Fussy travellers
Looking for bread to take on a journey that appeals in both taste and texture. Multigrain bread can vary in how much wholemeal flour it contains and whether it includes seeds, so compare the actual ingredients.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Travellers comparing fibre content
Want to choose bread for sandwiches and snacks based on the nutrition information. The name ‘multigrain’ isn’t enough: check whether the bread is wholemeal and compare fibre per 100 g.
Travellers preparing portions
Want to take individual rolls or freeze portions of bread before setting off. Voedingscentrum advises freezing bread in portions as soon as you buy it if you want to store it.
What should you look for?
First decide whether wholemeal and fibre content or taste and texture matter most. Then choose a format that suits your travel preparations and check the label for information that’s important to the people travelling with you.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check the product description and ingredients; always compare fibre per 100 g. | If I mainly want to take wholemeal bread, I don’t want to rely on the name ‘multigrain’. Around 36% of consumers say that choosing wholemeal bread and fibre content is their priority. |
| Taste and texture | Check whether it contains seeds, and compare a lighter option with a wholemeal version. | A crusty seeded loaf won’t suit every fussy eater in the car. For around 29% of consumers, taste and texture are the main priority. |
| Portions and preparation | Compare rolls, sliced bread and bake-at-home bread; check the preparation and storage instructions. | I want to portion out snacks without having to bake bread while travelling. Easy portioning and preparation are the main concern for around 21% of consumers. |
| Labels and dietary restrictions | Check allergens and possible traces, salt per 100 g, and whether iodised baker’s salt is listed. | If someone in your travelling party needs to avoid certain ingredients, the label on the specific loaf needs to make this clear. Around 14% of consumers put label and dietary restriction questions first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘wholemeal’
According to Voedingscentrum, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain. The name doesn’t tell you how much wholemeal flour it contains.
Check the product description and ingredients list, and compare fibre per 100 g rather than choosing based only on colour or seeds.
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Assuming you know the allergens from the type of bread
Ingredients vary between multigrain breads. The allergens listed by Jumbo for one loaf don’t automatically apply to another.
If you have a food allergy or need to avoid gluten, check the current ingredients and allergen information for the product you’re taking with you. The name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t mean that the bread is gluten-free.
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Taking more fresh bread than you can use
Without a storage plan, a large loaf may be less practical than individual portions.
Choose a suitable size or, following Voedingscentrum’s advice, freeze portions as soon as you buy the bread. Also follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
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Relying on an old product page for current label information
Ingredients and nutrition information can change. Albert Heijn and PLUS flag this on their product pages.
Check the packaging when you buy the bread, especially if wholemeal status, fibre, salt or allergens affect your choice.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Offers, among other products, crusty loaves and other multigrain varieties.
- The range of bread formats gives you options for comparing ingredients and sizes.
- Albert Heijn warns that product information can change, so check the packaging when you buy.
Jumbo
Its product pages show the difference between multigrain bread and wholemeal multigrain bread.
- Jumbo lists 7,8 g of fibre per 100 g for one wholemeal multigrain variety. This figure applies to that specific product.
- The product page says this bread is no longer available in its online range, so don’t use the figure as a specification for another loaf.
Lidl
Has a Dutch product listing for multigrain bread.
- The listing helps you identify the bread category.
- Check the packaging of the variety you choose to see whether it’s wholemeal and which allergens are listed.
ALDI
Offers, among other products, a farmhouse wholemeal multigrain loaf.
- The product name makes clear that this variety is sold as wholemeal multigrain bread.
- Compare fibre, salt and allergens using the packaging for the variety you buy.
PLUS
Has product information for wholemeal multigrain rolls and part-baked multigrain baguettes.
- PLUS advises freezing the rolls on the day of purchase; the baguettes come with preparation instructions for before you set off.
- Check the current ingredients, allergens and instructions on the packaging you choose.
Dirk
Offers, among other products, a half loaf of multigrain bread from Bakker van der Akker.
- A half loaf gives you another size to compare with whole loaves and individual rolls.
- Base fibre comparisons on the nutrition information per 100 g for the bread you choose, not on general product descriptions.
Multigrain bread for your journey on Joybuy
These are multigrain rolls and loaves that you can take as individual portions or prepare before setting off. Check the packaging for each product if wholemeal status, allergens or storage instructions are important to your choice.
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g'woon Multigrain Rolls, 4 pcs
The four individual multigrain rolls are a handy option if you want to divide food into portions for your journey. Check the packaging to see whether this variety is wholemeal and how to store the rolls.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 4 x 135 g
The four individual baguettes are a good fit if you plan to prepare your bread before setting off. They need to be defrosted and baked first; follow the instructions on the packaging.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 550 g
This round multigrain loaf is a good option if you want to slice it or make portions yourself before your journey. Allow time for defrosting, baking and cooling before slicing, and check the preparation instructions on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. Voedingscentrum describes multigrain bread as bread containing at least three types of grain; this doesn’t mean it’s wholemeal. Check the product description and ingredients, and compare the fibre per 100 g of the breads you’re considering.
How can I check whether bread contains iodised baker’s salt?
Check the ingredients list for the bread you buy rather than relying on the type of bread. Brood.net Professionals explains that using iodised baker’s salt is an agreement within the baking industry.
How should I store bread I buy for my journey?
If you’re keeping portions for later, it’s best to freeze them as soon as you buy the bread, as Voedingscentrum advises. Also check the storage instructions and use-by information on the packaging for that specific bread.
Can I tell from the name ‘multigrain’ that bread is gluten-free?
No. Multigrain products can contain gluten-containing grains; the name ‘multigrain’ says nothing about whether the bread is gluten-free. If you need a gluten-free option, check for an explicit gluten-free label and the allergen information on the packaging.
Can part-baked bread be taken straight away as a snack for the journey?
Only if you prepare it before setting off, following the instructions on the packaging. PLUS says its part-baked wholemeal multigrain baguettes can be prepared in an oven or air fryer. If you want a snack without any preparation, ready-baked bread or a roll is a better choice.