Don’t let the name ‘multigrain’ make the decision for you: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, it refers to at least three types of grain, not necessarily wholemeal bread. If fibre is your priority for everyday breakfasts, compare the wholemeal label and the amount of fibre per 100 g. If texture is key for a fussy eater, consider lighter options too, and check the seeds, ingredients and allergens in each loaf.
If visible seeds or a firm texture aren’t to everyone’s taste, a lighter multigrain option may be worth comparing. Check separately whether the bread is wholemeal; the name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you.
If you regularly have the same bread for breakfast, you can compare the wholemeal label and fibre per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre distinguishes wholegrain cereal products from those made with white flour; values still depend on the specific loaf.
If you have an allergy or need gluten-free bread, the current ingredients and allergen information are what matter. Colour, seeds and the name ‘multigrain’ don’t tell you whether it’s suitable.
First, decide which feature matters most for weekday breakfasts: texture, wholemeal status and fibre, convenience or ingredients. Then compare specific loaves, as the same category name can apply to different products.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Most relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Taste and texture | Check whether the bread is white or wholemeal and whether it contains visible seeds. | If a firm texture won’t get eaten at home, I want to find a loaf that suits breakfast. This is the main consideration for around 36% of consumers. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the wholemeal label and compare fibre per 100 g. Jumbo lists 3.1 g per 100 g for its white multigrain bread and 7.9 g per 100 g for its dark wholemeal multigrain bread. | If you mainly want to weigh up the bread type and fibre content for a regular breakfast, prioritise this product information. It is the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Size and storage | Choose a whole, half or pre-sliced loaf to suit how much you expect to use, and read the storage advice on the packaging. | On weekdays, I don’t always eat the same amount of bread, so I want to limit leftovers. Convenience and storage matter most to around 21% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information. If gluten-free is essential, check that the product is explicitly labelled as such. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I need to know what’s in the bread before eating it. This is the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ refers to the number of grain types, not whether the whole grain has been used. So you can’t compare fibre based on the name alone.
Check the wholemeal label and compare fibre per 100 g, rather than judging by a dark colour or seeds on the crust.
Ingredients and allergen information can change, as Albert Heijn notes in its product information. The name ‘multigrain’ also doesn’t mean that bread is gluten-free.
Check the packaging every time. For loose bread, ask the shop or bakery for allergen information.
For a household that only has bread for breakfast on a few weekdays, a whole loaf may be more than you can use within your preferred storage period.
Compare whole and half loaves with your breakfast plans, and follow the storage instructions for the product you choose.
A per-slice comparison also depends on the weight of each slice, which can lead you to misjudge the difference between two loaves.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g first, then consider the portion you actually eat.
These brands offer some useful options for comparing bread types; always check the ingredients and nutritional information for the specific product.
Its range includes sliced Liefde & Passie multigrain bread.
It sells both white and wholemeal multigrain bread, so you can compare these types within its range.
Its range includes a dark multigrain bread labelled as wholemeal, as well as a separate gluten-free multigrain product from Schär.
Describes a premium multigrain hearth-baked loaf with grains and seeds.
Lists various product types, including multigrain bread, Multikorn wholemeal bread and a gluten-free option from Schär.
Has a Dutch product page for multigrain bread.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain, but the name doesn’t mean it’s wholemeal. Look for the wholemeal label and, if needed, compare fibre per 100 g.
You can’t tell from the colour alone. Jumbo lists 3.1 g of fibre per 100 g for its white multigrain bread and 7.9 g per 100 g for its dark wholemeal multigrain bread; compare the values for the loaves you’re considering.
For packaged bread, read the current ingredients and allergen information. For loose bread, ask the shop or bakery for allergen information; don’t rely on the product name or a previous purchase.
Don’t assume so without checking the ingredients list. One Jumbo multigrain bread lists iodised salt, but check the current packaging for the loaf you’re buying.
Choose a whole or half loaf based on how much bread your household is likely to use. Pre-sliced bread can save you time in the morning; check the packaging for storage instructions.
