If you want wholemeal multigrain bread for everyday school lunches, choose a loaf that is explicitly labelled ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging or in the product description: ‘multigrain’ on its own doesn’t tell you that. Choose a size that matches what you’ll actually use, and check the latest allergen information and your school or childcare setting’s rules before packing lunch.
If you regularly pack school lunches, it helps to choose a size that suits how much bread your household gets through. A half loaf, whole loaf or pack of individual rolls can all leave you with different amounts of leftover bread.
If you’re specifically looking for wholemeal bread, ‘multigrain’ isn’t enough. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the term describes the types of grains used; it doesn’t automatically mean the bread is wholemeal.
If your child needs to eat gluten-free or their school has rules about allergens, you’ll need to check the latest label and local requirements for every loaf you choose. A bread’s name doesn’t tell you which ingredients or warnings appear on the packaging.
First, decide what matters most for your school lunches: the right amount, confirmed wholemeal status, or the necessary checks on allergens and school rules.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and how much you use | Check whether it’s a half loaf, whole loaf or individual rolls. Check the weight, and whether you’ll use it in time or can freeze it according to the product’s advice. | If I pack bread for school every day, I want an amount we’ll get through at home without much going to waste. Around 46% of consumers prioritise a quantity that suits their needs. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for ‘wholemeal’ on the specific product and check the ingredients. Only compare stated fibre values on the same basis, such as per 100 g. | For a regular lunch, I want to know whether the multigrain bread I’ve chosen is actually wholemeal. For around 36% of consumers, confirmation is a priority. |
| Allergens and school rules | Read the latest label, including allergen information and warnings, and check the rules at your school or childcare setting. | If a gluten-free diet or an allergen requirement applies, I need to know first whether this specific bread is suitable to take in. For around 18% of consumers, this check comes first. |
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means that bread is made from several types of grain; it doesn’t have to be made with wholemeal flour. The colour and visible seeds won’t tell you either.
If wholemeal is what you’re looking for, check the product description and ingredients of the bread you’re buying.
A half loaf, a whole loaf and individual rolls don’t provide the same amount of lunch bread. A larger pack is only practical if you’ll use it or can store it appropriately.
Check the weight and choose an amount that suits your lunch plans. If you’re freezing it, follow the advice for that specific product.
Ingredients and allergens vary from one loaf to another. Even bread sold as wholemeal multigrain may contain gluten-containing grains or other relevant allergens.
Read the latest packaging, including any ‘may contain’ warnings. If a gluten-free diet is essential, also check that the product is labelled gluten-free and follow your school or childcare setting’s rules.
Albert Heijn offers several multigrain breads, including a whole artisan loaf. This gives you a choice of bread styles for school lunches.
Jumbo offers products including Boeren Donker Volkoren Meergranenbrood as a half loaf.
PLUS describes Korenlanders Donker meergranen rond heel as a whole wholemeal multigrain loaf.
ALDI offers Boeren volkoren meergranen as a whole loaf to buy in store.
Dirk’s range includes different bread styles, including half and whole multigrain loaves and half wholemeal loaves.
These rolls, round loaves and baguettes offer different options for school lunches. Check the wholemeal status, allergens and preparation instructions for each product individually; the shape of the bread alone won’t tell you.
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Four individual rolls may suit a lunch where you pack one roll at a time. If wholemeal is important to you, check the packaging, and read the latest allergen information and school rules before sending it in.
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Two loaves may suit a household that will use this amount or store it according to the product instructions. Allow time to defrost, bake, cool and slice the bread before packing it in a lunchbox. Check the packaging for wholemeal status and allergen information.
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This 550 g round loaf needs preparing before you can make sandwiches with it: defrost, bake, cool and slice. Follow the baking instructions on the packaging, and check there too for wholemeal status and allergen information.
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The four baguettes, weighing 135 g each, provide individual portions of bread, but need defrosting and baking before lunch. Check the baking instructions and the latest packaging to make sure the wholemeal status and allergen information meet your needs.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ means the bread contains several types of grain; it doesn’t automatically mean it’s made with wholemeal flour. If you want wholemeal bread, check the description and ingredients of the specific loaf.
Don’t assume that regular multigrain bread is gluten-free. If a gluten-free diet is essential, check the gluten-free label and the latest packaging for the specific product, and follow your school or childcare setting’s rules about bringing in and sharing food.
Choose an amount that suits how much your household uses, and check the storage advice on the packaging. PLUS says that its Korenlanders Donker meergranen rond heel can be frozen at home on the day of purchase and should be used within a month; don’t assume the same advice applies to other breads.
The term ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you that. If iodine content is relevant to your choice, check the information on the packaging of the bread you want to buy.
