Hosts serving generously topped snacks
For topped or warm bites, you’ll want to know how the bread has been sliced. Ask for an unsliced loaf or check the slice thickness yourself; the term ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you anything about that.
Who is this choice important for?
Anyone looking to choose wholemeal
Multigrain and wholemeal don’t mean the same thing. According to the Dutch Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ refers to different types of grain, while bread labelled ‘wholemeal’ is made from 100% wholemeal flour.
Organisers catering for guests with different dietary needs
Check the ingredients and allergens for the exact loaf. If a guest needs to know whether it contains iodised salt, check which type of salt is listed on the label too.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide what kind of slices you need for your snack table. Then compare the ingredients of suitable loaves and work out how much you’ll actually serve.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Slice thickness and how it’s cut | Look at the slices or ask whether you can get the loaf unsliced or thickly sliced. Check whether each slice will suit the toppings you have in mind. | For heavy or layered toppings, I want to be able to choose how thick the slices are. Around 36% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
| Wholemeal and nutritional value | Look for the term ‘wholemeal’ and compare the fibre and salt per 100 g on the label. | If wholemeal is my top priority, I don’t want to rely on the word ‘multigrain’ alone. For around 29% of consumers, this nutritional choice matters most. |
| Allergens and type of salt | Read the current ingredients and allergen information for the exact loaf; if necessary, check whether iodised salt has been used. | For guests with relevant allergies or a question about iodised salt, I need to be able to check the ingredients before serving. Around 21% of consumers put this check first. |
| Quantity and storage | Choose an appropriate amount of bread and follow the storage and freezing instructions on the packaging. | If I’m shopping well before the evening, I only want to buy bread that I can store according to the product instructions. This is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Confusing ‘multigrain’ with ‘wholemeal’
According to the Dutch Nutrition Centre, multigrain means that the bread contains at least three types of grain; it doesn’t mean that it’s entirely wholemeal.
If you want wholemeal bread, look for that description on the loaf and then compare the nutritional information for each product.
-
Assuming ‘whole’ or ‘pre-sliced’ means thickly sliced
A whole loaf may already be sliced. And the description ‘hearty’ doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are.
Check how it’s actually cut, or ask before buying whether the loaf is available unsliced or in your preferred thickness.
-
Judging allergens by the seeds you can see
Grains and other potential allergens are also relevant in the Jumbo and PLUS product examples; visible seeds don’t tell the whole story.
Ask guests about any relevant allergies and read the current allergen information for the bread you’re planning to serve.
-
Assuming every loaf contains iodised bakers’ salt
According to the Dutch Nutrition Centre, bread doesn’t have to be made with bakers’ salt. So the type of bread or the shop’s name won’t confirm which type of salt has been used.
If the type of salt matters to your choice, check the ingredients on the packaging or ask the baker.
Brands to compare
These examples from shops can help you focus on the type of bread, how it’s cut and the information on the label. Check the details of the loaf you actually choose.
Albert Heijn
AH Vloerbrood meergranen heel is a brown multigrain loaf.
- Albert Heijn lists, among other ingredients, 31% wholemeal wheat flour and iodised sea salt.
- ‘Whole’ doesn’t guarantee that the slices are thick.
Jumbo
Jumbo Stevig Meergranen is described as a whole wholemeal multigrain loaf with seeds.
- Jumbo lists 8.6 g of fibre and 0.96 g of salt per 100 g for this product.
- Check the slice thickness and current allergen information for the loaf you choose.
Lidl
Lidl describes its multigrain bread as a hearty loaf containing wheat, barley and buckwheat, among other ingredients.
- This description gives you a starting point for assessing the loaf in-store for topped snacks.
- Check the label in-store and see how the loaf you choose is cut.
Aldi
Aldi lists Luxe vloerbrood meergranen heel as a pre-sliced loaf.
- The product description mentions grains and seeds and makes clear that the loaf is already sliced.
- Pre-sliced doesn’t mean the slices are thick enough for your toppings.
PLUS
PLUS Korenlanders Donker meergranen rond heel is described as a whole wholemeal multigrain loaf.
- PLUS lists 6.8 g of fibre and 1.02 g of salt per 100 g for this product.
- The fact that it’s a whole, sliced loaf doesn’t confirm that the slices are thick.
Dirk
Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Bakkers multigrain bread as available in half and whole loaves.
- Choosing between a half and a whole loaf helps you match the quantity to the number of guests.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and how the loaf is cut.
Round loaves at Joybuy
These two pack sizes from Lekhaven Bakkerij are worth considering if you’re looking for a round loaf for your snack table. Before buying, check the preparation and slicing options: the product name doesn’t confirm a specific slice thickness.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 550 g × 2
This pack of two round loaves is an option if you need more bread for your snack table. Check whether you can cut them into the slices you want, and read the preparation instructions and allergen information before serving.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 550 g
This 550 g round loaf is an option if one loaf is a better fit for the quantity you’ve planned. Check whether it can be sliced to suit your toppings and follow the preparation instructions. If you’re serving guests, check the current allergen information too.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. According to the Dutch Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ refers to at least three different types of grain; the term ‘wholemeal’ on bread means that it’s made from 100% wholemeal flour. So check the exact name and ingredients of the loaf you’re buying.
How do I find multigrain bread for thick, generously topped snacks?
Check the slices yourself or ask whether you can get an unsliced loaf that you can cut to your preferred thickness. A whole loaf, a description such as ‘hearty’ or a round shape doesn’t, on its own, confirm the slice thickness.
Does Dutch multigrain bread always contain iodised bakers’ salt?
No. According to the Dutch Nutrition Centre, using bakers’ salt in bread isn’t compulsory. Check the ingredients list or ask the baker which type of salt was used for that particular loaf.
Which allergens should I check when guests are joining me?
Read the current allergen information for the exact loaf and ask guests which ingredients they need to avoid. The Jumbo and PLUS examples show that ingredients such as gluten-containing grains, sesame or soya may need attention in multigrain bread; don’t assume the same applies to another loaf.
Can I buy bread in advance for a World Food Night?
Yes, as long as you store it according to the instructions for the loaf you’ve chosen. The Dutch Nutrition Centre recommends keeping opened wholemeal bread for 2–4 days in a kitchen cupboard or 1–3 months in the freezer. For a specific product, follow the packaging too, especially for defrosting and refreezing.