If you like generous toppings, choose a multigrain loaf whose slices you can inspect, or one you can slice yourself after baking. Words such as ‘whole’, ‘hearty’ and ‘multigrain’ don’t guarantee thick slices or enough firmness for your toppings. If you’re also looking for wholemeal bread, check that it is labelled ‘wholemeal’ and choose a size that suits the number of people eating.
If you like lots of toppings, or ones with a high moisture content, you’ll want to inspect the slice before relying on it. A whole or pre-sliced loaf isn’t automatically thickly sliced: check the slices, ask at the bakery counter or slice a suitable loaf yourself.
You’ll want to know which grains are used in the bread, as well as how thickly it’s sliced. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain, while wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour. Check both separately.
If there are only a few of you, a half loaf may be a better fit for your Sunday breakfast. Also compare the slicing method and storage advice: the right size won’t tell you how thick the slices are.
Start with the slice you need for your toppings. Then check separately that the ingredients and quantity of bread are right for your breakfast.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Slice thickness and firmness | Look for an explicit mention of thick slices, or inspect a slice yourself. If you’re slicing it at home, check that the loaf is suitable. | If I’m adding generous or juicy toppings, I want to be able to check beforehand whether the slice will suit my breakfast; around 42% of consumers prioritise slice thickness and firmness. |
| Wholemeal and ingredients | Check for the ‘wholemeal’ label and read the ingredients list. Only compare fibre or salt content on the same basis, such as per 100 g. | If wholemeal flour is essential to me, I don’t want to rely on visible seeds. Around 33% of consumers prioritise ingredients. |
| Size and storage | Compare a whole loaf with a half loaf and read the storage and freezing advice for the variety you choose. | If I’m having breakfast with only a few people, I want a quantity that suits what we’ll eat. Size and storage are top priorities for around 25% of consumers. |
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre distinguishes between bread containing at least three types of grain and bread made from 100% wholemeal flour. So the term ‘multigrain’ or the presence of seeds doesn’t confirm that a loaf is wholemeal.
If you prefer wholemeal bread, look for the ‘wholemeal’ label and read the ingredients list.
‘Whole’, ‘oven-bottom’ and ‘hearty’ don’t tell you how thickly a particular variety is sliced. Even a pre-sliced whole loaf may have slices that aren’t thick enough for generous toppings.
Choose a loaf with an explicit slicing description, inspect the slices in store or ask if you can slice it yourself.
The name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you which grains, seeds or other ingredients a particular variety contains.
If you have an allergy, check the current ingredients and allergen information for the exact loaf you’re buying.
If there are only a few of you at breakfast, you may have bread left over. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists bread among the foods most commonly wasted.
Choose a whole or half loaf to suit the number of people eating, and follow the storage or freezing advice on the packaging for any leftover slices.
Compare specific varieties, not just the retailer: size, ingredients and slicing method can differ from one product to another.
Albert Heijn lists, among other options, a whole, pre-sliced OerDesem dark multigrain loaf.
Jumbo’s multigrain range includes a variety called Stevig Meergranen.
Lidl provides ingredients and allergen information for its freshly baked bread range.
ALDI describes a luxury multigrain oven-bottom loaf as pre-sliced.
PLUS lists a whole, pre-sliced Korenlanders dark multigrain loaf.
Dirk lists, among other options, a half multigrain loaf from Bakker van der Akker, alongside whole loaves.
These round multigrain loaves are designed to be sliced after defrosting and baking. This lets you choose the thickness you want, but check for yourself whether the baked slice is firm enough for your toppings. The main difference between these two packs is how many people they’re suited to.
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The pack of two loaves may suit a breakfast with several people; slice the loaves yourself after baking. Allow time for defrosting and cooling, and follow the preparation instructions on the packaging.
The ingredients list includes wheat and sesame. Check the label if wholemeal content or allergens are important to your choice; slicing it yourself doesn’t guarantee that the slice will stay firm under your toppings.
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This single 550 g loaf is an option if you want to choose the slice thickness yourself without buying two loaves. Allow time for defrosting, baking and cooling, and check the baking time on the packaging.
The ingredients list includes wheat and sesame. Check the label for wholemeal content and allergens, and see whether the baked slices will suit your toppings.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain, while wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour. If you want wholemeal bread, check that the product you choose is labelled ‘wholemeal’.
No. ‘Whole’ doesn’t tell you how thickly the bread is sliced; for example, Albert Heijn and PLUS list loaves that are both whole and pre-sliced. Check the slices, look for an explicit description of the slicing or ask about the thickness.
Don’t assume that every multigrain loaf does: check the ingredients list for the variety you choose. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that iodine compounds may only be present in bread if baker’s salt has been added; this doesn’t confirm that every loaf contains iodised salt.
Follow the storage advice for the specific loaf and check whether the packaging includes freezing instructions. If you expect there to be only a few people eating, a half loaf may be a better fit for the amount you need; still check the slice thickness.
