For a small weekend breakfast, choose a loaf size you can finish, or plan how to store any leftovers. If you want wholemeal bread, look specifically for the ‘wholemeal’ label. If you want warm bread, factor in the preparation time, and always check the label on your chosen loaf if you have dietary requirements.
If you’re eating with a small group, check whether a half or whole loaf will cover the breakfasts you have planned. A larger loaf could also work if you can freeze what’s left, following the instructions for that particular product.
Kernels, a dark colour and the word ‘multigrain’ don’t tell you whether a loaf is wholemeal. Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label and read the ingredients list. The Voedingscentrum distinguishes between multigrain bread and products made with the whole grain.
If you’re buying for someone who needs to eat gluten-free, check the label and allergen information on the current packaging. If you’re choosing bread to bake at home, remember to factor in the equipment you’ll need and the preparation time.
First, work out how much bread you need and whether it should be ready to serve straight away. Then check for the ‘wholemeal’ label and any allergen information on the packaging of the exact product you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and leftovers | Compare the weight of half and whole loaves, and check the storage advice. | If I’m only having this bread for breakfast once or twice, I don’t want to be left with lots of leftovers. Portion size is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for ‘wholemeal’ on the label and, if you like, compare the fibre per 100 g. | I want to know what the bread is made from rather than judging by its dark colour or kernels. Around 29% of consumers prioritise choosing wholemeal. |
| Serving and preparation | Check whether the bread is ready to serve or needs baking at home, and read the preparation instructions. | I’m happy to make time for a warm breakfast, but I want to know in advance whether the bread needs to defrost first. Serving style is the top priority for roughly 21% of consumers. |
| Allergens and gluten-free options | Read the allergen statement on the packaging you’ve chosen and, if needed, check for an explicit ‘gluten-free’ label. | If a guest needs to eat gluten-free, that requirement determines which bread I can serve. For around 14% of consumers, this suitability is their main concern. |
According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain refers to different types of grain; on its own, it doesn’t mean that the whole grain has been used.
Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label and check the ingredients list if that matters to your choice.
Some bread may be left over after a small weekend breakfast. A half loaf and a whole loaf don’t provide the same amount.
Choose a size to suit the number of people eating, or follow the freezing advice for your chosen product if you want to keep the rest.
Multigrain bread isn’t automatically gluten-free. Jumbo lists wheat and barley among the allergens in its Stevig Meergranen bread.
If you need a gluten-free option, choose a product with a clear gluten-free label and read the current allergen statement.
Albert Heijn lists multigrain bread online as part of its bread range.
Jumbo sells own-brand multigrain loaves, including wholemeal options.
Lidl sells freshly baked bread, including multigrain loaves.
ALDI lists, among other products, a half loaf of farmhouse wholemeal multigrain bread.
PLUS lists both multigrain bread and wholemeal multigrain baguettes to bake at home.
Dirk’s range includes both half and whole multigrain loaves.
These Joybuy products include round multigrain loaves and multigrain baguettes in a range of pack sizes. Choose a size for your breakfast, and check the preparation instructions and current label before ordering.
Image unavailable
A pack of two round loaves for a breakfast where you’ll need more bread.
The product name specifies two loaves, each weighing 550 g. Check the packaging to make sure the preparation instructions and ‘wholemeal’ label meet your needs.
Image unavailable
The two packs are a good fit for a breakfast where you want to serve several small loaves.
According to the product name, each pack contains four baguettes weighing 135 g. Allow time to defrost and bake them, following the instructions on the packaging.
Image unavailable
This pack of four baguettes contains a different quantity from the option with two packs.
The product name specifies four baguettes weighing 135 g. Allow time to defrost and bake them, and check the preparation instructions on the packaging.
Image unavailable
This single round loaf is a good option if you don’t want to buy a pack of two.
The product name specifies one 550 g loaf. Check the preparation instructions on the packaging, and look for the ‘wholemeal’ label there too if that matters to you.
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain bread can also be made with refined flour. Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label and read the ingredients list if you want bread made with the whole grain.
No, not all bread is made with baker’s salt. The Voedingscentrum says you can check the label to see whether baker’s salt has been used.
Bake-at-home bread is a good choice if you want to serve warm bread and have the time and equipment to prepare it. For PLUS wholemeal multigrain baguettes, PLUS recommends 8–10 minutes in an oven at 220 °C or 5–6 minutes in a preheated air fryer at 200 °C. For other products, follow the instructions on the packaging.
No, the name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t mean that a loaf is gluten-free. For example, Jumbo lists wheat and barley in its Stevig Meergranen bread. If you need a gluten-free option, check the explicit product label and current allergen information.
