Which option is right for you?

Soup lovers who like to dip their bread

If you want to tear off pieces of bread to serve with a generous bowl of split pea soup, consider the shape of the loaf, whether it is described as sourdough and whether you need to bake it at home.

Shoppers looking for wholemeal bread and fibre

If the type of grain is your priority, check whether the bread is described as wholemeal and compare the fibre content per 100 g. The words multigrain and sourdough alone don’t tell you this.

Smaller households and organised home cooks

A whole loaf may be too much for one meal of split pea soup. Rolls, bake-at-home baguettes or a loaf frozen in portions make it easier to choose the right amount for your guests.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you want bread for dipping, are mainly concerned about the type of grain, or want to plan portions to go with your meal. Then check the details of the specific bread.

What to look for What to check before buying Who is this important to?
Crust and sourdough Check whether the bread is described as sourdough and whether it is sold fresh or needs baking at home. I want to tear and dip bread with my split pea soup, with a crust that suits the way I serve it; an estimated 45% of consumers put this accompaniment first.
Wholemeal and fibre Look for the word wholemeal and compare the fibre content per 100 g in the nutritional information. If I choose multigrain for its mix of grains, I want to know whether the bread is genuinely wholemeal; an estimated 33% of consumers consider this their top priority.
Portions and preparation Compare the number of pieces with the number of people you’re serving, and read the baking and storage instructions. For one meal of soup, I don’t want to prepare more bread than I need; an estimated 22% of consumers therefore prioritise portion size and planning.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming multigrain means wholemeal

    According to Voedingscentrum, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain. The term alone doesn’t mean that the bread is wholemeal.

    If you prefer wholemeal, look specifically for the word wholemeal in the product description and compare the fibre content per 100 g.

  • Drawing conclusions about nutrition from the word sourdough

    Sourdough doesn’t tell you what type of grain has been used to make the bread. So a sourdough description is no substitute for checking the ingredients.

    First choose the type of grain you want, then decide whether you also want sourdough.

  • Choosing fresh or bake-at-home bread without planning ahead

    Jumbo describes its rustic sourdough loaves as in-store products that can’t be ordered online; Lidl also says its rustic multigrain sourdough loaf is sold in store. Bake-at-home bread still needs preparing at home.

    Check availability at your local shop, and read the baking instructions for bake-at-home bread before planning when to serve it.

  • Assuming allergens or iodised salt from the bread’s name

    The name multigrain sourdough bread doesn’t tell you which allergens a particular loaf contains or what type of salt has been used.

    Read the latest ingredients and allergen information. If you’re buying unpackaged bread, ask for this information before you buy, and check the ingredients list if you want to know whether iodised salt has been used.

Brands to compare

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers several AH OerDesem multigrain breads, including a dark wholemeal loaf and an organic option.

  • For OerDesem donker meergranen, AH lists 6,6 g of fibre per 100 g and iodised salt.
  • Check the current packaging for ingredients, nutritional information and allergens; AH lists the organic option as an in-store product.

Jumbo

Jumbo distinguishes between rustic sourdough loaves from its in-store bakery and part-baked multigrain sourdough rolls for baking at home.

  • According to Jumbo, the pack of four multigrain sourdough rolls contains 6,6 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • Jumbo says its rustic sourdough loaves can’t be ordered online. Check the allergens and baking instructions on the rolls’ packaging.

Lidl

Lidl describes its rustic multigrain sourdough loaf as a white multigrain sourdough bread with seeds.

  • The product description confirms that it is both multigrain and sourdough.
  • Lidl says it is sold in store. Check the label if wholemeal or fibre content is important to your choice.

PLUS

PLUS offers Korenlanders multigrain sourdough products in different shapes, including a loaf and bake-at-home baguettes.

  • PLUS lists 4,9 g of fibre per 100 g for Korenlanders Desem Meergranen Boekweit.
  • Choose a bread shape to suit the number of people you’re serving, and check the latest ingredients and baking instructions for your chosen option.

ALDI

ALDI lists a sliced farmhouse wholemeal multigrain loaf with seeds and grains.

  • The product description identifies the bread as wholemeal.
  • The product description doesn’t confirm that it is sourdough. Don’t choose it as a sourdough option without checking the current packaging.

Dirk

Dirk lists multigrain and sourdough breads in its range, including a whole multigrain hearth-baked loaf.

  • A whole multigrain hearth-baked loaf is worth considering if you’re looking for bread to serve to several people.
  • The range listing doesn’t link sourdough to that particular hearth-baked loaf. Check the product description if sourdough is a must-have.

Bake-at-home multigrain baguettes on Joybuy

These two Lekhaven Bakkerij options are multigrain baguettes for anyone who wants to bake bread at home to serve with split pea soup. When choosing, pay particular attention to the pack size and the latest baking instructions.

Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette 4 x 135 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette 4 x 135 g

For anyone who wants to bake multigrain baguettes to serve with split pea soup and plan portions in advance.

The product name lists 4 x 135 g. Check the latest baking instructions on the packaging; the preparation times listed in the product information vary.

Before buying, read the latest allergen information and ingredients list, including if you want to check whether iodised salt has been used.

View on Joybuy
Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette 4 x 135 g x 2

Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette 4 x 135 g x 2

For anyone who wants to bake multigrain baguettes to serve with split pea soup and choose an amount of bread to suit their guests.

The product name lists 4 x 135 g x 2, while the description mentions four baguettes weighing 135 g each. Check the number of pieces and total weight on the packaging before planning your portions.

Also check the latest baking and allergen information, and the ingredients list for any mention of iodised salt.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain sourdough bread always wholemeal?

No. According to Voedingscentrum, multigrain means that bread contains at least three types of grain; sourdough doesn’t confirm that the bread is wholemeal either. Check the product description and ingredients if you’re looking for wholemeal bread.

How can I tell whether multigrain bread contains iodised salt?

Look for iodised salt in the latest ingredients list. Albert Heijn lists it for AH OerDesem donker meergranen, but you can’t assume that every bread contains it just because it is described as sourdough or multigrain.

Which allergens should I check in multigrain sourdough bread?

Check the allergen information for the bread you’re buying, as ingredients vary from product to product. Jumbo’s information for its multigrain sourdough rolls lists, among other things, cereals containing gluten and sesame. If you’re buying unpackaged bread, ask for the allergen information before you buy.

What can I do with a whole loaf if we don’t eat it all with the split pea soup?

You can freeze the bread in portions after buying it, or choose rolls if you’re serving a small group. Voedingscentrum advises that wholemeal bread can be kept in the freezer for 1 to 3 months, and notes that its quality may decline.

Can I order Jumbo’s rustic sourdough loaves online?

According to Jumbo, the rustic sourdough loaves baked in its in-store bakery can’t be ordered online. Check availability at your local shop if you’d like to serve one with your split pea soup.