Who is this relevant to?

Anyone keeping an eye on wholemeal and fibre

Older people looking for a roll to enjoy with their afternoon coffee, with clear information about whether it is wholemeal and how much fibre it contains, rather than relying on visible seeds.

Fans of kernels and seeds

People who choose seeds and kernels for their flavour and texture, and also want to check the ingredients and allergens in the particular bread they buy.

Anyone looking for a smaller portion or softer texture

Older people who find a handy-sized roll or half a loaf better suited to a single coffee break, or who take the crust and texture of the seeds into account when considering how easy it is to eat.

What should you look for when choosing?

When choosing bread for a coffee break with older people, decide which quality matters most, then check the label on the bread you actually plan to buy.

What to look for What to check when buying Who it matters to
Wholemeal and fibre Look for the word wholemeal and compare the fibre per 100 g in the specific breads you’re considering. At afternoon coffee, I want to be able to tell whether the bread is wholemeal, not just whether it contains several grains. Wholemeal and fibre are the top priorities for around 33% of consumers.
Seeds and allergens Check which seeds the bread contains and read the allergen information, including any warnings about traces. I like choosing a roll with kernels for its texture, but I want to know what’s in it first. Seeds and allergens are the first consideration for around 25% of consumers.
Salt and iodised salt Compare the salt per 100 g and check the ingredients list to see whether baker’s salt or iodised salt has been used. If I’m keeping an eye on salt and iodine, I want to be able to check both on the label, rather than making assumptions based on the word “multigrain”. This label check is a priority for around 25% of consumers.
Portion size and ease of eating Check the size or pack format, and consider whether the crust and texture of the seeds are comfortable to eat. For one coffee break, I want a suitable amount and a roll that’s comfortable to eat. Portion size and ease of eating matter most to around 17% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming multigrain means wholemeal

    According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain refers to at least three different types of grain. The name doesn’t tell you whether the flour used is wholemeal.

    Look for the word wholemeal on the specific bread, then compare the fibre per 100 g.

  • Looking only at the visible seeds

    Bread with seeds may contain sesame and gluten-containing grains, for example. The outside doesn’t show all the ingredients or allergens.

    If you have a food allergy, read the allergen information and any warning about traces on the packaging of the product you choose.

  • Assuming the bread contains iodine from its name

    According to the Voedingscentrum, using baker’s salt in bread is not compulsory. So the word “multigrain” doesn’t tell you whether iodised salt has been used.

    If this matters to you, look for baker’s salt or iodised salt in the ingredients list.

  • Choosing a crusty roll without considering how easy it is to eat

    A smaller portion doesn’t tell you how easy the crust and seeds are to chew. The Voedingscentrum points out that chewing difficulties can make eating more challenging in later life.

    Assess the size and texture separately. If you have ongoing problems chewing or swallowing, seek individual professional advice.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

The AH Triangel meergranen bruin is an individual 90 g roll with seeds and kernels.

  • For this roll, Albert Heijn provides information about the ingredients, allergens and nutritional values, including fibre and salt per 100 g.
  • Don’t assume this information applies to other AH multigrain breads; check the packaging of the variety you choose.

Jumbo

Jumbo offers various multigrain breads, including Jumbo Stevig Meergranen and wholemeal varieties.

  • For Jumbo Stevig Meergranen, Jumbo lists the seeds and nutritional information, including fibre and salt per 100 g.
  • The ingredients in this bread aren’t necessarily the same as in other Jumbo breads, so compare the specific packs.

Lidl

Lidl describes a multigrain bread made with a blend of grains and seeds, including wheat, barley and buckwheat.

  • The product description helps you identify the types of grain in this bread.
  • Check the label on the bread in store for its wholemeal status, salt and allergens.

ALDI

ALDI lists products including Boeren volkoren meergranen and multigrain bread in both full and half sizes.

  • A half loaf may be a suitable amount for anyone who only eats bread with coffee now and then.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the packaging of the variety you choose.

PLUS

The PLUS multigrain range includes products such as Korenlanders Desem Meergranen Boekweit and Brood van Soma Haverkorn meergranenbrood.

  • The individual product names give you a starting point for finding the variety you want.
  • Compare the ingredients, fibre, salt and allergens listed for each individual bread.

Dirk

Dirk lists products including Bakker van der Akker Multikorn multigrain rolls with seeds and kernels, sold in packs of four.

  • A pack of four rolls offers a different portion size from a whole loaf.
  • Check the nutritional information and allergens for these rolls; the product name doesn’t tell you what they are.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No, multigrain and wholemeal don’t mean the same thing. According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain refers to at least three different types of grain. Check whether the specific bread is also labelled wholemeal.

Does all multigrain bread contain iodised baker’s salt?

No, according to the Voedingscentrum, bread doesn’t have to be made with baker’s salt. If this matters to you, check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt.

How do I compare the salt content of two breads?

Compare the salt per 100 g in the nutritional information for both breads. This gives you the same basis for comparison; the amount you eat also affects your total salt intake.

Is a seeded roll comfortable to eat if you have difficulty chewing?

It depends on the crust, the texture of the seeds and the person eating it; a small roll isn’t automatically easier to chew. Assess the texture separately and seek individual professional advice if you have ongoing problems chewing or swallowing.

What size is right if I only eat bread with my afternoon coffee?

A single roll or half a loaf may be a better fit for a small amount at each coffee break than a whole loaf. Compare the size with how much you actually eat, and follow the storage instructions on the packaging.