Which option works best for you?

If you like generous toppings

If you want to choose how thick to cut a slice for toppings or toast, an uncut whole loaf gives you that freedom. The shape of the loaf alone doesn’t guarantee that the slices will be firm enough.

If you want to get the coffee table ready quickly

With pre-sliced bread, there’s no need to cut it yourself, and the portions are ready to serve. Check the slices if a thick piece of toast is important to you.

If the label comes first

Are you mainly concerned about wholemeal content, fibre, gluten-containing ingredients, other allergens or the type of salt used? Compare the nutritional information and ingredients for the specific loaf, rather than relying on the name ‘multigrain’ alone.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you want to choose the thickness of the slices yourself or prefer bread that’s ready to serve. Then compare the labels on the loaves you’re considering.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is this important for?
Slice thickness Look for an uncut whole loaf if you want to slice it yourself; ask how a pre-sliced loaf has been cut. I want to cut a slice to size for generous toppings or toast. For around 40% of consumers, having the freedom to choose the slice thickness comes first.
Convenience Check whether the bread is pre-sliced and whether the slices suit the way you plan to serve it. If I want to serve bread with coffee and cake quickly, I’d rather skip the slicing. Around 30% of consumers prioritise this convenience.
Label Check the wholemeal designation, ingredients, allergens, nutritional information and details of the salt used. The ingredients and information on the label matter more to me than the slice thickness. This is the main consideration for around 30% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming multigrain means wholemeal

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three different types of grain. The name alone doesn’t mean that the bread is wholemeal.

    Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ and check the ingredients list if the grain content matters to your choice.

  • Assuming pre-sliced bread has thick slices

    Pre-sliced bread has a set slice thickness, but ‘sliced’ doesn’t mean the slices are thick.

    Look at the slices in store, or choose an uncut loaf if you want to decide on the thickness yourself.

  • Assuming every loaf contains iodised salt

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. The type of salt used can therefore vary from loaf to loaf.

    If this information matters to you, check the ingredients list for ‘iodised salt’ or ‘baker’s salt’, or ask the baker.

  • Buying a whole loaf without a plan for storing it

    If you slice a loaf yourself, you may have some slices left over after coffee and cake. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping bread in a kitchen cupboard for two to four days or in the freezer for around a month.

    Before cutting into the loaf, think about how much you want to keep and freeze portions if needed.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers, among other options, pre-sliced multigrain bread and a wholemeal multigrain sourdough loaf.

  • Product information includes ingredients, nutritional values and allergens, making it easier to compare varieties.
  • Check separately whether your chosen pack is pre-sliced and whether the slice thickness suits your needs.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s multigrain bread range includes different types of loaf, including Stevig Meergranen and Boeren Donker Volkoren Meergranen.

  • The different bread names help you choose between multigrain and explicitly wholemeal multigrain.
  • Jumbo says its rustic sourdough loaves are only available in store; check there too how they’re sliced.

Lidl

Lidl offers a multigrain loaf and a 600 g organic rustic multigrain sourdough loaf.

  • The loaf shape and product description can help you choose a variety.
  • Check the label and how the specific loaf is sliced before choosing it for thick slices.

ALDI

ALDI offers luxury pre-sliced multigrain hearth bread, alongside whole loaves in its fresh daily range.

  • The choice between pre-sliced and whole bread reflects the trade-off between convenience and slicing it yourself.
  • Check the slice thickness of the pre-sliced variety separately; the bread’s name doesn’t specify it.

PLUS

PLUS has a multigrain bread range and offers, among other options, a whole Korenlanders hearth loaf.

  • If you buy it uncut, a whole loaf lets you slice it yourself.
  • Check the format, ingredients and desired slice thickness for each product.

Dirk

Dirk’s product search results include, among other options, whole multigrain loaves and hearth breads.

  • Whole loaves are a good option if you want to choose the slice thickness yourself.
  • Check the product information or ask in store about the ingredients, allergens and how your chosen loaf is sliced.

Bread options at Joybuy

These two types of bread are for anyone who wants to cut their own slices: a round loaf for slices cut to size, and baguettes for smaller slices. The product names don’t confirm a set slice thickness or how well the bread will hold toppings.

Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round 550 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round 550 g

The round loaf is a good choice if you want to cut your own slices for coffee and cake.

The loaf weighs 550 g. Check the preparation instructions on the packaging, then see whether the slices suit your toppings.

View at Joybuy
Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette 4 x 135 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette 4 x 135 g

The individual baguettes are a good option if you’d rather slice smaller loaves than cut slices from a round loaf or hearth bread.

The pack contains four baguettes of 135 g each. Check the preparation instructions on the packaging; don’t assume a particular slice thickness or that the bread will hold toppings just because of its shape.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means the bread contains at least three different types of grain; it doesn’t automatically mean those grains are wholemeal. Check the wholemeal designation and ingredients list if this distinction matters to your choice.

Does multigrain bread always contain iodised salt?

No, you can’t tell from the name of the bread. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Read the ingredients list or ask the baker which salt was used in that particular loaf.

How can I check whether multigrain bread is gluten-free?

Don’t rely on the name ‘multigrain’; check for an explicit gluten-free label and the ingredients of the specific product. Wheat, rye and barley are grains that contain gluten. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains this distinction in its information about gluten.

How should I store a loaf I slice myself?

Ideally, freeze any portions you won’t use soon. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping bread in a kitchen cupboard for two to four days or in the freezer for around a month. Throw away any bread with mould.

Where can I find a loaf’s allergen information?

Check the current label on the loaf you’ve chosen. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergens must be clearly listed on food labels; ingredients vary by product.