Who are these choices relevant to?

Budget-conscious organic bread shopper

You want to include organic multigrain bread in your regular shop. You’re also thinking about pack size and whether a whole loaf, half a loaf or bread rolls best suits what you use at home.

Shopper who prioritises wholemeal and fibre

You want to know whether the bread is wholemeal, rather than relying on visible grains or seeds. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre makes clear that multigrain and wholemeal are different terms.

Label reader checking salt or allergens

You check the ingredients, including whether iodised salt is listed, as well as the allergen information. You need to check these details for each product, even with organic bread.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by checking that the bread itself is labelled organic. Then look at whether it’s wholemeal, check the label and choose a format that suits how you’ll use it.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Everyday organic bread Check the product’s organic label and the net weight on the packaging. If bread is a regular part of my shop, I want to be sure that this particular loaf is organic and that I can use the amount in the pack. This combination is a priority for around 31% of consumers.
Wholemeal and fibre Look for the wholemeal label; if you wish, compare the fibre content per 100 g in the nutritional information. If you’re mainly looking for wholemeal bread, the word ‘multigrain’ or seeds on the crust aren’t enough. For around 31% of consumers, choosing wholemeal is the top priority.
Salt, ingredients and allergens Check the ingredients list for iodised salt or baker’s salt, and check the allergen information. If I need to avoid a particular ingredient or allergen, I want to be able to check the packaging of the bread I choose. This label check matters most to around 23% of consumers.
Bread format and how you’ll use it Check whether you’re buying a standard loaf or part-baked rolls, and follow the storage and preparation instructions. For everyday sandwiches, I want a different bread format from rolls that I can finish baking at home. Around 15% of consumers prioritise convenience.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming multigrain means wholemeal

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread can be made with refined flour. Visible seeds or different grains don’t, on their own, mean that the bread is wholemeal.

    If wholemeal is essential to you, look for that label on the packaging and check the ingredients list if you’re unsure.

  • Assuming organic bread contains iodised salt

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that organic bread can also be made without baker’s salt. You can’t tell which type of salt has been used from the organic label.

    Check the ingredients list for the specific loaf to see whether it contains iodised salt or baker’s salt.

  • Confusing an online product page with in-store availability

    Albert Heijn and Jumbo stated that certain organic multigrain breads were no longer available. Lidl, on the other hand, described its Bio rustiek meergranen desembrood as available in store only.

    Before heading to the shop, check whether the bread is available there, and check the current packaging again.

Brands and shops to consider

Albert Heijn

AH Biologisch Zaans meergranen bruin heel is one example of an own-brand organic multigrain bread.

  • Albert Heijn listed 5,4 g of fibre per 100 g for this variety, with iodised salt in the ingredients list.
  • The product page marked this variety as discontinued, so don’t rely on it as confirmation that it’s currently available.

Jumbo

Jumbo listed SlooOW Bio Organic Crispy Meergranen Broodjes, 320 g, as organic part-baked rolls.

  • The product information describes them as organic white multigrain rolls and includes ingredient and allergen information.
  • Part-baked rolls are a different choice from a wholemeal loaf for everyday sandwiches. An organic wholemeal multigrain variety previously listed by Jumbo was marked as no longer available.

Lidl

Lidl describes Bio rustiek meergranen desembrood as a 600 g organic brown sourdough multigrain loaf with seeds.

  • This is a specific example of organic multigrain bread sold as a whole loaf.
  • Lidl says the product is available in store only. The description ‘multigrain’ doesn’t confirm that it’s wholemeal.

ALDI

ALDI lists Boeren volkoren meergranenbrood in half and whole-loaf sizes, and also has an organic range.

  • The labels ‘half’, ‘whole’ and ‘wholemeal’ help you tell these bread varieties apart.
  • The product information for these particular loaves doesn’t confirm that they’re organic. Don’t choose them as organic options without checking the packaging.

PLUS

PLUS includes organic bread in its range and refers to the EU organic logo for organic products.

  • The organic label can help you identify a specific loaf in store.
  • Check that each multigrain loaf is itself labelled organic and that its format suits how you’ll use it.

Dirk

Dirk has a range of organic products and a category for organic bread, sandwich fillings and biscuits.

  • The range gives you a place to start when looking for organic bread.
  • A category for organic bread doesn’t mean every individual multigrain loaf is organic; check the label on the product you choose.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. Multigrain refers to the use of several grains; it doesn’t automatically mean the bread is made with wholemeal flour. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that multigrain bread can also be made with refined flour, so look for the wholemeal label if that matters to you.

How can I identify pre-packaged organic bread?

For pre-packaged bread produced in the EU and sold as organic, look for the EU organic logo. The European Commission says this logo must be used on such products. Also check the product description and the label on the bread you buy.

Does organic multigrain bread always contain iodised salt?

No, don’t assume so based on the words ‘organic’ or ‘multigrain’. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also notes that organic bread can be made without baker’s salt. If you want to know which type of salt has been used, read the ingredients list for that specific product.

How should I store organic multigrain bread?

Follow the storage and preparation instructions on the packaging of the bread you choose. Instructions may differ for a standard loaf and part-baked rolls, so check them again if you switch to a different format.