Special lunch planner
Looking for bread that adds to the look of a lunch buffet. Sourdough and artisan loaves are options when the shape and crust matter too.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Buyer prioritising wholemeal and fibre
Doesn’t want to mistake the word multigrain for a wholemeal label, and therefore compares the ingredients and nutritional information of specific breads.
Canteen manager with a changing number of diners
Wants to adjust the amount of bread to the turnout, for example by choosing smaller units or bread that can be frozen in portions.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether wholemeal status, presentation, portion planning or serving information is most important. Then compare the packaging and delivery options for the breads you’re considering for the lunch.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check the wholemeal label and compare fibre content on the same basis, for example per 100 g. | If wholemeal bread is a requirement for the lunch menu, I don’t want to rely on the word multigrain alone. This nutritional information is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Presentation and type of bread | Check the shape of the loaf, whether it’s sliced and whether it can be ordered for the lunch date. | For a special lunch, I want to present the bread in a way that suits how it will be served. Around 25% of consumers put this presentation requirement first. |
| Quantity and leftovers | Compare whole and smaller units, and decide whether unused bread can be frozen in portions straight away. | When turnout varies, I don’t want to cut up more bread than necessary. Portion planning is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Allergens and product information | Check the latest allergen information for the bread and fillings. If you have a specific question about iodine, ask the supplier about the product. | If I’m serving unpackaged bread, diners need to know which allergens it contains before they choose. This information is the main concern for around 17% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming multigrain means wholemeal
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain. The name alone doesn’t tell you whether the bread is wholemeal.
Make wholemeal status a separate selection criterion, and check the ingredients and nutritional information for the bread you choose.
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Mistaking brand claims for a taste comparison
Albert Heijn describes some breads as baked in a stone oven and says OerDesem is made using a three-day process. These brand descriptions don’t prove that a bread will taste better for your lunch.
Compare specific breads based on the shape, label and availability you need. If taste is a deciding factor, assess it before placing your final order.
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Serving unpackaged bread without allergen information
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says customers must be able to get information about allergens in unpackaged foods. For filled rolls and sandwiches, the fillings matter too.
Before serving, make sure diners and staff can access up-to-date information for each bread and filling.
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Buying whole loaves without a plan for leftovers
When lunch turnout varies, it’s difficult to know how much bread to cut up. This can leave you with bread that goes to waste.
Choose the unit size based on expected turnout. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread in portions after buying it if you’re not going to use it straight away.
Brands and product ranges to consider
AH Liefde & Passie / AH OerDesem
Multigrain and sourdough breads to consider when presentation matters.
- Albert Heijn offers products including Liefde & Passie Meergranen and OerDesem donker meergranen.
- Check whether your chosen variety is available; not every variety can be ordered online.
Jumbo
A range that includes wholemeal multigrain bread and other multigrain varieties.
- Jumbo offers products such as Boeren Donker Volkoren Meergranen and Stevig Meergranen.
- Check the ingredients and nutritional information for each bread, and work out how much you need. Product names aren’t a taste comparison.
PLUS Korenlanders
Sourdough varieties for anyone looking for a different type of bread from standard sliced loaves for lunch.
- PLUS offers products including Korenlanders Desem Meergranen Boekweit.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and availability of your chosen variety.
Lidl Ovenvers
In-store range of bread types, from wholemeal to multigrain.
- The fresh bakery section is an option for buying bread shortly before lunch.
- Check the range and the quantity you need with your local store in advance.
ALDI Dagvers brood
A bread range where you can compare whole and half multigrain loaves.
- ALDI offers products including Boeren volkoren meergranen in whole and half loaves.
- Assess the variety itself by checking the label and the portions you need. ‘Fresh daily’ is a retailer’s description, not an independent quality assessment.
Bakker van der Akker
Dirk’s bread range includes a half multigrain loaf.
- Dirk offers a Bakkers meergranen half loaf for buyers looking for a smaller unit.
- According to Dirk, this range is available in Dirk stores. Check the specific product and local availability.
Multigrain bread for lunch on Joybuy
These two products are individual multigrain baguettes and a whole round multigrain loaf. Choose the shape to suit the portions you need, and plan the preparation required before serving.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 4 x 135 g
The four individual baguettes are a good fit for a lunch where you want to plan smaller bread portions.
Thawing and baking require preparation. Check the baking time on the packaging and ask for the latest allergen information before serving unpackaged. Also check the wholemeal label if this is a selection requirement.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 550 g
This whole round loaf is a good fit for a lunch where you want to slice and present the bread yourself.
Plan the thawing and baking before service. Check the packaging if wholemeal status or fibre content matters, and ask for the latest allergen information before serving unpackaged.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain. If wholemeal is a requirement for your lunch, check the label on the specific bread.
What allergen information is needed for unpackaged bread or filled rolls and sandwiches?
Information about any allergens present must be available before customers choose unpackaged bread or a filled roll or sandwich. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority sets out this information requirement for unpackaged foods. Check both the bread and every filling used, and make sure the latest information is accessible at the serving point.
Can you work out how much iodine multigrain bread contains from the rules on baker’s salt?
No. Rules on baker’s salt don’t provide the iodine content of an individual loaf. If you need specific product information, ask the manufacturer or supplier about the particular bread rather than trying to estimate the amount from the type of bread.
How can you reduce leftover bread when lunch turnout varies?
Choose bread units to suit the expected turnout, and freeze any bread you won’t use straight away in portions after buying it, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Before lunch, decide how much bread to cut up so that unused portions can be kept separate.