If you’re topping up a small shop and want to cut thick slices for a generous topping, choose bread that’s actually supplied unsliced: ‘whole’ on its own tells you nothing about how it’s cut. Half a loaf is a better fit if you don’t need much; a whole pre-sliced loaf saves you the effort of cutting, but doesn’t let you control the slice thickness. Check the wholemeal claim and fibre per 100 g separately if they matter to your choice.
For a generously topped snack, you’ll want to choose the thickness yourself. Check whether a whole loaf is supplied unsliced, or ask about the slicing options in store; a whole, pre-sliced loaf doesn’t give you that choice.
If you only need bread for a few meals, a half loaf is worth considering. If you’d still prefer a whole loaf, check whether the storage and freezing instructions suit the way you’ll use it.
The name ‘multigrain’ alone doesn’t tell you whether the bread is wholemeal. Compare the product description, ingredients and fibre per 100 g for the loaf you’re planning to buy.
First decide whether you want to cut the bread yourself. Then choose an amount you can use, and check the nutritional information and ingredients that matter to you.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting your own slices | Check whether the bread is unsliced; if you’re buying it in store, ask whether it can be sliced for you. | For a generously topped snack, I want to choose the slice thickness myself rather than rely on a pre-sliced loaf. Around 36% of consumers say having control over the slice is their top priority. |
| Amount and storage | Compare whole and half loaves, and read the storage or freezing instructions for the bread you choose. | If I’m only making a few snacks, I don’t want to buy more bread than I can use. Around 29% of consumers therefore prioritise a suitable loaf size or a practical storage plan. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for ‘wholemeal’ and compare the stated fibre per 100 g on the same basis. | If you choose bread partly for its fibre content, you’ll want to know what the wholemeal claim and nutritional information say about this product. This is the main buying concern for around 21% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients list, allergen information and any salt information. | If I need to avoid an ingredient or keep an eye on salt, I can’t rely on the name ‘multigrain’. For around 14% of consumers, checking product-specific information is the top priority. |
According to the Voedingscentrum, ‘multigrain’ refers to bread containing at least three types of grain. The name alone doesn’t mean the bread is wholemeal.
Check the wholemeal claim, ingredients list and fibre per 100 g if these qualities influence your choice.
A product description may confirm that a loaf is sliced without saying how thick the slices are. That difference matters if you want to make a thick slice for your toppings.
Choose a loaf that’s actually supplied unsliced, or ask the shop what slicing options it offers before you buy.
A whole loaf gives you the option of cutting your own slices, but you’ll also need to use or store the rest of it.
Consider a half loaf if you don’t need much. If you choose a whole loaf, follow the storage and freezing instructions for that product.
Multigrain breads vary in the grains, seeds and salt they contain. The product name doesn’t replace the allergen information.
Read the current packaging for the specific loaf, and ask for product-specific information if you’re unsure about an ingredient.
AH OerDesem donker meergranen is an 800 g wholemeal loaf, sold whole and sliced.
Jumbo’s multigrain range includes both whole and half loaves.
Lidl lists a multigrain bread containing ingredients including wheat, barley and buckwheat as an in-store product.
ALDI lists a half wholemeal multigrain loaf and a whole, pre-sliced multigrain hearth loaf.
PLUS Korenlanders Donker meergranen rond heel is a whole, sliced loaf.
Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Bakkers meergranen half as a fresh half loaf.
These products are intended to be sliced by you after preparation. The round loaf and the pack of four each involve a different balance of bread shape, quantity and preparation.
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A round loaf to slice yourself if you want to choose the thickness for your toppings.
The pack contains one 550 g loaf. Allow time to defrost, bake and cool before slicing, and decide for yourself whether this loaf can be cut into the slices you want.
If wholemeal, fibre or allergens affect your choice, check the current packaging.
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Four individual pieces may suit you if you want to spread your bread across several snack breaks and slice it yourself.
The product name states 4 x 135 g. Allow time to defrost, bake and cool, and check before buying whether the shape is suitable for the slices you want to make.
Check the current packaging if wholemeal status, ingredients or allergens are important to your choice.
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain bread contains at least three different types of grain, but the name alone doesn’t mean the bread is wholemeal. Check the wholemeal claim and ingredients for the loaf you want to buy.
No. A description such as ‘whole, sliced’ confirms that the loaf is sliced, not how thick the slices are. If you want to make thick slices for your toppings, check whether the bread is supplied unsliced or ask about slicing options in store.
First check whether a half loaf will be enough for you. If you want a whole loaf to slice yourself, check the storage and freezing instructions; Albert Heijn and PLUS state that the varieties mentioned above can be frozen at home on the day of purchase.
No. The grains and other ingredients vary from loaf to loaf. Read the current allergen information on the packaging for the specific product, and ask for product-specific information if you’re unsure.
No. The name of the bread doesn’t tell you what type of salt is listed in the ingredients. For example, Albert Heijn states that the AH OerDesem variety mentioned above contains iodised salt; check the current ingredients for the loaf you choose.
