If you want to choose the thickness of your slices for generous savoury toppings, opt for a whole multigrain loaf. Pre-sliced bread described as ‘firm’ saves you the effort of cutting it yourself, but that doesn’t necessarily tell you how thick the slices are. Separately, check whether the bread is explicitly labelled wholemeal: according to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain means it contains at least three types of grain, not that whole grains have been used. If you have questions about allergens or iodised salt, check the current packaging.
Do you like adding egg, cheese, hummus or vegetables to your bread? A whole loaf could be a good choice because you can cut the slices as thick as you like. If you’re buying pre-sliced bread, check the slice thickness first.
Having several types of grain doesn’t automatically make bread wholemeal. If that’s what you’re looking for, check that it’s labelled wholemeal and, if you wish, compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutritional information.
For bread containing different grains, kernels or seeds, it’s important to check the current ingredients and allergen information. If it’s relevant to your choice, also look specifically for iodised salt on the packaging.
First, decide between slicing the loaf yourself and the convenience of pre-sliced bread. Then check separately for a wholemeal label, nutritional information and ingredients: none of these features is determined by the shape or format of the loaf.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is it important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Slice thickness for savoury toppings | Check whether the loaf is whole if you want to cut thick slices yourself. For pre-sliced bread, look at the slices; ‘firm’ doesn’t indicate a specific thickness. | If I want generous toppings, I want to choose the slice thickness myself. This is the top priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for an explicit wholemeal label and compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutritional information. | I want to choose wholemeal bread for breakfast, rather than relying on the word ‘multigrain’ in the name. Around 30% of consumers give this preference priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients list, allergen information and any warnings. Check separately whether iodised salt is listed. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients or pay attention to types of salt, the packaging needs to give me the information to make my choice. This is the most important factor for around 20% of consumers. |
| Quantity and storage | Choose between a whole and a half loaf based on how much you use, and follow the storage instructions for the product you choose. | If I don’t eat bread every day, I want to avoid having slices left over. The right quantity is the first consideration for around 10% of consumers. |
According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain bread contains at least three different types of grain. The name doesn’t tell you whether the bread is made with wholemeal flour.
If you specifically want wholemeal bread, look for an explicit wholemeal label. If fibre is a priority, also compare the nutritional information per 100 g.
‘Firm’ describes a style of bread, but doesn’t tell you how thick the slices are. This matters when slice thickness is important for your toppings.
Choose a whole loaf if you want to decide the thickness yourself, or look at the slices of a pre-sliced loaf in store.
The Voedingscentrum describes bread made with iodised baker’s salt as an important source of iodine in the Netherlands. That doesn’t mean every loaf is made with this type of salt.
Check the ingredients list of the loaf you’ve chosen to see whether iodised salt is listed.
A whole loaf lets you cut thick slices yourself, but you may have slices left over if you only eat bread occasionally. The Voedingscentrum lists bread among the foods that are often wasted.
Consider a half loaf if you use less. If you want to freeze your bread, follow the instructions on the packaging.
Albert Heijn offers multigrain breads, including AH Liefde & Passie Multigrain Sliced.
Jumbo offers Stevig Meergranen (Firm Multigrain), as well as other multigrain breads.
Lidl describes its multigrain bread as firm and names wheat, barley and buckwheat among its grains.
Aldi offers Boeren Volkoren Meergranen (Farmhouse Wholemeal Multigrain) as both a whole and a half loaf.
Plus offers several multigrain breads, including whole loaves.
Dirk describes its whole multigrain hearth loaf as firm and packed with grains and seeds.
If you want to cut your own slices for savoury toppings, this is a multigrain loaf you can bake at home. Bear in mind that it needs to be prepared before you slice it.
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This round loaf is ideal if you want to bake it at home, then choose the slice thickness yourself for savoury toppings.
This variety weighs 550 g. Allow time to defrost, bake and cool for around 30 minutes before slicing; check the current packaging for the baking time.
Also check the packaging for a wholemeal label, ingredients and allergen information if these are important to your choice.
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain means that bread contains at least three different types of grain; it can be made with white flour, wholemeal flour or a combination of the two. Look for an explicit wholemeal label if you want wholemeal bread.
With a whole loaf, you can choose the slice thickness yourself, for example by cutting it with a bread knife after preparing it. If you want pre-sliced bread, look at the slices: ‘firm’ in a product description doesn’t confirm a specific thickness.
No, you can’t assume this is the case for every loaf. The Voedingscentrum describes bread made with iodised baker’s salt as an important source of iodine in the Netherlands, but its use varies from one loaf to another. Check the ingredients list of the product you’re buying.
Read the current allergen information and ingredients list for the specific loaf. Multigrain bread may contain different gluten-containing grains or sesame; warnings about the possible presence of other allergens also vary by product.
Follow the storage instructions for that loaf and consider buying a half loaf if it’s a better fit for how much you use. Albert Heijn says that AH Liefde & Passie Multigrain Sliced can be frozen on the day of purchase and used within one month; don’t automatically apply this advice to another loaf.
