If you want multigrain bread made with wholemeal flour, choose a variety with ‘wholemeal’ explicitly stated in the product name or legal description. ‘Multigrain’ on its own simply means it contains different types of grain. Then compare the fibre per 100 g, check the ingredients and allergens, and choose a loaf size you can use up or store according to the packaging.
If you buy bread regularly and want a wholemeal base, look for ‘wholemeal’ on the label and check the nutrition information per 100 g, rather than relying on the word ‘multigrain’ alone. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre distinguishes between the two terms.
If you need to avoid certain ingredients, check the allergen information for the exact loaf. Product information from Jumbo and PLUS shows that wholemeal multigrain products can contain various gluten-containing grains and other allergens.
If you buy bread to last several days, choose a size that suits how much you eat and read the storage advice. Albert Heijn gives freezing advice for a specific wholemeal variety.
First decide whether a wholemeal base is essential for you; then choose between the flavour of multigrain bread and plain wholemeal bread. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes multigrain bread as bread made with at least three types of grain, but that does not automatically make it wholemeal.
Best for: anyone who wants an explicitly wholemeal base as well as the flavour or texture of several grains.
Keep in mind: check the allergens in your chosen variety; some products also contain seeds or other ingredients.
Best for: anyone mainly looking for wholemeal bread who does not need a multigrain variety.
The difference: you will not necessarily get the grains, seeds or texture of a particular multigrain variety.
Best for: anyone looking for the flavour of several grains without requiring the bread to be wholemeal.
Limitations: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the name ‘multigrain’ alone does not prove that the bread is made from whole grains.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for ‘wholemeal’ in the product name or legal description, and compare the fibre per 100 g on the label. | If I mainly want a wholemeal base, I won’t be swayed by colour or visible seeds. For around 31% of consumers, wholemeal and fibre are the top priorities. |
| Loaf size | Compare the weight and consider whether you use a whole loaf, half a loaf or individual portions. | In a small household, I don’t want to buy more bread than I can use. Around 31% of consumers give top priority to choosing the right size. |
| Allergens | Read the current ingredients list and allergen information for the exact variety. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know which grains and other allergens the bread contains before I buy it. This check comes first for around 19% of consumers. |
| Storage | Check the use-by information and the storage or freezing instructions on the packaging. | If I buy bread to last several days, I need to be able to store it in a way that suits my plans. For around 19% of consumers, reducing waste matters most. |
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ refers to bread made with at least three types of grain. On its own, the term does not tell you whether the whole grain has been used.
If you want wholemeal bread, look for an explicit wholemeal claim on the specific product, then compare the nutrition information.
A single pack may contain a different amount of bread. Without checking the weight, it is difficult to work out which size suits how much you eat.
Check the weight and loaf size before deciding how much to buy.
Product information from Jumbo and PLUS lists several gluten-containing grains in specific wholemeal multigrain products. PLUS also lists soya, milk and sesame in its wholemeal multigrain rolls.
Always read the ingredients and allergen information for the variety you are actually buying.
Bread that is not used in time can go to waste. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists bread as a product that is often thrown away.
Choose a size you can use up, or follow the freezing instructions if they are provided for the product.
Use the product information from these retailers to assess the specific loaf. The features listed do not necessarily apply to their entire range.
For a specific AH wholemeal variety, you can check the ingredients, nutritional information and storage advice.
Product-specific information can help you assess the fibre and allergens in a wholemeal multigrain loaf.
Lidl describes a multigrain bread containing, among other things, wheat, barley and buckwheat, and provides separate ingredient information for its oven-fresh bread.
ALDI lists boeren volkoren-meergranenbrood in both whole and half sizes.
PLUS provides product information for wholemeal multigrain rolls; these are not whole multigrain loaves.
Dirk lists a half Casino meergranen Volkoren loaf from Bakker van der Akker.
Looking mainly for wholemeal bread, and happy for it not to be multigrain? These Joybuy products suit that alternative choice; check the ingredients and storage advice for each variety.
Image unavailable
An option if you’re looking for wheat bread and don’t need a multigrain variety.
The product name states Whole Wheat and a pack of six; check the current ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
Image unavailable
An option if you want two wholemeal wheat loaves to use over several days.
The product name specifies two loaves, each weighing 550 g. Check the storage and preparation instructions for this variety; it is not a multigrain option.
Image unavailable
An option if one wholemeal wheat loaf suits how much you eat better than a pack of two.
The product name specifies 550 g. Check the storage and preparation instructions for this variety; it is not a multigrain option.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread is made with at least three types of grain, but the term alone does not mean that the whole grain has been used. If wholemeal is essential for you, look for ‘wholemeal’ in the product name or legal description.
No. To choose wholemeal bread, look for an explicit wholemeal claim, then compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutrition information for the specific variety.
Choose a whole or half loaf to suit how much you eat, and follow the storage advice on the packaging. Albert Heijn says that a specific wholemeal variety can be frozen; check the instructions for the loaf you buy.
No. Check the ingredients and allergens for each product. The Jumbo and PLUS varieties mentioned list gluten-containing grains; PLUS also lists soya, milk and sesame, among other things, in its wholemeal multigrain rolls.
Look for iodised salt in the ingredients list for the specific loaf. Albert Heijn lists this ingredient for AH Extra lang lekker waldkorn volkoren heel; you cannot tell from the word ‘multigrain’ alone.
