Shoppers buying bread for several mealtimes
You want enough slices for breakfast, lunch or a snack while you’re out for the parade, without being left with most of a large loaf.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Shoppers who care about wholemeal bread and fibre
You don’t want to rely on the word ‘multigrain’ alone. You’re looking for an explicit wholemeal label and, if needed, comparing the nutritional information per 100 g.
Shoppers with practical needs or a gluten-free requirement
You want to bake the bread at a particular time or need a product that is explicitly labelled gluten-free. In the first case, preparation matters; in the second, check the information on the packaging.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how much bread you need. Then check the type of bread, how it’s prepared and whether the specific product is labelled gluten-free.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Getting the right amount | Compare half and full loaves by size, and think about how many mealtimes you’re planning for. | If I’m bringing bread for several people, I want enough slices without having lots left over. Getting the right amount comes first for around 36% of consumers. |
| Wholemeal bread and fibre | Look for an explicit wholemeal label and compare the fibre per 100 g, where this information is provided. | For everyday sandwiches, I want to be able to tell whether a multigrain loaf is also wholemeal. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this check. |
| Mealtime and preparation | Choose a suitable size and, for bake-at-home bread, read the preparation instructions. | I want to serve bread around the parade without preparing more than I need. Around 21% of consumers put convenience first. |
| Gluten-free suitability | Check for an explicit gluten-free label and read the allergen and trace information on the packaging. | If gluten-free bread is needed, I need to be able to check whether this particular product is suitable. For around 14% of consumers, checking the product is the top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘wholemeal’
According to the Dutch Nutrition Centre, multigrain refers to bread made with at least three types of grain. The name alone doesn’t mean the bread is wholemeal.
Look for an explicit wholemeal label and check the ingredients list. If you want to compare fibre content, use the figures per 100 g for the products you’re considering.
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Treating different loaf sizes as if they’re the same
A half loaf, a full loaf and a pack of baguettes won’t necessarily provide the same amount for your group.
Base your choice on the number of people eating and how many mealtimes you’re planning for, then compare the stated weights or portions.
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Choosing regular multigrain bread when you need gluten-free
The name multigrain doesn’t mean a product is gluten-free. You’ll need to check each product separately for this.
Choose a product explicitly labelled gluten-free and read the allergen and trace information on the packaging before buying.
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Buying more fresh bread than you’ll eat
According to the Dutch Nutrition Centre, bread is one of the foods that is often wasted. If you’re only eating once, you may end up with part of a large loaf left over.
Estimate how many people will be eating beforehand, and consider a half loaf or smaller pack if that’s a better fit.
Brands and shops to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists, among other products, a 1 kg Soezie multigrain bread mix. A bread mix is a different purchase from a ready-made loaf.
- The product listing makes it clear that you’ll be preparing the bread yourself.
- Before use, check the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens on the packaging, as these can change.
Lidl
Lidl lists multigrain bread and provides a separate ingredients list for oven-fresh bread.
- The ingredients list gives you a useful starting point for checking an oven-fresh product.
- Make sure the information relates to the bread you’re actually choosing.
ALDI
ALDI lists Farmers’ Wholemeal Multigrain bread in half and full loaves, as well as a multigrain hearth loaf.
- The different sizes let you choose based on how many slices you’re planning to serve.
- Check the wholemeal label for each product; it doesn’t follow from the word multigrain alone.
PLUS
PLUS lists both multigrain bread and bake-at-home options, including wholemeal multigrain baguettes.
- The baguettes reviewed are listed as two pieces weighing 300 g in total, with oven preparation instructions.
- Bake-at-home bread needs preparation and suitable equipment. Follow the instructions on the packaging you choose.
Dirk
Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Bakkers multigrain bread as a half loaf.
- A half loaf may suit a smaller group or a single mealtime.
- If wholemeal bread or fibre content is important to your choice, check the ingredients and nutritional information for this specific loaf.
Related Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. According to the Dutch Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread is made with at least three different types of grain, but that doesn’t automatically make it wholemeal. Look for an explicit wholemeal label and check the ingredients list for the loaf you choose.
Can I choose any multigrain bread if I need it to be gluten-free?
No. The name multigrain tells you nothing about whether a product is suitable for a gluten-free diet. Choose a product explicitly labelled gluten-free and check the allergen and trace information on the packaging.
When is bake-at-home multigrain bread a good choice for the parade?
Bake-at-home bread is a good choice if you have the time and suitable equipment before you leave or when you get back. PLUS says its wholemeal multigrain baguettes take 8–10 minutes in an oven at 220 °C. For the product you buy, follow the instructions on the packaging.