Choose sliced multigrain sourdough if you want to serve slices ready to top, a whole loaf if you’d like to cut your own portions, or part-baked bread if you have time to prepare it. Also look for the wholemeal label if the type of grain matters to you: ‘multigrain’ and ‘sourdough’ don’t tell you this on their own. If you have questions about iodine or allergens, check the latest ingredient and allergen information.
You’re looking for bread to enjoy with your coffee and want to know whether it’s wholemeal, rather than relying on the name ‘multigrain’. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread can also be made with refined flour, so check the product description.
You have time to bake the bread before your coffee break and want to share it afterwards. A part-baked sourdough baguette or demi-baguette could fit the bill, provided you can make time for the preparation.
You want to know which allergens the bread contains or what type of salt has been used before buying it. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information must be shown on the label of pre-packed bread, and made available in another way for unpackaged bread.
First decide whether you want to serve the bread straight away or have time to bake it. Then compare the product description, size and latest ingredient information.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check whether the bread is explicitly labelled wholemeal; compare the fibre per 100 g if this nutritional information is available. | If I want a wholemeal base, ‘multigrain’ on its own isn’t enough. This would be the most important consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| How it’s served | Choose sliced bread to top straight away, a whole loaf to slice yourself, or part-baked bread if you have the time and suitable equipment. | I want to choose between serving it straight away and baking it first. This would be the top consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
| Iodine and allergens | Check which salt is used in the ingredient information, and ask about allergens before buying unpackaged bread. | If I need to consider iodine or allergens, I want to be able to check the information for the bread I’m buying. This would be the first consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
| Size and convenience | Choose a small loaf, a whole loaf or a pack with several pieces to suit the number of people and how you want to prepare it. | For a small coffee break, I want a suitable size without preparing more bread than I need. This would be the main consideration for around 17% of consumers. |
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread can be made with refined flour. So the name doesn’t tell you whether the whole grain has been used.
Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging or shelf label if the type of grain matters to you.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that baker’s salt contains iodine, but bakers aren’t required to use it. ‘Sourdough’ or an artisan-style presentation won’t tell you which salt is in the bread.
Check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt, or ask which salt has been used if the bread is unpackaged.
Part-baked bread needs to be prepared before you can serve it. For example, PLUS says its Korenlanders multigrain sourdough demi-baguettes need 8–10 minutes in a preheated oven at 220 °C.
Read the instructions on your chosen pack beforehand. If baking doesn’t fit your plans, choose bread that’s ready to serve.
Remember to allow time for the oven to preheat and for the bread to bake.
Ingredients and allergen information can change. It’s especially important to check that the information matches the bread you’re buying if an allergen is a deciding factor for you.
Check the current packaging and, for unpackaged bread, ask about allergen information before you buy.
For anyone looking for sliced multigrain sourdough that’s ready to top.
For anyone considering multigrain sourdough rolls or a baguette.
For anyone looking for a small loaf, a whole multigrain sourdough loaf or part-baked demi-baguettes.
For anyone comparing a rustic multigrain sourdough loaf with an organic version.
For anyone also comparing multigrain bread without confirmed sourdough in the product description.
For anyone considering multigrain hearth-baked bread or a part-baked multigrain baguette.
These multigrain breads are ideal for a coffee break when you have time to bake them. Check the latest preparation instructions for each version, and make sure the ingredient information suits your preferences for sourdough, wholemeal and the type of salt used.
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For anyone wanting to bake a round multigrain loaf to enjoy with coffee; check the baking time on the current packaging.
Pack size: 2 × 550 g. Check the product information if wholemeal, iodised salt or particular allergens matter to you.
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For anyone wanting to bake individual multigrain baguettes to enjoy with coffee; allow time for preparation and follow the baking time on the packaging.
Pack size: 4 × 135 g. Check the latest ingredient information if wholemeal, the type of salt used or allergens matter to you.
No, ‘multigrain’ and ‘sourdough’ don’t confirm that bread is wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread can also be made with refined flour, so look for the word ‘wholemeal’ if the type of grain matters to you.
No, the name ‘sourdough’ doesn’t tell you which salt has been used. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that baker’s salt contains iodine, but bakers aren’t required to use it. For pre-packed bread, read the ingredients list; for unpackaged bread, ask which salt it contains.
Follow the instructions for the specific bread, as preparation times vary by product. PLUS says its Korenlanders multigrain sourdough demi-baguettes need 8–10 minutes in a preheated oven at 220 °C; don’t assume the same timing applies to other bread.
Ask for the allergen information for the bread you’ve chosen before buying it. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, this information must be available for unpackaged products in a way other than on a packaging label.
