Students who like generous toppings
If you often make sandwiches or toasties, you’ll want to check that the slices are the thickness you’re after. Also check the type of bread on the label: multigrain does not automatically mean wholemeal.
Who is this for?
Students with an irregular eating routine
If lectures, work or a shared kitchen mean you don’t eat bread every day, you could buy half a loaf or freeze slices in portions as soon as you buy them. This follows the Food Centre’s storage advice.
Students keeping an eye on fibre
If wholemeal bread is your starting point, look for the ‘wholemeal’ label rather than relying on ‘multigrain’ alone. The Food Centre distinguishes between the two bread descriptions.
What should you look for?
For your student room, first decide what sort of slices you want. Then check the bread description and choose an amount that suits your eating routine. A bread’s name is not a reliable guide to the thickness of its slices.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Slice thickness | Look at the slices in store or check whether you can slice the loaf yourself. Don’t rely on words such as ‘hearty’ alone. | For generously topped sandwiches, I want to be able to judge in advance whether the slices are the thickness I prefer. For around 42% of these consumers, this is the main consideration for their snack. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label and, if needed, compare the fibre information per 100 g on the same basis. | If fibre is my main priority, I don’t want to assume from the name ‘multigrain’ that the bread is wholemeal. Around 33% of these consumers prioritise checking this. |
| Quantity and storage | Check whether half a loaf will be enough, or freeze slices in portions as soon as you buy them. | If I don’t eat at home every day, I want to avoid having bread left over. For around 25% of these consumers, buying and storing the right amount is the main concern. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘wholemeal’
According to the Food Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three different types of grain. The name does not mean it contains whole grains.
Look specifically for ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging if that’s the deciding factor for you.
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Buying more bread than you’ll use
If your eating routine varies, a whole loaf could be left uneaten for a while.
Choose half a loaf if that better suits how much you eat, or freeze a whole loaf in portions as soon as you buy it, as the Food Centre advises.
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Guessing slice thickness from the product name
A name such as ‘hearty’ doesn’t tell you how thick each slice is. So you still won’t know whether the bread is right for the sandwiches or toasties you want to make.
Look at the slices in store or check the current packaging to see whether you can slice the bread to your preferred thickness.
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Assuming the bread contains iodised salt
The description ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you what type of salt is used in a particular loaf.
Check the ingredients list if you’re looking for iodised salt, or ask for product information if the bread is unwrapped.
Brands to explore
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn has an online category for multigrain and corn bread, including AH Liefde & Passie Meergranen.
- A useful starting point for exploring different types of bread.
- Check the slice thickness and availability for each product; some are listed as ‘In store only’.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers its own-brand multigrain bread options, including Stevig Meergranen.
- You can compare different bread descriptions side by side.
- ‘Hearty’ doesn’t specify slice thickness; check the slices and the latest product information.
PLUS
PLUS lists multigrain bread in its online bread category and offers delivery or collection as shopping options.
- The category is a useful starting point for exploring multigrain options.
- Don’t compare slice thickness based on the category name alone; check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens.
Dirk
Dirk lists, among other products, a half loaf of multigrain bread in its online range.
- A half-size loaf is a good option if you’re unlikely to get through a whole one quickly.
- The size doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are, so check this separately.
Lidl
Lidl provides an ingredients and allergens overview for its oven-fresh bread.
- This overview is helpful when checking product information.
- To check the slice thickness, look at the loaf itself or the latest information for the product.
Multigrain bread at Joybuy
These two bake-at-home products are for anyone who wants to slice their own multigrain bread. Before buying, check that the shape will give you the slices you want. Follow the packaging instructions for defrosting and baking.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round 550 g
For anyone who wants to slice a round loaf themselves for sandwiches. Check that you can cut it to your preferred thickness. The bread needs to be defrosted and baked, so check the packaging for preparation instructions.
If you specifically want wholemeal bread, check the label.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette 4 x 135 g
Four individual baguettes for anyone who wants to use one at a time and slice it themselves. Check that the shape suits your fillings, and follow the packaging instructions for defrosting and baking.
Check the latest allergen information if you need to. The name ‘multigrain’ does not confirm that the baguettes are wholemeal.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. According to the Food Centre, multigrain means the bread contains at least three different types of grain; it doesn’t tell you whether it’s wholemeal. If you’re looking for wholemeal bread, check the packaging for the ‘wholemeal’ label.
Are thick slices always more practical for students?
No. They’re a good choice if slice thickness matters to you for generously topped sandwiches or toasties. If you eat little bread or don’t eat it regularly, also consider the size of the loaf and whether you can freeze portions.
How can I stop bread being left uneaten?
Buy an amount that suits your eating routine, or freeze the bread in portions as soon as you buy it. The Food Centre advises defrosting only what you need each time.
How can I check whether my bread contains iodised salt?
Check the ingredients list for that particular bread. If it’s unwrapped and the information isn’t available, ask the shop what type of salt has been used; ‘multigrain’ won’t tell you.
Is all multigrain bread gluten-free?
No. ‘Multigrain’ doesn’t mean gluten-free. Check the packaging and latest allergen information for each product; PLUS, for example, lists a Schär multigrain option as gluten-free.