If you’re looking for wholemeal bread with seeds
You want bread with kernels or seeds to serve with herring, but you also check for the word ‘wholemeal’ and the nutritional information for the loaf you choose.
Who is this bread for?
If texture matters at the table
You’re looking for bread with visible kernels or seeds to add a different texture alongside the herring. Don’t treat the term ‘multigrain’ as proof that the bread is wholemeal.
If you’re serving a small gathering
Choose a bread format to suit the number of people and the time you have for preparation: a half loaf, baguette or bake-at-home option each calls for different planning.
What should you look for when choosing?
For Flag Day, first decide which quality matters most to you in bread to serve with herring; then check the details of the specific product.
| What to consider | 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 nutritional information. | If fibre is my priority, I don’t want to rely on the word ‘multigrain’ alone. For around 33% of consumers, wholemeal status and fibre information would be their main concern. |
| Kernels and seeds | Check which grains and seeds are listed, and read the allergen information for the bread you choose. | With herring, I mainly want bread in which kernels or seeds make a noticeable difference. Around 25% of consumers would see this texture as their main reason for choosing a loaf. |
| Size and preparation | Check whether it’s a whole or half loaf, and whether it’s ready to serve or needs baking first. | For a small gathering, I want the right amount of bread without preparation getting in the way of serving. This would be the main consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
| Availability | Check whether the type of bread you want is available from your chosen shop or in your order. | If I’m shopping shortly before Flag Day, the bread I want to serve needs to be available. Availability would be the deciding factor for around 17% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming multigrain means wholemeal
According to the Voedingscentrum, ‘multigrain’ refers to bread made with different types of grain; the name alone doesn’t mean the bread is wholemeal.
Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ if that matters to you, then compare the nutritional information for the specific loaves you’re considering.
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Looking only at the seeds on the crust
Bread with seeds may contain ingredients that are relevant to guests with allergies. PLUS, for example, states that its brown multigrain baguette may contain soya, walnut, mustard and sesame.
Read the allergen information for the exact loaf you’re buying; if it’s sold loose, ask before you buy.
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Assuming every loaf contains baker’s salt
According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So don’t assume it has been used based on the type of bread.
Check the ingredients on the packaging, or ask the baker if the bread is sold loose.
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Treating bake-at-home bread as ready to serve
A bake-at-home option may need preparing, which is important if you want to serve the bread just before the herring.
Read the preparation and storage instructions for the bread you choose, and check that the time and oven space you need fit your plans.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists, among other options, AH Liefde & Passie Multigrain, as well as other multigrain and multi-seed varieties.
- You can compare different bread formats and descriptions side by side.
- Check the current packaging for the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens of the bread you choose.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers options including Stevig Meergranen and a half Boeren Donker Volkoren Meergranen, both described as wholemeal multigrain bread with kernels and seeds.
- A half loaf is worth considering when you’re serving a smaller group.
- Compare the nutritional values for each product; the figures for one Jumbo loaf don’t apply to the whole range.
Lidl
Lidl describes a multigrain bread made with ingredients including wheat, barley and buckwheat.
- The grains listed give you a specific starting point for checking the ingredients.
- Check the packaging in store if the exact seed mix or nutritional information will determine your choice.
ALDI
ALDI lists both luxury multigrain bread and farmhouse wholemeal multigrain bread in its freshly baked range.
- The different descriptions make it easier to look specifically for a wholemeal option.
- Use the description of the specific loaf as your guide: ‘multigrain’ and ‘wholemeal multigrain’ don’t mean the same thing.
PLUS
PLUS’s Korenlanders range includes a brown multigrain baguette made with wholemeal wheat flour, wheat flour, sunflower seeds and linseed.
- A baguette can work well if you want to serve the bread in pieces alongside herring.
- According to PLUS, the baguette may contain soya, walnut, mustard and sesame; check the current allergen information.
Dirk
Dirk’s range includes multigrain bread in different formats, including half loaves and hearth loaves.
- You can look for a size that suits the number of people you’re serving.
- Check the ingredients, wholemeal status and allergens for the specific loaf you choose.
Bread for a small gathering on Joybuy
This pack of four multigrain rolls is an option if you’d like to serve individual portions with the herring. Check the packaging to make sure the ingredients and preparation method suit your plans.
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g'woon Multigrain Rolls, 4 rolls
Four individual rolls could be just right for a small gathering serving herring. Check the packaging for the ingredients, allergens and preparation method if these are important to your choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, ‘multigrain’ means the bread contains different types of grain; it doesn’t automatically mean the bread is wholemeal. Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ and compare the nutritional information if that matters to your choice.
Does every loaf contain baker’s salt?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the label on packaged bread, or ask the baker which salt they’ve used if the bread is sold loose.
Where can I check the allergens in bread with seeds?
Check the allergen information for the specific bread before you buy it. For pre-packed bread, this is on the label; if it’s sold loose, ask the seller for the information. Also look out for statements that other allergens may be present.
When is bake-at-home bread a good choice for a Flag Day gathering?
Bake-at-home bread works if you can fit the preparation in before serving. Check the instructions for the bread you choose, including storage, whether it needs defrosting and how to bake it; don’t assume different products will take the same amount of time.