Organic White, Multigrain or Fine Wholemeal Bread: Which Loaf?

Who might benefit from each step?

White bread eaters looking to make a gradual switch

White multigrain bread could be a good fit if a move straight to coarse wholemeal feels like too big a change. If wholemeal flour is part of your goal, check that the bread actually contains it.

Shoppers looking for organic, wholemeal bread

Check two separate things: the EU organic logo, which indicates organic production, and the wholemeal labelling, which tells you about the grain base. Fine wholemeal could be an option if you’d rather avoid a coarse texture.

Households keeping an eye on baker’s salt

When choosing organic, artisan or homemade bread, it’s worth checking whether baker’s salt has been used. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, organic bread from artisan bakers is often made without baker’s salt. You can’t tell the difference by looking at the colour.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether a familiar texture or wholemeal flour matters most. Then check the organic labelling and the type of salt used in each loaf.

Organic white bread

Choose it when: you mainly want the soft, familiar texture of white bread.

The trade-off: don’t expect the same wholemeal base and fibre content as wholemeal bread.

Organic white multigrain bread

Choose it when: you want to try different grains and a different bite, while making a gentle change from white bread.

The trade-off: the name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t, by itself, mean that wholemeal flour is the main ingredient.

Organic fine wholemeal bread

Choose it when: you want wholemeal bread without making an immediate switch to a coarse texture.

The trade-off: the flavour may be noticeably different from white bread, even if the texture is fine.

What to consider	What to check when buying	Who is this important to?
A gentle switch	Check the bread type and ingredients if you want wholemeal flour as well as a particular texture.	If coarse wholemeal is too different from the bread I’m used to, I’d like to get used to a different flavour and bite first. For around 42% of shoppers, a gradual switch would be the priority.
Organic and wholemeal	Look for the EU organic logo and a clear wholemeal label. If needed, compare the fibre per 100 g.	I want to be able to see that my bread is both organic and made with a wholemeal base. For around 33% of shoppers, this combination would be the main consideration.
Baker’s salt	Read the ingredients or ask the baker whether baker’s salt has been used.	If I often eat organic or artisan bread, I want to know whether the bread provides added iodine. This would be the first concern for around 25% of shoppers.

Common mistakes

Assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘wholemeal’

Bread made with several grains doesn’t automatically have a wholemeal base. That matters if you’re switching specifically for the wholemeal flour and fibre.

Look for a clear wholemeal label; don’t treat ‘multigrain’ as a substitute for it.
Treating the EU organic logo as a nutritional rating

According to the Dutch government, organic products can be identified by the EU organic logo. The logo doesn’t tell you whether bread is white or wholemeal.

For that, check the bread type, ingredients and nutritional information separately.
Assuming all organic bread contains baker’s salt

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Organic bread from artisan bakers is often made without it, meaning it contains very little added iodine.

Check the ingredients or, for unwrapped bread, ask which salt has been used.
Assuming an old product page means an item is still available

Jumbo says its organic half loaves of white multigrain and wholemeal multigrain bread are no longer in its online range.

Check the current product status or ask in store about a similar loaf before choosing a particular variety.

Brands and shops to explore

Albert Heijn

A place to browse white breads and organic loaves separately online.

Albert Heijn lists white bread and AH Liefde & Passie Biologisch OerDesem blond, among other options.
Check the grain base of each loaf and whether it’s available at your local shop.

Jumbo

Its organic white multigrain and wholemeal multigrain loaves show why it’s important to check the exact product status.

The product names distinguish between white multigrain and wholemeal multigrain.
Jumbo says both of the half loaves reviewed are no longer in its online range.

PLUS

A place to ask about organic farmhouse white multigrain bread.

In 2022, PLUS described organic farmhouse white multigrain and farmhouse brown multigrain bread as part of its freshly baked range.
Check your local shop’s range and the current packaging before relying on either variety being available.

ALDI

A useful place to compare white and wholemeal options in the fresh bread range.

ALDI Netherlands lists white and wholemeal breads and says its wholemeal breads are made with 100% wholemeal flour.
Check whether each loaf you choose is organic; a wholemeal label doesn’t confirm this.

Lidl

Worth considering if you want to browse bread options at a shop with an in-store bake-off.

According to Lidl, almost all its shops have a bake-off.
Check what’s available at your local shop, and whether each loaf has the organic and wholemeal features you’re looking for.

Dirk

A place to compare white, multigrain and wholemeal breads side by side.

Dirk lists these types of bread in its range.
Check the packaging to see whether a particular variety is organic; the bread type alone doesn’t tell you.

Related products on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is organic white multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. The term ‘multigrain’ doesn’t confirm that the bread has a wholemeal base. If you’re specifically looking for wholemeal flour, check for a clear wholemeal label and read the ingredients.

How can I recognise organic bread?

Look for the EU organic logo on the packaging. According to the Dutch government, this logo identifies an organic product. Separately, check whether the bread is white or wholemeal.

Does organic bread always contain iodised baker’s salt?

No, you can’t tell from the organic label. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the ingredients or ask the baker.

Can white bread with grains replace wholemeal bread?

Not if you’re judging by the visible grains alone: they don’t prove the bread is wholemeal. Check the wholemeal labelling and compare the fibre per 100 g if that’s what matters most to you.