If you want to bake it just before eating
If you want to serve warm, individual portions, check whether the bread needs defrosting first and whether the baking time fits your plans. Also check how many rolls or baguettes are in the pack.
Which format works best for you?
If you're serving sandwiches
A whole, sliced loaf is handy for making several generously filled sandwiches. If wholemeal and fibre content matter to you, check the label and nutritional information rather than relying on the word multigrain.
If you're buying for guests
For a shared meal, portion size, storage and allergens may influence your choice. Check the current ingredients and allergen information for each loaf, as these vary by product.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how you want to serve the bread. Then compare the wholemeal declaration, preparation requirements and any information that matters to your guests.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it's important for |
|---|---|---|
| Format and serving time | Check whether the bread is sliced, ready to eat or part-baked. Look at the number of pieces and the preparation instructions. | If I want to serve warm, individual portions just before eating, I need to make sure baking fits into my plans; around 42% of consumers would make this serving style their main selection criterion. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for a wholemeal declaration and read the ingredients list. Compare fibre per 100 g only on the same preparation basis. | For a sandwich platter, I want to be able to tell whether the bread is wholemeal, rather than assume it from the word multigrain. This would be the main consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Portions and guests | Check the pack weight, the number of portions available and the current ingredients and allergen information. | If I'm bringing bread for several guests, I want to be able to plan enough portions and know which ingredients need attention; around 25% of consumers would prioritise this. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming multigrain means wholemeal
A loaf containing several types of grain isn't automatically wholemeal. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal bread has the highest fibre, vitamin and mineral content of all types of bread.
Look for a wholemeal declaration on the label and, if fibre matters to your choice, compare the values per 100 g on the same preparation basis.
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Assuming sourdough means bread is yeast-free or gluten-free
The word sourdough doesn't rule out wheat and other gluten-containing grains, or added baker's yeast. The ingredients vary across the bread varieties reviewed.
Check the current ingredients and allergen information for each product rather than relying on its name or the appearance of the crust.
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Forgetting the baking step
A pack of individual baguettes requires different planning from a ready-to-eat sliced loaf. Defrosting and baking can affect when you serve it.
Check the number of portions and the pack instructions before buying.
For bake-at-home bread, allow time for defrosting and make sure you have access to the recommended oven or air fryer.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
The sliced AH OerDesem dark multigrain loaf is one option for sandwiches or a sharing bread board.
- For this variety, Albert Heijn lists a weight of 800 g, 44% wholemeal wheat flour and 6,6 g of fibre per 100 g.
- This variety contains gluten-containing grains; also check the current information on other allergens.
Jumbo
These part-baked multigrain sourdough rolls are made for serving as individual portions.
- The pack reviewed contains four rolls with a combined weight of 300 g.
- The listed ingredients include wheat, rye, spelt and sesame. Follow the instructions on the current pack for baking.
Lidl
Lidl describes an organic, rustic brown multigrain sourdough loaf with seeds and kernels.
- The loaf variety listed weighs 600 g and is sold by Lidl in store.
- Check the wholemeal declaration, allergens and nutritional information on the loaf you buy in store.
Aldi
Aldi lists both wholemeal multigrain bread and bread to bake at home.
- These product ranges give you options to compare if you're choosing between a whole loaf and individual bake-at-home portions.
- If multigrain sourdough is a must, check the product name and ingredients in store.
PLUS
PLUS lists both multigrain sourdough baguettes for baking at home and a multigrain sourdough loaf with buckwheat.
- PLUS provides oven and air fryer instructions for the demi baguettes.
- The listed ingredients for the buckwheat loaf include baker's yeast as well as sourdough; check the recipe for each variety.
Dirk
Dirk lists a rustic multigrain baguette to bake at home, as well as bread in multigrain and sourdough varieties.
- The listed bake-at-home baguette has a pack weight of 440 g.
- If sourdough is a must, check the ingredients for this specific baguette.
Multigrain baguettes at Joybuy
These baguettes are a good fit for a fakeaway meal with individual portions baked at home. Pack sizes vary, so also check the instructions and label for the variety you choose.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 2 × 4 × 135 g
A pack of individual baguettes for serving several warm portions.
Allow time to defrost and bake in the oven. Check the current label to see whether this variety is wholemeal, and read the full allergen information if you have any allergies.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 4 × 135 g
Four individual baguettes for a meal where you want to serve the bread warm after defrosting.
Check the baking time on the pack before planning your meal. Also check the current label for the wholemeal declaration and full allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose a whole loaf or bake-at-home baguettes?
Choose a whole, sliced loaf if you want to make generously filled sandwiches and serve them straight away. Choose bake-at-home baguettes or rolls if you want individual, warm portions and have the time and equipment to prepare them just before eating.
Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No, the word multigrain doesn't automatically mean a loaf is wholemeal. Look for a wholemeal declaration on the label and check the ingredients. Use the nutritional information per 100 g if you want to compare fibre levels across similar products.
Is multigrain sourdough bread yeast-free or gluten-free?
No, having sourdough in the product name guarantees neither. The multigrain sourdough varieties listed contain gluten-containing grains, and some also list baker's yeast; check the current ingredients and allergen information for each product.
What should I do with leftover bread?
Freeze any bread you won't use in portions, so you can take out only what you need later. The Voedingscentrum recommends freezing bread in portions soon after buying it; for bake-at-home bread and sealed packs, also follow the storage and preparation instructions on the packaging.