If you’re making herring rolls
You’re looking for a slice that can hold herring, onion and perhaps some sauce without being awkwardly thick or too soft. Take a look at the sliced bread itself, or ask at the bakery counter about the slice thickness.
Who is this choice relevant to?
If you also eat multigrain bread every day
You want to know whether the bread is actually wholemeal and how much fibre it contains. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ refers to the types of grain used; it doesn’t automatically mean the bread is wholemeal.
If you’re buying for a small group
You want enough slices for Vlaggetjesdag without being left with more bread than you can use. Check the pack size and plan ahead for any leftover slices.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide which quality matters most to you in bread for Vlaggetjesdag and everyday use. Then compare the packaging and the actual slices of the loaves you’re considering.
| What to look for | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal content and fibre | Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ and compare the fibre per 100 g. | If I eat this bread every day too, I don’t want to rely on the word ‘multigrain’ alone. For around 36% of consumers, the wholemeal content and amount of fibre are the deciding factors. |
| Firmness and slice thickness | Check whether the bread is sliced, and look at the thickness of the slices in store or at the bakery counter. | With herring, onion and sauce, I want a slice that’s easy to handle and stays intact while I’m adding the toppings. Around 29% of consumers put this practicality first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | For packaged bread, read the current label; for unpackaged bread, ask for the allergen information. | I need to know which grains and seeds are in my bread before I serve it. For around 21% of consumers, checking this is their top priority when buying. |
| Portions and storage | Check the weight and, if stated, the number of slices; check the storage advice on the packaging. | When I’m catering for a small group, I want to be able to store any leftovers rather than use too much bread at once. This is the most important factor for around 14% 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. That label doesn’t confirm that the bread is wholemeal.
Look for ‘wholemeal’ in the product description, then compare the fibre per 100 g on the label.
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Assuming ‘medium sliced’ means a standard thickness
The words ‘sliced’ or ‘firm’ don’t tell you exactly how thick the slices of a particular loaf are.
Look at the slices in store or ask at the bakery counter what thickness you’ll get if the shape of your topped rolls matters to you.
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Checking the seeds without checking the allergens
The ingredients vary from loaf to loaf. For example, the sliced multigrain bread from Albert Heijn that was examined contains sesame as well as various grains.
For packaged bread, read the current allergen information. For unpackaged bread, you can ask for it before buying; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires this information to be available.
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Buying a whole loaf without planning what to do with the rest
If you’re catering for a small group on Vlaggetjesdag, you may have slices left over after making the rolls.
Decide in advance how many rolls you want to make, and follow the product’s storage and freezing advice for any remaining slices.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
AH Liefde & Passie Meergranen gesneden is a brown multigrain bread containing, among other ingredients, wheat, rye, millet, sunflower seeds, sesame and wheat sourdough.
- The product information includes details such as ingredients, allergens, fibre and freezing advice.
- ‘Sliced’ doesn’t confirm a medium slice thickness. Check the current packaging too, as product information can change.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s multigrain range includes Stevig Meergranen and loaves explicitly labelled wholemeal.
- The individual product names help you distinguish between multigrain and wholemeal multigrain.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and slice thickness for each loaf; a category listing doesn’t provide these details for every product.
Lidl
Lidl describes its Meergranenbrood as a firm bread containing, among other ingredients, wheat, barley and buckwheat.
- The grains listed give you a useful starting point when choosing a product.
- When buying, check the full ingredients and allergen information, and assess the slices for yourself.
PLUS
Brood van Soma Haverkorn meergranenbrood at PLUS is a packaged 400 g loaf described as wholemeal multigrain bread.
- The product information includes details such as ingredients, allergens, fibre and salt.
- The wholemeal description and pack weight don’t tell you whether the slices are medium thickness; check that they’ll suit your rolls.
Joybuy products
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain, but that doesn’t tell you whether the whole grain is used. Check whether the specific loaf is described as wholemeal.
Can I ask about allergens in unpackaged bread?
Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must be available for unpackaged food. Before buying, ask at the bakery counter for the information about the bread you’re considering.
Does all multigrain bread contain iodised salt?
You can’t tell from the name ‘multigrain bread’. If it matters to you, check the ingredients list for the specific product to see which salt has been used.
What should I do with bread left over after Vlaggetjesdag?
Freeze any slices you won’t use soon, and follow the advice on the packaging. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping wholemeal bread for 2–4 days in a kitchen cupboard and 1–3 months in the freezer; check the product-specific advice for your loaf too.