Who is this choice relevant to?

Households looking to increase their fibre intake

You’re looking for bread with a verifiable wholemeal base. Colour, seeds and the name ‘multigrain’ aren’t enough: check the description on the bread and the types of flour in the ingredients list.

Families planning Sunday breakfast

You want a size that suits the number of people eating. A whole loaf may suit a larger group; for a smaller breakfast, consider a half loaf or rolls. Also check what you can freeze.

Shoppers who need to check ingredients

You want to know which grains and allergens the bread contains before buying it. Check the current packaging or ask for allergen information if the bread is sold loose.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide whether a wholemeal base is essential for you. Then compare the size of the loaf and the information on the packaging with what you need for breakfast.

What to consider What should you check? Who should consider this?
Wholemeal base and fibre Look for ‘wholemeal’, check which types of flour have been used and compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutritional information. I want to choose wholemeal bread specifically for Sunday breakfast, rather than just bread made with several grains. Around 36% of consumers prioritise wholemeal and fibre when choosing.
Portions and storage Compare a whole or half loaf with rolls in terms of size and quantity; read the storage and freezing instructions. If only a few people are eating, I don’t want to end up with more bread than I can use. Portion planning is the top priority for around 29% of consumers.
Shopping convenience Check whether the type of bread you want is available at the shop where you do your food shopping, and check the latest product information. I plan my shopping in advance and want to know whether I can pick up bread that suits our breakfast. Shopping convenience comes first for around 21% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the latest allergen declaration and ingredients list; check the type of salt if it matters to you. I need to be able to check which ingredients and allergens this particular bread contains before buying it. Checking the label is the main concern for around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing multigrain or dark bread with fully wholemeal bread

    The name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you whether all the flour ingredients are wholemeal. For example, Albert Heijn lists both wholemeal wheat flour and wheat flour for AH Vloerbrood meergranen heel.

    If you specifically want wholemeal bread, check for the word ‘wholemeal’ and read the ingredients list for the loaf you’re buying.

  • Assuming that all bread contains iodised salt

    According to the Voedingscentrum, not all bread is baked with iodised baker’s salt. You can’t tell which type of salt has been used from the name of the bread.

    If the type of salt matters to you, read the label or ask about it if the bread is sold loose.

  • Trying to identify allergens from the name of the bread

    The grains used and any allergen declarations can vary between multigrain breads. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority advises checking allergen information on the label.

    Read the current packaging before buying, or ask for allergen information if you’re buying bread loose.

  • Buying a whole loaf without a plan for storing it

    A whole loaf may be more than you need for a small breakfast. PLUS says its Korenlanders Volkoren meergranen bollen can be frozen on the day of purchase.

    Choose a size that suits the number of people eating, and follow the storage advice for the product you choose when dealing with leftovers.

Brands to use as a guide

These product ranges show you what information you can compare. Check the current packaging for each loaf.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn provides product information for both multigrain and wholemeal bread.

  • For AH Vloerbrood meergranen heel, the product information includes ingredients and nutritional details, including fibre per 100 g.
  • The fact that this product lists both wholemeal wheat flour and wheat flour makes it important to check the types of flour. The packaging is the definitive source if details change.

ALDI

ALDI describes Boeren volkoren meergranen as a bread made with grains and seeds.

  • The product name makes it easy to look specifically for a wholemeal multigrain option.
  • Check the current ingredients, allergens and availability of the specific loaf.

PLUS

PLUS offers products including Korenlanders Volkoren meergranen bollen, a type of bread that’s handy if you want to plan by the roll.

  • The product information states that the pack contains four rolls and that they can be frozen on the day of purchase.
  • Check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens.

Dirk

Dirk’s search results include both multigrain breads and a Multikorn wholemeal option.

  • The different names make it easier to search specifically for a wholemeal option.
  • Compare the ingredients lists and nutritional information for each loaf, rather than relying on the search results alone.

Lidl

Lidl publishes ingredients and allergen information for its fresh-from-the-oven bread range.

  • This range information can help you prepare to check the label.
  • Check which loaf you’re actually buying and consult the latest product information for that particular bread.

Bread for your breakfast choice on Joybuy

If you’re looking for a 550 g round loaf for Sunday breakfast, here’s a product you can assess by size and label information. The name ‘Whole Wheat’ alone is no substitute for checking the types of flour on the packaging.

Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g

A round loaf for a planned Sunday breakfast where a 550 g loaf is the right size.

Check the current packaging to see whether all the flour is wholemeal. Also read the allergen declaration, check the type of salt used and follow the preparation instructions.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. ‘Multigrain’ means the bread contains several types of grain, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that all the flour used is wholemeal. If you want wholemeal bread, look for the word ‘wholemeal’ and read the ingredients list.

Does bread in the Netherlands always contain iodised baker’s salt?

No. According to the Voedingscentrum, not all bread is baked with iodised baker’s salt. If the type of salt matters to you, check the label or ask about it if the bread is sold loose.

How do I check for allergens in multigrain bread?

Before buying, read the allergen declaration for the specific bread and check which grains are listed in the ingredients. Ask for allergen information if the bread is sold loose; don’t try to work it out from the product name.

What should I choose if we won’t eat a whole loaf on Sunday?

A half loaf or rolls may suit a smaller breakfast better; a whole loaf is also an option if you want to store the leftovers. Follow the freezing and storage instructions for the product you choose.

Can I rely on the ingredients on an online product page?

Use the online information to compare loaves, but check the packaging of the bread you buy before eating it. Ingredients, nutritional information and allergen declarations can change.