Students looking to cut down on food waste
If you live alone, a whole loaf may be more than you can finish. Check the number of rolls or the size of the loaf, and see whether the packaging includes freezing instructions.
Which option is right for you?
Fussy eaters who prefer a lighter slice
White multigrain bread may suit those who prefer a lighter taste. Check the product description, though: white multigrain bread can still contain seeds, and the name doesn’t mean it is wholemeal.
Students who prioritise wholemeal bread and fibre
Look for bread explicitly labelled as wholemeal, and compare the fibre per 100 g on the nutritional information for the products you’re considering.
What to look for in multigrain bread
For students planning to serve multigrain bread with dinner, the key questions are how much bread they can finish, which taste they prefer and whether they specifically want wholemeal.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and waste | Compare the number of rolls or the loaf size with how much you usually eat. Read the product’s storage and freezing instructions. | If I live alone, I don’t want to be left with bread I can’t finish. For around 38% of consumers, cutting down on bread waste is the top priority. |
| Taste and texture | Check whether the bread is described as white, brown or wholemeal, and whether it contains seeds. | If a lighter slice is what makes the difference between me eating bread and leaving it, taste matters most. Around 31% of consumers give this taste preference top priority. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the explicit wholemeal label and compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutritional information. | If bread is a regular part of my meals, I want to know whether it’s wholemeal and how much fibre it contains. For around 31% of consumers, this is the most important check. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming multigrain means wholemeal
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means that at least three types of grain have been used. The name doesn’t tell you whether the bread is wholemeal.
If wholemeal is what you’re looking for, check the label and then compare the fibre per 100 g in the loaves you’re considering.
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Choosing a whole loaf without considering how much you’ll eat
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists bread as a product that is often wasted. If you live alone, you could be left with more than you can use.
Choose a size you can finish. If you want to keep some for later, follow the storage and freezing instructions for that specific loaf.
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Judging allergens by the name or seeds on the crust
Ingredients vary from one loaf to another. The Jumbo and PLUS multigrain products reviewed list other allergens as well as cereals containing gluten, depending on the product.
When you buy, check the allergen information on the packaging of the exact variety you’ve chosen.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers products including AH Liefde & Passie Multigrain and AH Vloerbrood Multigrain.
- There are several multigrain breads and loaf styles to compare.
- Some products are listed as available in store only; check what’s available at your local shop.
Jumbo
Jumbo provides product information for both white and wholemeal multigrain bread.
- The product information lets you compare ingredients, fibre per 100 g and allergens.
- The varieties mentioned were no longer available online; check the current products and packaging before buying.
Lidl
Lidl offers products including a white multigrain baguette with seeds.
- The description makes it clear that multigrain and seeds can also feature in white bread.
- Lidl says its fresh bread range may vary by store.
ALDI
ALDI describes a wholemeal country-style multigrain loaf containing grains and seeds.
- This particular loaf is explicitly labelled as wholemeal in its product name.
- Check in store which packaging and product information are current.
PLUS
PLUS offers products including multigrain sourdough bread and wholemeal multigrain rolls.
- PLUS says its PLUS Korenlanders Wholemeal Multigrain Rolls can be frozen on the day of purchase and should be used within one month.
- PLUS notes that ingredients and nutritional values may change; check the packaging of the rolls you buy.
Dirk
Dirk offers a range of multigrain, multiseed and wholemeal multigrain breads.
- You can compare different loaf styles and product names side by side.
- Check the packaging for each product to find out whether a particular loaf is wholemeal and how much fibre it contains.
Multigrain bread at Joybuy
These multigrain breads come in different sizes for a student meal. Check each product’s packaging separately if wholemeal content, fibre, allergens or storage instructions will affect your choice.
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g'woon Multigrain Rolls, 4 pieces
Four individual rolls may suit you if you don’t want to slice into a whole loaf every time.
Check the packaging to see whether this variety is wholemeal, and compare the fibre per 100 g if that matters to you.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 4 × 135 g
Four individual 135 g baguettes let you choose how much to serve with each meal.
Read the cooking instructions on the packaging before use. If you’re choosing based on wholemeal content, also check the wholemeal label and fibre per 100 g.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 550 g
This 550 g round loaf could suit your meal planning if you can use a whole loaf or store it according to the instructions on the packaging.
Check the current packaging to see whether the loaf is wholemeal, and look at the fibre per 100 g and allergen information.
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 the name doesn’t mean it is wholemeal. Look for the explicit wholemeal label and, if helpful, compare the fibre per 100 g.
Could white multigrain bread suit a fussy eater?
Yes, if they’re more likely to eat a lighter slice. Don’t take white multigrain as proof that a loaf is wholemeal: the Jumbo products reviewed listed 3,1 g of fibre per 100 g for white multigrain bread and 7,8 g per 100 g for wholemeal multigrain bread. These figures apply to those specific products.
Does multigrain bread always contain iodine?
You can’t tell from the word ‘multigrain’. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that iodine is added to bread in the Netherlands through special baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list on the bread you buy for ingredients such as baker’s salt or iodised salt.
Which allergens should I check in multigrain bread?
Read the allergen information for the exact loaf, as ingredients vary. The Jumbo and PLUS products described contain cereals with gluten; some individual varieties also list ingredients such as soya, milk and sesame. Don’t assume the same information applies to every multigrain bread.
How can I avoid having bread left over if I live alone?
Choose a size you can finish and follow the storage instructions for that specific product. PLUS says its Korenlanders Wholemeal Multigrain Rolls can be frozen on the day of purchase and should be used within one month; other breads may have different instructions.