For an everyday toddler breakfast, first look for bread that is explicitly labelled ‘wholemeal’. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ on its own does not mean that bread is wholemeal. A rustic loaf, hearth-baked loaf or sourdough may suit you if flavour or size is important, but check the ingredients and allergens for each product. If you’re packing bread for childcare or school, also check the relevant rules.
You don’t want to judge by the dark colour, seeds or an eye-catching product name alone. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre distinguishes between multigrain and wholemeal bread, so check that the bread you choose is explicitly labelled wholemeal.
A hearth-baked loaf, sourdough or rustic multigrain bread may appeal because of its flavour or texture. Check the ingredients too: the style of bread doesn’t confirm whether it’s wholemeal.
When packing bread, it’s important to check the allergen information for the bread you’ve chosen and the rules at your child’s childcare setting or school. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority points out that food providers must also give information about allergens in non-prepacked foods.
If you’re looking for everyday bread, start by checking whether it’s labelled wholemeal. Then compare the flavour and size, and if you’re packing it to take away, check the allergen information and local rules too.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal as the basis | Look for ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging and compare the ingredients and nutritional information per 100 g. | I want bread for everyday breakfasts and don’t want to have to guess what’s in it from the word ‘multigrain’. For around 42% of consumers, a clearly stated wholemeal basis comes first. |
| Flavour and size | Check the style of bread and, if possible, try a small or half-size loaf first to see how you like the flavour and texture. | For a special breakfast, I want to know whether my toddler will enjoy eating the bread without buying a large loaf straight away. For around 33% of consumers, flavour and whether they enjoy eating it are the deciding factors. |
| Allergens and taking it out | Read the current label or ask about allergens if the bread is unwrapped; also check the rules at your child’s childcare setting or school. | If I’m packing bread, I want the ingredients to suit my child’s needs and the rules at their setting. For around 25% of consumers, this check is the top priority. |
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes multigrain bread as bread made with at least three types of grain. The name doesn’t confirm that the grains used are wholegrain; a dark colour or seeds on the crust don’t prove it either.
Check that the bread you’ve chosen is labelled wholemeal before comparing its flavour or style.
Multigrain breads may contain different gluten-containing grains and other allergens. Ingredients can vary from one loaf to another.
Check the current label every time you buy, or ask the bakery counter for allergen information. If you’re packing the bread, check the rules at your child’s childcare setting or school separately.
Some bread may be left uneaten if the flavour or texture is unfamiliar. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists bread as a product that is often wasted.
Try a small or half-size loaf if available, and follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
A range where you can compare the ingredients of individual multigrain breads.
A range that lets you compare standard multigrain breads with loaves from the in-store bakery.
A range that includes freshly baked bread and rustic multigrain options.
A range that includes both multigrain hearth-baked loaves and a wholemeal multigrain option.
A range of multigrain breads in the Korenlanders line, including sourdough options.
A range where you can compare multigrain bread, multigrain wholemeal bread and different loaf sizes.
These breads suit a breakfast where you’re looking for a rustic multigrain style. If you’re choosing everyday wholemeal bread or packing it for childcare or school, always check the packaging of the loaf you select.
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A rustic multigrain option for a special breakfast; the pack contains four 135 g baguettes. Before choosing or packing this bread, check the packaging for wholemeal labelling, allergens and preparation instructions.
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A 550 g round multigrain loaf for anyone who wants to cut their own slices for a special breakfast. Before comparing nutritional values, check whether the packaging gives them per 100 g or per serving. Also check the wholemeal labelling, allergens and preparation method.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ means bread made with at least three types of grain; it doesn’t automatically mean wholemeal bread. Look for the wholemeal label on the packaging of the bread you choose.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives a general guideline of around 2 to 3 slices of bread a day, usually split between breakfast and lunch. Adjust the portion you offer to suit your child’s appetite and the situation.
Check the latest allergen information for the bread and the rules at the relevant childcare setting or school. Read the label on packaged bread; for unwrapped bread, ask for the allergen information for that product.
Start with a small or half-size loaf if available, and follow the storage instructions for the bread you choose. That way, you can try the flavour and texture without buying a large loaf straight away.
