For a fibre-conscious Friday get-together, choose multigrain bread that is explicitly labelled wholemeal; ‘multigrain’ on its own doesn’t mean the whole grain has been used. Then compare the fibre per 100 g and check the ingredients and allergen information. Let the portions you need, the crust and the preparation time help you decide whether a whole or half loaf, rolls or bake-at-home bread is the most practical choice.
You want bread for your sharing platter that is demonstrably wholemeal, not just multigrain in appearance. Check the product name first, then compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutrition information.
You’re choosing between sliced bread, rolls and bake-at-home bread based on the number of guests, the other snacks and how much time you have just before everyone arrives.
You want to check the allergens before serving, or find out whether baker’s salt was used in the bread. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that baker’s salt isn’t used in every loaf.
If the whole grain and fibre content are important to you, start by looking for the word ‘wholemeal’. Then compare the nutrition information for the specific product and choose a type of bread that suits your get-together.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for ‘wholemeal’ in the product name and compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutrition information. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that multigrain bread can also be made with refined flour. | I want to choose bread for the get-together that is clearly wholemeal and compare its fibre content. This is the top priority for around 39% of consumers. |
| Flavour and texture | Check the ingredients list to see which grains, kernels and seeds are included; a dark colour doesn’t prove that the bread is wholemeal. | When serving dips and toppings, I mainly look for bread whose flavour and texture will work well on the platter. This matters most to around 23% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the current allergen information and, if it matters to your choice, check the ingredients for baker’s salt. Ask for allergen information when buying unpackaged bread. | When serving bread to guests, I want to be able to check which ingredients and allergens it contains. This is the top priority for around 23% of consumers. |
| Quantity and preparation | Compare the number of items or the pack weight, and check the preparation and storage instructions for bake-at-home bread. | When there are plenty of other snacks on the table, I want the right amount of bread without unnecessary slicing or fiddly preparation. This is the deciding factor for around 15% of consumers. |
The colour, kernels and variety of grains don’t tell you whether the whole grain has been used. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that multigrain bread can be made with refined flour.
If you want wholemeal bread, look for ‘wholemeal’ on the specific product, then read the ingredients and nutrition information.
The name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you which grains or other allergens the bread contains. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are listed in the ingredients.
Read the current allergen information before serving, and ask about the ingredients used when buying unpackaged bread.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that baking with baker’s salt isn’t compulsory, so its presence varies from one loaf to another.
If baker’s salt matters to your choice, check the ingredients on the specific pack.
A whole loaf can be too much if you’re serving other snacks as well. Bake-at-home bread also needs oven space and preparation just before serving.
Choose the quantity and type of bread to suit the number of guests, and follow the pack instructions for storage or freezing.
Jumbo offers multigrain bread in a range of types and formats, including wholemeal multigrain bread. Compare the name and nutrition information for each loaf.
PLUS offers, among other things, wholemeal multigrain baguettes to bake at home and Waldkorn donker heel. The type of bread you choose affects how much preparation is needed.
ALDI lists a Boeren volkoren meergranen heel loaf for anyone looking for a whole loaf with grains and seeds.
Lidl includes multigrain bread in its freshly baked range. If you want wholemeal bread, check the label and product information for the loaf you buy.
Dirk offers multigrain bread, Multikorn volkoren and multigrain rolls, among other products. The product names help you distinguish between the different types.
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that multigrain bread can also be made with refined flour. If you want wholemeal bread, look for ‘wholemeal’ on the specific loaf, then compare the fibre per 100 g.
Let the number of guests, the other snacks and your preparation time guide your choice. A half loaf or rolls might suit a smaller platter; bake-at-home bread needs oven space and time. For example, PLUS recommends baking its wholemeal multigrain baguettes for 8–10 minutes at 220 °C. Always follow the instructions on the pack you choose.
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you choose, as these vary depending on the type of bread. For one specific multigrain variety, Jumbo says it can be frozen on the day of purchase and recommends using it within one month. Don’t assume the same storage period applies to other loaves.
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bread doesn’t have to be baked with baker’s salt. If its presence matters to your choice, check the ingredients for the specific loaf.
Check the allergen information for the specific product before serving it; the name ‘multigrain’ isn’t enough. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are listed in the ingredients of prepacked foods. Ask for allergen information when buying unpackaged bread.
