Who should consider this choice?

Lunch-makers looking for sturdy slices

For parents, carers and pupils who want to pack sandwiches with generous fillings. Check the shape and the actual slice: a description such as ‘sturdy’ doesn’t confirm that the bread is thickly sliced.

Families looking for wholemeal bread

For anyone who pays particular attention to the type of bread and its nutritional information when packing regular school lunches. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain does not automatically mean wholemeal, so check the name and ingredients rather than relying on the colour or seeds.

Households that need gluten-free bread

For anyone looking for a product clearly labelled gluten-free who also needs to check for other relevant allergens. Read the current label and take your school’s arrangements into account.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide which type of bread and allergen information you need. Then check whether the actual slice will suit the filling and lunchbox.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters most to
Wholemeal or multigrain Look for an explicit wholemeal description and read the ingredients. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain on its own does not mean that the bread is wholemeal. For regular school lunches, I want to be able to tell whether the bread is wholemeal without relying on its dark colour. For around 42% of consumers, choosing wholemeal comes first.
Slice thickness and sturdiness If possible, look at an actual slice. If you want to choose the thickness yourself, ask a baker whether they can cut a whole loaf thickly. When I pack sandwiches with generous fillings, I want the slices to stay intact while I’m making them and fit in the lunchbox; that’s why the slice is a priority for around 33% of consumers.
Gluten and other allergens Check the current label or, for unpackaged bread, ask for allergen information before buying. If choosing gluten-free bread, look for an explicit label and check the school’s arrangements. When I need to consider gluten or other allergens, I want to know what’s in the bread before packing it. For around 25% of consumers, checking this is their main concern.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing multigrain with wholemeal

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the term multigrain refers to the types of grain used; it doesn’t mean that the bread is wholemeal. The colour and visible seeds don’t tell you that either.

    If wholemeal bread is important for your school lunch, look for an explicit wholemeal description and check the ingredients.

  • Assuming sturdy bread is thickly sliced

    A sturdy loaf or hearth bread doesn’t automatically have thick slices. That matters when you need a filled sandwich to fit neatly in a lunchbox.

    Take a look at a slice before buying if you can, or ask whether a whole loaf can be cut to your preferred thickness.

  • Overlooking other allergens in gluten-free bread

    Gluten-free doesn’t mean free from all allergens. For example, PLUS’s product information lists soya in Schär Meesterbakker Mehrkorn, with possible traces of lupin, mustard and sesame.

    Read the current label every time you buy. For unpackaged bread, ask for allergen information and check whether the school has any additional arrangements.

Brands to consider

These product ranges show some of the multigrain options available. For the bread you choose, always check the actual slice and the current label.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn describes its sliced Liefde & Passie Multigrain as brown bread made with wheat, rye and millet.

  • The product information lists ingredients, allergens, fibre and salt.
  • ‘Sliced’ doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are; for this bread, also check the listed gluten-containing cereals and sesame.

Jumbo

Jumbo offers options including its Sturdy Multigrain and wholemeal multigrain bread.

  • The different varieties give you a starting point for comparing the type of bread and the texture you want.
  • For the variety you choose, check the slice, allergens and nutritional information on the product page or current label.

Lidl

Lidl describes its multigrain bread as a sturdy loaf with grains and seeds, including wheat, barley and buckwheat.

  • The description can help you find a bread with a firmer texture.
  • Check the slice itself. Lidl says that the ingredients, allergens and nutritional values of its food products are shown on the packaging.

ALDI

ALDI offers both sliced luxury multigrain hearth bread and sliced farmhouse wholemeal multigrain bread.

  • The word ‘wholemeal’ appears explicitly in the name of the farmhouse variety.
  • Pre-sliced doesn’t mean the slices are the thickness you want; check the slice or packaging.

PLUS

PLUS offers multigrain options, as well as Schär Meesterbakker Mehrkorn, which is explicitly labelled gluten-free.

  • The gluten-free label makes the Schär variety easy to identify as a separate dietary option.
  • Also check the other allergens on the current label; Schär’s product information lists soya and possible traces of lupin, mustard and sesame.

Dirk

Dirk describes its multigrain hearth bread as sturdy and packed with grains and seeds.

  • The bread’s description is a useful starting point if you’re looking for a texture that will hold a filling.
  • Check the actual slice thickness and refer to the label or in-store information for allergen details.

Multigrain bread to slice yourself

You can slice these round multigrain loaves from Lekhaven Bakkerij yourself for a school lunch, once they’ve been baked and cooled. Check that the slices will suit the filling and lunchbox; for wholemeal and allergen information, consult the current product details.

Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread round, 2 × 550 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread round, 2 × 550 g

Suitable for slicing yourself for lunch once the bread has been defrosted, baked and cooled; bear in mind that it needs this preparation.

  • Round multigrain bread, 2 × 550 g.
  • When slicing, check that the thickness suits the filling and lunchbox. For wholemeal and allergen information, consult the current product details.
View on Joybuy
Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread round, 550 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread round, 550 g

A round multigrain loaf to slice yourself for a school lunch once it has been defrosted, baked and cooled.

  • Round multigrain bread, 550 g.
  • Check that your slice suits the filling. If wholemeal or allergen information matters to your choice, consult the current product details.
View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain, but that doesn’t mean it’s wholemeal. If you want to choose wholemeal bread, look for an explicit wholemeal description.

Can I tell from the name whether multigrain bread contains gluten?

No. Check the ingredients and allergen information for the specific bread. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be listed on labels; if you need gluten-free bread, don’t rely on the word multigrain alone.

Does Dutch bread always contain iodine from baker’s salt?

No, don’t assume this is the case for every loaf. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, iodine compounds may be present in bread when baker’s salt containing no more than 65 mg of iodine per kg of salt is added. Check the ingredients list if iodised salt matters to your choice.

How should I store wholemeal bread for several school lunches?

You can freeze slices for later. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s Storage Guide recommends keeping opened packs of wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2–4 days or in the freezer for 1–3 months; take slices out of the freezer as needed.