Who are these choices important for?

Parents who want to pack sturdy sandwiches

If the filling has to travel in a lunchbox, you’ll want a slice that’s easy to fill and pack. Look at the slice itself: ‘sturdy’ in a product name and ‘pre-sliced’ tell you nothing about its thickness.

Families comparing wholemeal bread and fibre

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain. That doesn’t automatically mean it’s wholemeal. To make that choice, check the product description, ingredients and nutritional information for the specific variety.

Shoppers who need to check allergens and school rules

Read the packaging before packing lunch, including any ‘may contain’ statements. Also check the rules set by the school or after-school childcare provider; don’t assume they’re the same everywhere.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with what the school lunch needs: a slice that’s easy to fill, the wholemeal wording you’re looking for, and suitable allergen information. Then choose a loaf size that matches how much bread you use at home.

What to look for What to check when buying Who it matters to
Sturdy slices Look at the actual slice and decide whether it will suit the filling you want to pack. ‘Pre-sliced’ doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are. If I’m packing a filled sandwich in a lunchbox, I want the slice to stay intact while I’m making it. For around 29% of consumers, how well the bread holds a filling is the top priority.
Wholemeal bread and fibre Check whether the bread is labelled wholemeal. Compare fibre per 100 g across the specific varieties you’re considering. If you’re specifically looking for wholemeal multigrain bread for a school lunch, the word ‘multigrain’ on its own isn’t enough. Around 29% of consumers put choosing wholemeal first.
Allergens and school rules Read the current label, including any ‘may contain’ statements, and ask what rules the school or after-school childcare provider follows. If an allergy or school rule is a factor, I need to know whether this particular bread can go in the lunchbox. For around 24% of consumers, checking this is their first concern.
Size and storage Choose a whole or half loaf to suit how much you use at home. Freeze portions after buying if you won’t use the bread in time. I want enough bread for the school week without throwing away unused slices. That makes loaf size and storage the main consideration for around 18% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming multigrain means wholemeal

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ means that at least three types of grain are used. The term alone doesn’t mean the bread is wholemeal.

    Look for ‘wholemeal’ in the product description and check the ingredients for the variety you’re buying. Don’t judge by the colour or the seeds on the crust.

  • Assuming ‘sturdy’ means thickly sliced

    A product name that says ‘sturdy’ or bread that’s pre-sliced doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are. Even a slice that looks thick still needs to suit the filling you want to use.

    Look at the slices in store and, if you’re unsure, try one loaf before stocking up for several school lunches.

  • Only checking for gluten

    Other allergens or warnings about possible traces may also be relevant for the multigrain breads mentioned. Information can vary between product varieties.

    Check the current packaging every time you buy, including any ‘may contain’ statements. If there’s an allergy, choose lunch based on the individual’s needs and the school’s rules.

  • Buying a whole loaf without a plan for using it

    You may end up with unused bread if the loaf size doesn’t match the lunches you’re preparing.

    Choose a whole or half loaf to suit how much you use at home, and freeze any bread you’ll need later in portions after buying it.

Brands and product ranges to consider

These product examples can help you compare labels and slices. The features of one loaf don’t necessarily apply to other breads from the same brand.

Albert Heijn

The AH Zaans Multigrain Whole Loaf product page describes it as brown multigrain bread.

  • The page includes allergen and nutritional information, as well as advice on freezing.
  • This specific loaf is listed as ‘discontinued’ on the product page, and no slice thickness is given. Check which breads are currently available.

Jumbo

Jumbo describes its Stevig Meergranen as a wholemeal multigrain loaf with kernels and seeds.

  • The product page gives ingredients, allergen and nutritional information, including 8,6 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • ‘Sturdy’ is part of the product name, not a measure of slice thickness. Check the slice before choosing it for a substantial filling.

PLUS

PLUS describes Korenlanders Donker meergranen rond heel as a wholemeal multigrain loaf.

  • The product page gives ingredients, allergen and nutritional information, including 6,8 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The variety mentioned contains wheat, barley, oats and sesame, among other ingredients, and has additional ‘may contain’ statements. Read the current packaging; slice thickness isn’t given on the product page.

ALDI

ALDI lists Boeren volkoren meergranen heel and Luxe vloerbrood meergranen heel. According to ALDI, the floor-baked loaf is pre-sliced.

  • The names distinguish between the wholemeal variety and the pre-sliced floor-baked loaf.
  • Pre-sliced doesn’t mean thickly sliced. Check the slice and the packaging information for the variety you choose in store.

PLUS Korenlanders

Korenlanders is the product range for the dark multigrain bread from PLUS mentioned here.

  • For this specific variety, you can compare the listed ingredients, allergens and nutritional values.
  • The ingredients and slice thickness of this variety don’t tell you anything about other Korenlanders breads. Always read the label for the loaf you choose.

Lidl

Lidl describes its multigrain bread as a loaf made with a mixture of grains and seeds.

  • The product description gives you a starting point for checking the bread in store.
  • Lidl refers shoppers to the packaging for ingredients, allergens and nutritional values of food products. Check the slices too; the fresh range may vary by store.

Dirk

Dirk lists, among other products, Bakker van der Akker Bakkers multigrain bread in whole and half loaves, as well as multigrain floor-baked bread.

  • The whole and half loaves give you a choice of size to suit how much bread you use at home.
  • For the variety you choose, check the ingredients, allergens and slice thickness on the packaging or shelf label.

Multigrain bread at Joybuy

This bread may suit you if you want to cut your own slices for school lunches. Bear in mind that it needs to be defrosted, baked and cooled first. Also check that the product information meets your wholemeal preferences and allergen requirements.

Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 550 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 550 g

If you want to make your own slices for filled sandwiches, slice the bread after defrosting, baking and cooling it. The name states 550 g; decide for yourself whether the slices you cut will suit your filling. Check the current packaging for the wholemeal description and allergens, including wheat and sesame.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ means that bread contains at least three different types of grain; the word doesn’t confirm that it’s wholemeal. Check the product description and ingredients for the specific variety.

What should I look for in multigrain bread if gluten is a concern?

Read the current allergen information for the specific loaf before packing it. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists cereals containing gluten as allergens that consumers must be informed about. Also check for other listed allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings.

Can I assume that schools ban gluten or nuts?

No. Don’t assume that every school has the same rules for lunch. Ask your school or after-school childcare provider what rules apply, and check the packaging of the bread you’re packing too.

How can I keep bread fresh for several school lunches?

After buying it, freeze the amount you’ll need later in portions. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread as soon as you buy it. Choose a whole or half loaf that suits how much you use at home too.