Snack-board makers looking for fibre
If you need plenty of slices to top, choose a whole, sliced loaf and compare the wholemeal designation and fibre per 100 g. A dark colour or the word multigrain does not tell you this on its own.
Which bread is right for you?
Fans of a freshly baked crust
If you want to serve bread shortly before eating, look for a rustic loaf from the in-store bakery or bake-at-home sourdough baguettes. If you choose bake-at-home bread, remember to allow time for defrosting and baking.
Label-conscious bread shoppers
If you need to check ingredients, allergens or iodised baker’s salt, you’ll need up-to-date information for the specific loaf you choose. The organic and sourdough labels don’t tell you this on their own.
What should you look for when choosing?
Whole, sliced loaf
Best for: a snack board or sandwiches where you want plenty of slices to top.
Bear in mind: the freshness of a large loaf. Albert Heijn says its AH OerDesem donker meergranen can be frozen on the day of purchase.
Bread from the in-store bakery
Best for: a rustic loaf you can serve without baking it at home.
Bear in mind: availability in store. Jumbo says its sourdough loaves baked in store cannot be ordered online.
Bake-at-home sourdough baguettes
Best for: warm portions of bread just before sharing a snack.
Bear in mind: suitable equipment, preparation time and the ingredients in your chosen variety.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check for a wholemeal designation and compare fibre per 100 g. According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain means that bread contains at least three types of grain, not that it is wholemeal. | If I want plenty of slices to top and fibre matters to me, I won’t choose based on the bread’s name or colour alone. For around 40% of consumers, wholemeal and fibre are the main priorities when making this choice. |
| Crust and serving time | Check whether the bread is ready to serve or needs baking, and for bake-at-home bread, check the timings and equipment required. | For a shared snack, I want to serve the bread at the right time without any unexpected preparation. Around 30% of consumers prioritise being able to serve it easily. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information for the exact loaf. If you wish, also check whether it contains baker’s salt or iodised salt. | If I need to account for allergens or iodised salt, the ingredients take priority over my preference for a particular crust. Checking the label is the most important factor for around 30% of consumers. |
Common pitfalls
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Assuming multigrain means wholemeal
According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain refers to the use of at least three types of grain. It doesn’t automatically mean the bread is wholemeal, and that distinction matters if you’re keeping an eye on fibre.
Check for a wholemeal designation, read the ingredients and compare fibre per 100 g.
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Assuming sourdough or organic bread contains iodised salt
Baker’s salt is iodised, but according to the Voedingscentrum, bread doesn’t have to be made with baker’s salt. So the method of preparation or organic label doesn’t guarantee what’s in the loaf you choose.
For packaged bread, look for baker’s salt or iodised salt in the ingredients list. For unpackaged bread, ask which ingredients have been used.
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Assuming it’s available to order online
Jumbo says its sourdough loaves baked in store cannot be ordered online. Lidl says its organic rustic multigrain sourdough bread is available in store only.
Check the range at the shop you plan to visit before planning your snack around a particular loaf.
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Checking only the bread name for allergens
A product made with sourdough or labelled multigrain may contain gluten-containing grains and other allergens. For its Korenlanders Desem demi baguettes meergranen, PLUS lists wheat, rye and spelt, and notes that traces of milk, sesame and mustard, among other allergens, may be present.
Check the current ingredients and allergen information for the exact product every time you buy it.
Brands and shops to consider
Albert Heijn
AH OerDesem donker meergranen is an 800 g wholemeal, sliced multigrain sourdough loaf.
- For this loaf, Albert Heijn lists 44% wholemeal wheat flour, 6.6 g of fibre per 100 g and iodised salt.
- Check the current label when you buy it. Albert Heijn says that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information may change.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists desem bruin meergranen as one of the varieties in its range of rustic sourdough breads from the in-store bakery.
- According to Jumbo, its sourdough breads prove for more than 24 hours with fresh sourdough starter and are baked in store.
- Jumbo says these sourdough breads cannot be ordered online, so check what’s available at the store you plan to visit.
PLUS
PLUS offers Korenlanders Desem demi baguettes meergranen, among other options, for baking shortly before serving.
- For these demi baguettes, PLUS recommends 8–10 minutes in an oven at 220 °C or 5–6 minutes in an air fryer at 200 °C.
- The product information lists wheat, rye and spelt, and notes that traces of other allergens may be present. Check the current label.
Lidl
Lidl lists a 600 g organic brown rustic multigrain sourdough loaf with seeds and kernels.
- This variety comes as a rustic loaf, ideal if you want to slice it yourself.
- Lidl says it is available in store only. Check the latest product information or the in-store label for ingredients and allergens.
ALDI
ALDI lists freshly baked multigrain bread and Boeren volkoren meergranen in its bread range.
- These breads are a good starting point if multigrain or wholemeal is your main priority.
- If sourdough is a must, check the ingredients of the specific loaf and the range available in store.
Bake-at-home bread options at Joybuy
These baguettes are options if you want to bake portions of bread for a shared autumn half-term snack. Compare the label on your chosen variety if wholemeal, grain types, allergens or iodised salt will influence your choice.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette 4 × 135 g
An option for individual portions of bread to share as a snack. Allow time to defrost and bake in the oven.
Check the pack for preparation instructions. Also read the current label if grain types, wholemeal, fibre, iodised salt or allergens matter to your choice.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette 4 × 135 g × 2
A bake-at-home baguette option for sharing at snack time. Allow time for defrosting and oven baking.
Check how many baguettes are in the pack and follow the preparation instructions on it. Read the current label for grain types, wholemeal, fibre, iodised salt and allergens.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain sourdough bread automatically wholemeal?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain means that bread contains at least three different types of grain; it doesn’t automatically mean those grains are wholemeal. Check the designation and ingredients of the specific loaf.
Does sourdough bread always use sourdough as its only raising agent?
No, don’t assume so from the name alone. The product information for the AH and PLUS varieties mentioned here lists yeast as well as sourdough. Check the ingredients list for the loaf you choose.
Is bread required to contain iodised baker’s salt?
No. The Voedingscentrum says that using baker’s salt in bread is not compulsory. For packaged bread, check the ingredients list; for unpackaged bread, ask which ingredients have been used.
How do I bake PLUS Desem demi baguettes meergranen?
For its Korenlanders Desem demi baguettes meergranen, PLUS recommends 8–10 minutes in an oven at 220 °C or 5–6 minutes in an air fryer at 200 °C. For another product, follow the instructions on its own packaging.
Is ordinary multigrain sourdough bread suitable if you need to avoid gluten?
Not without checking the specific product. The PLUS variety mentioned here contains wheat, rye and spelt, and the AH variety mentioned also contains gluten-containing grains. The words sourdough and multigrain don’t mean that a loaf is gluten-free, so read the current ingredients and allergen information.