If you’re cooking for two and want to avoid leftovers
A half loaf or smaller pack may be a better fit for one dinner than a whole loaf. Decide how much you want to serve and what you’ll do with any bread left over.
Which type of bread is right for you?
If you want to serve warm bread
Part-baked baguettes are ideal for a dinner where the bread comes straight from the oven just before you eat. Remember to allow time for baking and make sure you have enough room in your oven.
If the label matters to you
The name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you whether a loaf is wholemeal. Check the ingredients, nutritional information and allergen details for the product you choose.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how much bread you need for dinner and whether you want to bake it. Then compare the labels of products that fit your choice.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and leftovers | Compare a half loaf, whole loaf or individual rolls by pack size, then decide how much you want to serve. | For dinner for two, I don’t want to be left with lots of unused bread. Around 50% of consumers prioritise a suitable quantity and the total cost. |
| Serving warm | For part-baked bread, check the preparation time, temperature and equipment needed on the packaging. | If the bread needs to be warm when it reaches the table, I want baking it to fit into my plans. For around 30% of consumers, serving time is the main concern. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list, check whether wholemeal flour is listed and review the latest allergen information. | If the ingredients are the deciding factor for me, I don’t rely on the word ‘multigrain’ alone. Around 20% of consumers prioritise checking the label. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming multigrain means wholemeal
According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain. On its own, that description doesn’t mean the bread is wholemeal.
If wholemeal is important to your choice, check the ingredients list for the specific loaf.
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Comparing packs of different sizes directly
A half loaf, a whole loaf and a pack of baguettes won’t necessarily contain the same amount of bread. Comparing the number of items alone won’t tell you what’s right for your dinner.
First compare the type and size of the bread, then decide how much you’ll need for two people.
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Choosing part-baked bread without planning ahead
Part-baked baguettes need to be prepared before serving. Make sure you can fit this into the rest of your dinner plans.
Before you buy, check the instructions on the packaging for the time, temperature and equipment needed.
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Guessing allergens from the name of the bread
Multigrain products may contain different grains and other allergens. The name alone doesn’t provide a full ingredients list or allergen declaration.
Check the latest label every time you buy, for the exact variety you plan to serve.
Brands and retailers to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists a range of options, including half and whole multigrain loaves and triangular loaves.
- The different types of bread give you options to compare by portion size.
- Check whether each product is available at your local store.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists multigrain bread, as well as wholemeal multigrain varieties with seeds.
- You can compare ingredients and allergens for specific products.
- Check the current product listing before choosing a variety for dinner.
PLUS
PLUS lists multigrain bread and part-baked wholemeal multigrain baguettes.
- The baguettes are an option if you want to bake the bread just before dinner.
- Check the latest preparation instructions and product information for the variety you choose.
ALDI
ALDI lists a half wholemeal multigrain loaf and part-baked multigrain baguettes.
- You can weigh up a smaller sliced loaf against bread you bake yourself.
- Check which variety is available in store.
Dirk
Dirk’s search results include half and whole multigrain loaves.
- These sizes make the quantity you need a clear factor in your choice.
- Check the packaging for the weight and ingredients of the specific loaf.
Multigrain bread at Joybuy
These products include baguettes, rolls and round loaves for dinner for two. First choose the quantity you need. For products you’ll bake, make sure the preparation fits into your plans.
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g'woon Popular multigrain baguettes, 2 pieces, 300 g
Two baguettes weighing 300 g in total offer a set quantity for dinner. Check the packaging to see whether and how to prepare this variety, and read the latest ingredients and allergen information.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 4 × 135 g
Four individual baguettes, weighing 135 g each, are a good option if you want to serve bread individually. Allow time to defrost and bake according to the packaging. Check the baking time there, along with the allergen information.
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g'woon multigrain rolls, 4 pieces
Four individual rolls are a good option if you want to serve the bread separately. Check the weight on the packaging to see how much you’re getting, and read the latest ingredients and allergen information.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 550 g
This 550 g round loaf is a good choice if you want to put one loaf on the table. If you’d like to serve it warm, allow time to defrost and bake it according to the packaging, and check the recommended baking time there.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 2 × 550 g
Two round loaves weighing 550 g each are worth considering if you’ll also want bread after dinner or plan to store some. Decide in advance whether that quantity suits you, and follow the packaging instructions for defrosting and baking.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread always wholemeal?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain means the bread contains at least three types of grain; it doesn’t automatically mean it’s wholemeal. Check the ingredients list for the loaf you want to buy.
Which allergens should I check when serving multigrain bread?
Check the allergen declaration for the exact product you’ve chosen. Ingredients and possible traces vary from one loaf to another; the PLUS and Jumbo product listings reviewed include, among others, cereals containing gluten, soya and sesame.
How long should multigrain baguettes go in the oven?
Baking times vary by product. ALDI recommends 8–10 minutes for its De Afbakker multigrain baguettes. For any other variety, follow the time and temperature on its packaging.