Guests who eat sandwiches every day
Sliced bread is convenient for breakfast and lunch over several days. If you’re looking for a wholemeal base, look beyond the word ‘multigrain’ and compare the ingredients and fibre per 100 g.
Who is this relevant for?
Groups who want to store bread
You can spread a whole loaf over several meals if there’s room in the freezer and the packaging says it can be frozen. If you’re planning to bake the bread later, you’ll need the right kitchen equipment.
Guests who need to avoid gluten or sesame
Check the current ingredients and allergen information for each product. Standard multigrain bread may contain gluten-containing cereals; bread labelled gluten-free may also contain sesame.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide when you want to eat the bread and whether there’s a freezer or oven available. Then compare the wholemeal content, nutritional information and allergens of the loaves that fit your plans.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal content and fibre | Look for a wholemeal claim and compare the ingredients and fibre per 100 g. | If you eat sandwiches every day and want a wholemeal base, don’t rely on the word ‘multigrain’ alone. This would be the main consideration for around 36% of consumers. |
| Portions and freezing | Check the freezing instructions and whether the holiday home has enough freezer space. | If meal times vary, I’d only bring a whole loaf if I could portion and store it in time. Around 29% of consumers would put this kind of stock planning first. |
| Allergens | Check the current packaging to see which allergens the bread contains and which it may contain. | If gluten or sesame needs to be avoided, the suitability of each individual loaf is crucial. This would be the top buying priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Baking | Check what equipment you’ll need and follow the baking time and temperature on the packaging. | If you want to bake the bread once you arrive, you’ll need a suitable oven or air fryer. This would be the most important factor for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming multigrain means wholemeal
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three different types of grain. The name alone doesn’t mean that the bread is wholemeal.
Look for a wholemeal claim and compare the ingredients list and fibre per 100 g.
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Buying a whole loaf without a storage plan
A whole loaf is only practical for several days if you’ll eat it in time or can freeze it according to the product instructions.
Check the freezer space and freezing instructions. If there’s no freezer, a smaller loaf may be a better fit for your stay.
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Assuming seeds tell you anything about allergens
The PLUS product information reviewed lists sesame in a multigrain loaf; the Consenza variety labelled gluten-free also lists sesame.
If you have an allergy, check the current ingredients and any warnings about possible allergens on the packaging.
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Taking bake-off bread without checking the equipment
Preparation instructions vary by product. Without suitable equipment, you won’t be able to bake the bread as directed.
Before you leave, check which oven or air fryer is available and read the instructions for the bread you’ve chosen.
Brands to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo offers examples of wholemeal multigrain bread with kernels and seeds in different sizes.
- Jumbo Boeren Donker Volkoren Meergranen Half lists 55.7% wholemeal wheat flour, sunflower seeds and linseed.
- For Jumbo's Schotel Meergranen Volkoren, Jumbo advises freezing it on the day of purchase and using it within one month.
- Check the allergen information for each loaf; the ingredients in the varieties listed are not interchangeable.
PLUS Korenlanders
The products listed include a whole dark multigrain loaf and a multigrain sourdough baguette for baking at home.
- PLUS Korenlanders Donker meergranen rond heel lists 50% wholemeal wheat flour and contains, among other ingredients, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and linseed.
- The bake-off baguette listed contains both wholemeal wheat flour and wheat flour. Check the ingredients if you’re specifically looking for a wholemeal base.
ALDI
ALDI lists a half loaf of Boeren volkoren meergranenbrood and pre-baked multigrain baguettes.
- De Afbakker baguettes are sold in packs of two; ALDI gives a baking time of 8–10 minutes.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the packaging for the loaf you choose.
Lidl
Lidl lists a 600 g Bio rustiek meergranen desembrood with seeds and kernels.
- The size may be worth considering if several guests will be eating the same loaf.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the bread’s packaging in store.
Dirk / Bakker van der Akker
Dirk describes Bakker van der Akker Vloerbrood meergranen as a whole loaf containing grains and seeds.
- A whole loaf is worth considering when several guests will be sharing it.
- Check the label for the exact ingredients, allergens and nutritional values before comparing it with other breads.
Multigrain bread on Joybuy
These multigrain loaves and baguettes are for anyone who wants to store bread at a holiday home and bake it later. Before choosing, check that a freezer and suitable oven are available; different considerations apply if you’re looking for sliced wholemeal bread that’s ready to eat.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 2 × 550 g
An option for spreading two loaves over several meals if you can store and bake them.
The product name lists two round loaves, each weighing 550 g. Check the packaging for preparation instructions, wholemeal content, nutritional information and allergens.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 4 × 135 g
The four baguettes are handy for separate meals if you can bake them once you arrive.
The product name lists four baguettes, each weighing 135 g. Check the baking time on the packaging and read the ingredients, wholemeal claim and allergen information.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 550 g
This round loaf is an option if you want to store one loaf until a later baking time.
The product name lists a weight of 550 g. Check the packaging for storage instructions and baking time, and look separately at the wholemeal content and allergens.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, SKU 100022015336148
A bake-off option to consider if you want to store bread for several meals.
Check the pack contents and baking instructions on the packaging before comparing this variety with the other baguettes. Also check the wholemeal claim and allergens.
Frequently asked questions
Is seeded multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three different types of grain; that doesn’t automatically mean it has a wholemeal base. Check the wholemeal claim and ingredients of the bread you want to buy.
How do I compare the fibre content of multigrain breads?
Compare the fibre values in the nutritional information per 100 g so you’re using the same unit. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 2.2 g of fibre for a 35 g slice of seeded multigrain bread; check the label of the product you choose for its own value.
Can I freeze a whole loaf before my stay?
You can if the instructions for the bread you’ve chosen allow it to be frozen and you have enough freezer space. For Jumbo's Schotel Meergranen Volkoren, Jumbo advises freezing it on the day of purchase and using it within one month; don’t assume the same instructions apply to other loaves.
Does the Dutch rule on bakers’ salt mean that every multigrain loaf contains iodine?
No. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds may be present in bread through the addition of bakers’ salt; that doesn’t mean every loaf contains iodine. If the type of salt used is important to your choice, read the ingredients list for the product you’ve chosen.
Is gluten-free multigrain bread also sesame-free?
Not necessarily. The gluten-free Consenza Meergranenbrood described by Albert Heijn lists sesame seeds. If you have a sesame allergy, check the current packaging for each loaf, even if it’s labelled gluten-free.