Who is this choice relevant to?

If you’re looking for wholemeal bread every day

For breakfast or lunch, you’ll want to know whether a multigrain loaf is actually wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the word ‘multigrain’ alone doesn’t tell you enough.

Small households

If one or two people are sharing a loaf, a half loaf or individually frozen portions may better suit how much you use.

If you read labels carefully

If you have questions about ingredients, allergens or whether baker’s salt is used, the information for the exact loaf matters more than its name.

What should you look for when choosing?

If you buy multigrain bread every day for a small household or one where you’re retired, start with the factor that matters most to you. Then check the other details on the packaging or with the retailer.

What to considerWhat to check when buyingEspecially relevant if
Wholemeal base Look for the wholemeal label and read the ingredients. Don’t judge the bread by its colour or seeds alone. I eat multigrain bread every day and want to know whether it’s genuinely wholemeal. For around 37% of consumers, this reassurance matters most.
Portion and slice thickness See whether a half loaf or sliced option is available. If it’s labelled ‘medium sliced’, ask how thick the slices actually are. A whole loaf takes us a while to get through, so I want to use some slices without wasting the rest. Around 27% of consumers prioritise a suitable portion size.
Availability Check whether the bread and size you want are available at your local branch, in your delivery area or at your collection point. I want to be able to choose a loaf that’s easy to buy again when doing my regular shop. Practical availability comes first for around 18% of consumers.
Label information Read the current ingredients and allergen information. Check separately whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed. I need to know exactly what’s in this particular loaf before I buy it, even if I already know the brand. For around 18% of consumers, checking the label is the top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming multigrain means wholemeal

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread can also be made with refined flour. A dark colour or visible seeds don’t confirm that it’s wholemeal.

    Check the wholemeal label and the ingredients of the loaf you’re planning to buy.

  • Buying a whole loaf without a plan for storing it

    If you don’t eat much bread, you may have some left over. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre notes that bread is often wasted.

    Choose a half loaf if that suits how much you use, or freeze a whole loaf in portions as soon as you buy it.

  • Assuming baker’s salt is always used

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, not all bread is made with baker’s salt. The word ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you which type of salt has been used.

    If baker’s salt is important to your choice, check the ingredients of the specific loaf.

  • Judging allergens from the bread’s name

    The grains and other ingredients vary from loaf to loaf. So even if you recognise the product name, you still need to check the latest allergen information.

    Before buying, read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the exact product.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists products including OerDesem donker meergranen heel gesneden, described as wholemeal multigrain sourdough bread.

  • The product information lists ingredients, allergens and storage advice.
  • ‘Whole sliced’ doesn’t tell you how thick the individual slices are, so check the thickness if it matters to you.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists products including Boeren Donker Volkoren Meergranen Half.

  • For this half loaf, Jumbo provides ingredients, allergen information and nutritional values per 100 g.
  • If you want a particular slice thickness, check the chosen loaf separately.

Lidl

Lidl includes multigrain bread in its bread range.

  • It’s a useful option to look out for when browsing the range in your local shop.
  • Check the size, slice thickness and label of the loaf you choose in store.

ALDI

ALDI lists Boeren volkoren meergranen in half and whole-loaf options.

  • ALDI describes the half loaf as sliced wholemeal bread.
  • Check the actual slice thickness and whether your preferred option is available in your local shop.

PLUS

PLUS lists a range of multigrain breads, including Korenlanders Desem Meergranen Boekweit and Brood van Soma Haverkorn meergranenbrood.

  • The product names help you explore different styles of bread.
  • For each loaf you’re considering, check whether it’s sliced and whether the size and ingredients suit your needs.

Dirk

Dirk lists products including Bakker van der Akker Bakkers meergranen half.

  • The half-loaf option is worth considering if you use less bread.
  • If you want slices of a particular thickness, ask about the slice thickness of the loaf.

Multigrain bread at Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread can also be made with refined flour. Look for the wholemeal label and check the ingredients of the specific loaf.

Does ‘medium sliced’ mean the slices are a standard thickness?

If thickness matters to you, don’t rely on that label alone. Check the slices or ask the retailer what thickness to expect from the multigrain loaf you’ve chosen.

What can I do if a whole loaf is too big?

Choose a half loaf or freeze a whole loaf in portions as soon as you buy it. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread in portions, so you can take out only what you need each time.

How can I tell whether a loaf is made with baker’s salt?

Check the ingredients on the packaging. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, not all bread is made with baker’s salt, and the name of the bread doesn’t tell you either way.

Can I tell which allergens are in bread from the name ‘multigrain’?

No. Check the current ingredients and allergen information for the exact product, as the grains and other ingredients can vary from loaf to loaf.