People who prefer white bread
If they’d prefer a familiar white roll, make sure it’s easy to distinguish from the other rolls. Albert Heijn’s range includes both white and wholemeal rolls.
Who are you putting the lunch together for?
A mixed selection lets people choose between white and wholemeal, but you’ll need to think carefully about how many of each type to include.
People who are mindful of fibre
For this choice, the ingredients and the amount of fibre per 100 g are more useful than the name on the front of the pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre distinguishes between wholegrain products and products made with white flour.
Planners who want to bake rolls at home
If the rolls need a short spell in the oven or air fryer just before lunch, you’ll need access to the right appliance and enough time. Follow the preparation instructions on the pack you choose.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide which preference matters most when putting the lunch together. Then choose the types of bread and check that you can prepare them in time for lunch.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Preference for white bread | Choose a familiar white option and work out how many rolls you’ll need. | If white rolls are the familiar choice for my group, I don’t want to bring only grain-based options. This preference is the top priority for around 30% of people who organise the lunch. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check the grains listed in the ingredients and compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutritional information. | I want to offer a wholemeal option and know what’s in it, rather than relying on the word ‘multigrain’. Around 40% of people say this is their top priority. |
| Preparation and planning | Check whether the rolls need baking or defrosting, and follow the times and storage instructions on the pack. | When lunch has to be ready at a set time, I want to choose rolls I can prepare using the appliances available. This practical requirement is the top priority for around 30% of people. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘multigrain’ or ‘sourdough’ means wholemeal
Those words alone don’t tell you how much wholemeal flour a roll contains. The multigrain rolls described by PLUS have different ingredient lists; one sourdough version also contains wheat flour.
If you’re specifically looking for wholemeal rolls, read the ingredients and product description. To compare fibre content, check the nutritional information per 100 g.
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Judging allergens by the colour of the roll
White rolls and grain-based varieties can both contain ingredients or warnings that matter to someone eating them. The colour of the bread doesn’t tell you whether they’re suitable.
Check each pack individually, including any ‘may contain’ warnings. If someone needs to avoid a particular allergen, agree how the rolls will be handled and served.
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Leaving bake-at-home rolls until just before lunch
Bake-at-home rolls need time and suitable equipment, and instructions can vary between products. As a result, your chosen rolls might not be ready when you need them.
Read the preparation instructions before you order, and allow time for preheating, fitting all the rolls in at once and cooling. If baking doesn’t fit your plans, choose rolls that the product information says are ready to serve.
Brands to compare
The ranges mentioned include white, wholemeal and bake-at-home rolls. Always check the information for the individual product before choosing.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists both AH White Rolls and AH Wholemeal Rolls in its fresh rolls category.
- White and wholemeal options can be viewed separately.
- If a product is marked ‘In store only’, check availability at the store you plan to visit.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists, among other options, white and multiseed bake-at-home rolls, as well as a separate wholemeal variety.
- The varieties mentioned offer different types of bread for planning your lunch.
- Check the label of each variety you choose for ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions.
Lidl
Lidl includes a wholemeal roll in one of its recipes.
- When buying, check the label on the rolls you choose in store.
Aldi
Aldi lists an individual white roll, and also describes white and wholemeal rolls in its bakery range.
- An individual white roll is listed as a separate option.
- Check which rolls are available at the store you plan to visit.
Plus
PLUS provides product information for white rolls, wholemeal multigrain rolls and multigrain sourdough rolls.
- The ingredients and nutritional information make it possible to compare the individual products.
- PLUS notes that product information can change, so check the pack you buy as well.
Dirk
Dirk lists 1 de Beste Multigrain Rolls as a bake-at-home product in a pack of four, 300 g.
- The pack size is useful when working out how many to buy.
- Check the product packaging for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.
White rolls on Joybuy
These white rolls are a good fit for the white part of a mixed office lunch. Choose a wholemeal variety separately if you want to offer both types.
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g'woon White Rustic Pistolet, 4 pieces
A white option for a lunch where you also want to offer a separately chosen wholemeal roll.
Check the pack to see whether the rolls need baking, and read the latest allergen information before serving them.
Frequently asked questions
Is a multigrain roll always wholemeal?
No. ‘Multigrain’ doesn’t necessarily mean that all the grains used are wholegrain. Check the ingredients and product description for the specific roll. For example, PLUS also lists wheat flour in one of its multigrain sourdough rolls.
Can I prepare bake-at-home rolls shortly before an office lunch?
Yes, if you have the right equipment and enough time to follow the instructions on the pack. Remember to allow for preheating and to check how many rolls will fit in the oven or air fryer at once.
How do I check for allergens when serving a mixed selection?
Check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the current packaging for each type. Don’t rely on the difference between white and wholemeal; if someone needs to avoid an allergen, also discuss how to keep the rolls separate when handling them.
Can I plan ahead with frozen rolls?
Yes, as long as you follow the defrosting and preparation instructions for the product you choose. Jumbo says its frozen white rolls must be prepared and eaten within 24 hours of defrosting; don’t assume the same applies to other varieties.
Can I tell from a roll whether it contains iodised baker’s salt?
No, the type or colour of the bread doesn’t tell you. If iodised salt matters to your choice, check the ingredients list on the specific pack.