If you eat aniseed sprinkles on an everyday slice of bread
If you want a wholemeal base, look beyond the word ‘multigrain’. Check the product description and compare the fibre listed per 100 g for the loaves you’re considering.
Who should consider this choice?
If you’re serving a new-baby celebration treat
For a traditional presentation, choose rusks with aniseed sprinkles. Bread with sprinkles is a better fit when you want to serve a sandwich.
If you check ingredients and allergens
Check both the bread and the sprinkles. Multigrain bread may contain several gluten-containing cereals and sesame; the De Ruijter sprinkles reviewed here list wheat starch.
What should you look for?
First decide whether you want traditional rusks or a sandwich with aniseed sprinkles. If you choose bread, look for a product description and ingredients that suit you, and check the actual slice thickness if that matters to you.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who this matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check whether the bread is labelled as wholemeal multigrain bread and compare the fibre per 100 g on the nutrition table. | If I often eat bread with aniseed sprinkles, I want to know whether my slice has a wholemeal base. Around 33% of consumers say this is their priority. |
| Slice thickness | Ask for medium-thick slices or check the cut in store; ‘half’ describes the size of the loaf, not the thickness of the slices. | For me, a slice needs to be easy to top with aniseed sprinkles. This practical requirement comes first for around 27% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the up-to-date allergen information for both the bread and the sprinkles, including any ‘may contain’ statements. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I check both products before serving them together. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this check. |
| Size and storage | Consider whether a half or whole loaf is better for the amount you need, and follow the storage instructions for the product you choose. | For a small new-baby visit, I don’t want to buy more bread than I can use or store. This is the most important factor for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘multigrain’ means wholemeal
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ tells you that different types of grain have been used; it doesn’t automatically mean the bread is wholemeal.
If you want wholemeal bread, check the product description and ingredients list. Also compare the fibre listed per 100 g.
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Assuming ‘half’ or ‘sliced’ tells you how thick the slices are
A half loaf describes its size. The word ‘sliced’ doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are either.
Ask the shop or baker for medium-thick slices, or check the cut before you buy the bread.
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Reading only the bread label
The ingredients and nutritional information for the bread don’t tell you everything about a slice topped with aniseed sprinkles. For example, the De Ruijter sprinkles reviewed here contain wheat starch.
Check the label of each item you use, including the bread, any spread and the sprinkles.
Brands and products to consider
Albert Heijn
According to Albert Heijn, AH Liefde & Passie Meergranen gesneden is a brown multigrain bread made with, among other things, wheat, rye and millet.
- The product information lists ingredients, nutritional values, allergens and freezing instructions.
- The bread is described as brown multigrain bread, not wholemeal multigrain bread. Ask about the slice thickness if you’re looking for medium-thick slices.
Jumbo
Jumbo Boeren Donker Volkoren Meergranen Half is a half loaf of wholemeal multigrain bread with kernels and seeds.
- For this bread, Jumbo lists 8,0 g of fibre and 0,98 g of salt per 100 g, as well as ingredients and allergens.
- ‘Half’ refers to the size of the loaf. Check separately whether the slice thickness suits your needs.
PLUS
PLUS describes PLUS Korenlanders Donker meergranen rond heel as a whole, sliced loaf of wholemeal multigrain bread.
- PLUS lists 50% wholemeal wheat flour, 6,8 g of fibre per 100 g, allergens and storage information.
- It’s a whole, round loaf; ‘sliced’ doesn’t confirm that the slices are medium thickness.
ALDI
ALDI describes Boeren volkoren meergranen as a sliced half loaf of wholemeal bread.
- The product description helps distinguish between wholemeal status and loaf size.
- Before choosing this bread, check the ingredients, allergens, nutritional information and slice thickness on the packaging.
Dirk
Dirk presents Bakker van der Akker Bakkers meergranen half as a fresh half loaf of multigrain bread.
- The product name makes clear that it’s a half loaf.
- Check the product description, label and slice thickness if you want a wholemeal base or medium-thick slices.
Lidl
Lidl lists wheat, barley and buckwheat among the grains and seeds in its Meergranenbrood.
- The grains listed give you a starting point for checking the ingredients.
- For information about wholemeal status, nutritional values, allergens and slice thickness, read the details for the specific loaf.
Joybuy products
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ means that the bread contains different types of grain; it may also contain flour. If you want wholemeal multigrain bread, check the product description and ingredients list.
Can I use bread instead of rusks for aniseed sprinkles?
Yes, you can put aniseed sprinkles on a sandwich, but rusks with aniseed sprinkles remain the traditional new-baby celebration treat. Choose bread when you specifically want a slice as the base, and check that it’s suitable for adding toppings.
Can bread in the Netherlands contain iodine?
Yes. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that iodine compounds may be present in bread and other bakery products. Check the ingredients list of your chosen bread to see whether baker’s salt is listed; this alone doesn’t tell you the exact amount of iodine in each slice.
How should I store bread for a visit to see a new baby?
Follow the storage instructions for the bread you buy. For the loaves mentioned here, Albert Heijn and PLUS recommend storing them in a dry place and say they can be frozen at home on the day of purchase and used within one month.
Which allergens should I check in bread with aniseed sprinkles?
Check the current labels for both the bread and the sprinkles. The multigrain breads mentioned here may contain gluten-containing cereals and sesame; the De Ruijter sprinkles reviewed here list wheat starch. Check the information for any spread you use too.