If you want to serve plenty of topped slices
A large, pre-sliced loaf makes it easy to prepare slices with a choice of toppings. Albert Heijn lists AH OerDesem dark multigrain as a sliced loaf weighing 800 g.
Which type of bread works best for you?
If you want to offer guests individual portions
Rolls and smaller baguettes mean less slicing at the table. Jumbo sells par-baked multigrain sourdough rolls in packs of four. If you choose bake-at-home products, check how much preparation they need before serving.
If you need to check ingredients carefully
If you have questions about grains, allergens or the type of salt used, the latest product information matters more than the bread’s name. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers are not required to use baker’s salt, so check the label for each loaf or ask your baker.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether the bread needs to be ready to serve or can be baked at home. Then compare the portions and labels of the loaves that fit your plans.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Serving time | Check whether the bread is ready to serve or needs baking, and note the time and temperature required. | I want to serve warm bread, but I’ll need to set aside time and oven space just before the buffet. Around 31% of consumers prioritise serving time. |
| Wholegrain and fibre | Check the first ingredients listed, whether it is labelled wholegrain and the fibre per 100 g. | If the bread will be the base for topped slices, I want to know what it contains rather than relying on the word ‘multigrain’. For around 31% of consumers, this ingredient profile is the top priority. |
| Allergens and type of salt | Read the latest ingredients and allergen list; if you have a question about iodine, look for iodised salt or baker’s salt. | Before serving, I need to be able to check whether guests can eat the bread I’ve chosen and which type of salt it contains. This check is a priority for around 23% of consumers. |
| Portions and shopping plans | Check the number of items or net weight, and find out whether the variety you want is available at your chosen shop. | I want enough individual portions without having to do lots of slicing during the buffet, and I need to be able to buy the bread in good time. Around 15% of consumers prioritise this practical planning. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘multigrain’ means wholegrain
The term multigrain doesn’t tell you how much wholemeal flour a loaf contains. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from the entire grain.
Check the ingredients list and compare fibre on the same basis, such as per 100 g.
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Assuming the bread contains iodised salt from its name
Sourdough and organic don’t, on their own, tell you what type of salt has been used. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bakers are not required to use baker’s salt.
Look for iodised salt or baker’s salt on the label, or ask the baker which type of salt they used.
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Relying on an in-store loaf without planning for the bank holiday
Jumbo says its rustic sourdough loaves are baked in store and can’t be ordered online. This means the branch you choose matters when planning your shopping.
Check opening times in advance and ask your local branch about the variety you want.
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Judging allergens by the name of the bread
The multigrain sourdough loaves mentioned may contain cereals that contain gluten and other allergens. Bread made with wheat or rye isn’t a gluten-free option for your buffet.
Read the latest allergen information. If you need gluten-free bread, choose a product clearly labelled gluten-free and keep it separate from crumbs and used utensils.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
For a large, pre-sliced multigrain sourdough loaf to use as the base for topped slices.
- AH OerDesem dark multigrain is a sliced loaf weighing 800 g, with ingredients and allergen information available.
- Albert Heijn notes that product information may change, so check the latest packaging when you buy.
Jumbo
For par-baked multigrain sourdough rolls or a rustic sourdough loaf from the bakery.
- The multigrain sourdough rolls come in packs of four, with an ingredients and allergen list available.
- Jumbo says the rustic sourdough loaves in this range can’t be ordered online, so plan a trip to the shop if you choose one.
Lidl
For a 600 g organic brown multigrain sourdough loaf with seeds and kernels.
- Lidl describes the product as a rustic multigrain sourdough loaf.
- It is listed as available in store only; check the latest ingredients and allergen information there.
PLUS
For anyone considering a multigrain buckwheat sourdough loaf or bake-at-home multigrain sourdough demi-baguettes.
- PLUS provides oven and air fryer instructions for its multigrain sourdough demi-baguettes.
- Check the latest packaging and product information before factoring the preparation and ingredients into your buffet plans.
Dirk
For a multigrain artisan loaf or bake-at-home multigrain baguette when sourdough isn’t essential.
- Dirk describes its multigrain artisan loaf as packed with grains and seeds.
- Check the label to see whether the specific variety is made with sourdough, if that matters to you.
ALDI
For a pre-sliced multigrain artisan loaf when sourdough isn’t essential.
- ALDI lists a sliced luxury multigrain artisan loaf with grains and seeds.
- Check the ingredients of the variety you choose if you’re specifically looking for sourdough bread.
Multigrain baguettes at Joybuy
These multigrain baguettes are a good fit for a buffet where guests can help themselves to individual pieces of bread. Factor in thawing and baking when you choose, and check the instructions on the packaging before serving.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette 4 x 135 g
A good choice for individual buffet portions if you have time and oven space to thaw and bake the bread.
The product name lists four baguettes weighing 135 g each. Check the latest packaging for the baking time and, if iodine is relevant to your choice, the type of salt used.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette 4 x 135 g x 2
This variety works well for individual buffet portions if you can fit thawing and baking into your plans.
Before buying, check the number of baguettes and the net weight per pack, as these aren’t clear from the product title and description. If you have questions about iodine, also check the salt information on the label.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain sourdough always wholegrain?
No. The term multigrain doesn’t automatically mean that wholemeal flour has been used. Check the ingredients list and compare the nutritional information per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes wholemeal bread as bread made from the entire grain.
Can a guest who needs to eat gluten-free have multigrain sourdough?
Not based on the name of the bread alone: the multigrain sourdough loaves mentioned here may contain cereals that contain gluten, such as wheat, rye or spelt. Choose a product clearly labelled gluten-free for that guest, and prevent contact with crumbs and used utensils.
When should I bake the PLUS demi-baguettes for the buffet?
For Korenlanders multigrain sourdough demi-baguettes, PLUS recommends 8–10 minutes in a preheated oven at 220 °C, or 5–6 minutes in an air fryer at 200 °C. Follow the latest packaging if the instructions differ, and set aside time and space just before serving.