Choose a pack that suits the number of lunches you want to make: compare the net weight and the number of loaves or rolls, rather than relying on the size shown in the picture. If you want wholemeal multigrain bread, check that it is explicitly labelled wholemeal. Also check the ingredients and allergen information for each variety; the name ‘multigrain’ alone doesn’t tell you what’s in it.
If you often have lunch at home during the school holidays, you’ll want to know roughly how many sandwiches a pack will make. Check the net weight and whether you’re buying a whole loaf, half a loaf or a pack of rolls.
Multigrain doesn’t automatically mean wholemeal. According to the Voedingscentrum, the term ‘multigrain’ means that at least three types of grain have been used, while ‘wholemeal’ refers to the type of grain used. So check the label and ingredients of the bread you choose.
If several family members will be eating the same lunch, the exact recipe may be important. Read the allergen information for the variety you’re considering. For unwrapped bread, you can ask the seller which allergens it contains before buying.
First, work out how much bread you’ll need for your planned lunches. Then choose based on the type of flour you want, the ingredients and how you plan to store or prepare the bread.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity for your lunches | Check the net weight and the number of loaves or rolls in each pack. | If I’m shopping for several lunches, I want to estimate in advance how many portions a pack will provide. Around 37% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
| Wholemeal options | Look for the wholemeal label and check which types of flour are listed in the ingredients. | When choosing bread as a regular lunch staple, I don’t want to assume it’s wholemeal just because it’s called multigrain. This is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the allergen information for the variety you’ve chosen; ask about it if the bread is unwrapped. | If someone at the table needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to be able to check the recipe before buying. This is the first consideration for around 18% of consumers. |
| Storage and preparation | Check the storage instructions and whether the rolls need to be baked before serving. | If lunch plans vary, I want to be able to store the bread and prepare it only when needed. Around 18% of consumers prioritise this kind of practical planning. |
The type of pack alone won’t tell you how many lunches it will make. Loaves and rolls also vary in weight and quantity.
Compare the net weight and pack contents with the number of lunches you have planned.
According to the Voedingscentrum, ‘multigrain’ tells you how many types of grain have been used, but doesn’t in itself mean the bread is wholemeal.
Look for an explicit wholemeal label and check the ingredients of the variety you’ve chosen.
The name or visible seeds won’t tell you which allergens are in the recipe. For example, Jumbo lists wheat, barley, sesame and soya in its Stevig Meergranen bread.
Always check the latest allergen information; if the bread is unwrapped, ask which allergens it contains before buying.
Not all bread is made with baker’s salt. According to the Voedingscentrum, the label on packaged bread will tell you whether it has been used.
If baker’s salt matters to you, check the ingredients or ask about it when buying unwrapped bread.
Albert Heijn stocks a range of multigrain bread and rolls, including a whole artisan loaf.
Jumbo offers multigrain varieties as whole and half loaves, including a wholemeal option.
ALDI’s fresh bakery range includes a premium multigrain artisan loaf and a farmhouse wholemeal multigrain loaf.
PLUS offers multigrain bread and bake-at-home multigrain rolls, including Triangels multigrain.
Dirk stocks, among other options, a half loaf of Bakker van der Akker multigrain bread and a whole multigrain artisan loaf.
This Joybuy selection includes round multigrain loaves and multigrain baguettes in a range of pack sizes. Use the stated weight to choose a quantity for your planned lunches, and check the ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions for each product.
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The pack of two round loaves could be a good fit for several planned lunches. The product name states that each loaf weighs 550 g; check the ingredients, allergens and any preparation instructions for this variety.
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This quantity could suit lunches where you want to serve several individual baguettes. The product name lists two packs, each containing four 135 g baguettes; check the ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions for each variety.
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Four individual baguettes could suit a smaller number of planned lunches. The product name states that each baguette weighs 135 g; also check the ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions.
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A single round loaf is an option if you don’t want a pack of two. The product name states that it weighs 550 g; check the information for this variety to find out whether it’s wholemeal, which allergens it contains and how to prepare it.
No. The term ‘multigrain’ doesn’t automatically mean the bread is wholemeal. According to the Voedingscentrum, it refers to bread made with at least three types of grain. To choose wholemeal bread, check the label and ingredients of the specific loaf.
For packaged bread, read the ingredients list and look for baker’s salt or iodised salt. According to the Voedingscentrum, not all bread is made with baker’s salt; if the bread is unwrapped, you can ask the seller.
Before buying, ask the seller which allergens are present in the specific bread. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that sellers must provide allergen information for unpackaged foods. If the bread contains gluten, ask which grains are used if needed.
