bread you need and whether you’re looking for a wholemeal loaf. Then choose a size that’s easy to take along and share without much preparation.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
The right amount Compare half and whole loaves by net weight, and think about how many slices you need. For a small picnic, I want to take enough bread without having lots left over. Around 42% of consumers prioritise this.
Wholemeal ingredients Check the product description and ingredients; if you wish, compare the stated fibre per 100 g. I’m looking for a loaf that’s labelled wholemeal, rather than judging by its colour. This matters most to around 33% of consumers.
Easy to share Check whether the loaf is sliced, how many rolls are in the pack and whether it needs baking. When I’m with a group, I want to share the bread in the park without having to slice it there. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming multigrain means wholemeal

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain refers to bread made with at least three types of grain. The name and a dark colour don’t tell you whether a loaf is wholemeal.

    If you specifically want to take wholemeal bread with you, look for ‘wholemeal’ in the product description and check the ingredients.

  • Treating half and whole loaves as the same amount

    The size determines how much bread you take on your picnic. A whole loaf may leave you with leftovers if you only need a few slices.

    Check the net weight and estimate how many portions your group will eat. You can freeze any unused bread in portions when you get home.

  • Only thinking about the bread when packing

    Perishable fillings also need attention on a picnic. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises not leaving food that spoils quickly out of the fridge for more than two hours.

    Pack fillings that need to stay chilled in a cool bag, and consider how long it’ll be before you eat them.

Brands to compare

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers a range of multigrain breads and smaller loaf sizes.

  • You can browse options including a whole artisan-style loaf and a multigrain triangle roll.
  • For the loaf you choose, check the net weight and wholemeal labelling on the product packaging.

Jumbo

Jumbo offers half and whole multigrain loaves, as well as a wholemeal multigrain option with seeds.

  • Jumbo states that Stevig Meergranen contains 8,6 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • Compare the size and nutritional information for the specific option you choose.

Lidl

Lidl lists a multigrain bread made with ingredients including wheat, barley and buckwheat.

  • The grains listed make it easier to distinguish this product from other types of bread.
  • Check the packaging in store for the size, ingredients and nutritional information.

ALDI

ALDI offers whole multigrain loaves, including Boeren Volkoren Meergranen and Luxe Vloerbrood Meergranen.

  • According to ALDI, Luxe Vloerbrood Meergranen is pre-sliced.
  • Check the net weight and nutritional information of the loaf you take with you.

PLUS

PLUS offers multigrain and sourdough options, with product information about ingredients and nutritional values.

  • PLUS states that Korenlanders Donker Meergranen Rond Heel contains 50% wholemeal wheat flour and 6,8 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • Check that the description and nutritional information apply to the option you choose.

Dirk

Dirk offers multigrain bread in half and whole loaves, as well as multigrain rolls.

  • A half loaf gives you the option to tailor the amount to a small group.
  • Check the net weight before comparing the amount of bread in different sizes.

Multigrain products at Joybuy

These products are individual portions of multigrain bread to take on a picnic. Work out how many portions you need and check the preparation instructions for the baguettes before you set off.

Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 4 × 135 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 4 × 135 g

Four individual baguettes could be a good fit for a picnic where you want to share the bread. Check the packaging for defrosting and baking instructions before taking them with you.

If you’re specifically looking for wholemeal bread, check the product description and ingredients.

View at Joybuy
g'woon Multigrain Rolls, 4 rolls

g'woon Multigrain Rolls, 4 rolls

Four individual multigrain rolls could suit a picnic with separate portions. Check the net weight to see whether the amount is right for your group.

Check the packaging for wholemeal labelling and, if allergens are relevant, for the ingredients and allergen information.

View at Joybuy

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; that doesn’t tell you whether the bread is wholemeal. Check the product description and ingredients if you’re specifically looking for wholemeal bread.

Can I assume that all multigrain bread contains baker’s salt?

No, check the ingredients list for the bread you choose. For example, PLUS lists baker’s salt for Korenlanders Donker Meergranen Rond Heel; that information doesn’t apply to other products.

What should I do with bread left over after the picnic?

Freeze any unused portions as soon as possible if you’d like to eat them later. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives a storage time of two to four days in a kitchen cupboard and one to three months in the freezer for sourdough or wholemeal bread. These times don’t automatically apply to every type of bread.

How should I take chilled fillings to the park?

Keep fillings that need to stay chilled cool while you’re travelling. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises not leaving food that spoils quickly out of the fridge for more than two hours.

Is multigrain bread naturally gluten-free?

No, ‘multigrain’ doesn’t mean gluten-free. Check the gluten-free label and allergen information on the packaging of the specific loaf.