If organic and wholemeal are your priorities, Smaakt Volkoren Roggebrood met Lijnzaad is one specific option: Smaakt describes this variety as organic and made with wholegrain cracked rye. If you’re looking for a white and wholemeal blend with a less pronounced texture, don’t assume that’s what you’re getting just because a loaf is described as ‘light’. Check the ingredients, the proportion of each grain and the organic labelling on the bread you’re considering.
You want to be able to check the organic status of the specific rye bread, rather than relying on its natural-looking appearance. According to Skal Biocontrole, the EU organic logo gives you confidence that a product is organic.
You’re looking for bread in which wholegrain rye plays a significant part, and you compare the ingredients and nutrition information for each product. General nutritional information for rye bread won’t tell you how much fibre is in the loaf you’re holding.
You’re considering a lighter-looking loaf or a grain blend, but want to know which grains it actually contains. The word ‘light’ doesn’t tell you whether a loaf is a white and wholemeal blend or organic.
First decide whether organic is essential. Then compare the grain mix and nutrition information with the texture you’re looking for.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Organic status | Check for the EU organic logo or organic labelling on the current packaging. | If organic is a must, you’ll want to be able to select your bread on that basis rather than judging by its appearance. This is the top priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Wholegrain rye and fibre | Check which grains are listed in the ingredients and compare the stated fibre per 100 g. | If you’re mainly looking for wholegrain rye, you’ll want to know what’s in the bread you choose, even if another loaf is organic. Around 33% of consumers say this is their top priority. |
| Texture and grain blend | Check which grains are used and look for a stated proportion if you specifically want a white and wholemeal blend; don’t rely on the word ‘light’ alone. | If you prefer a different bite, you’ll want to know whether the bread is made with milled or cracked rye, or whether it contains other grains too. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
An artisan appearance or wholemeal recipe doesn’t confirm that a rye bread is organic.
If you’re buying organic, check the labelling on the specific product. According to Skal Biocontrole, the EU organic logo provides this assurance.
Bolletje Licht Volkoren Roggebrood is sold under that name, but the name alone doesn’t tell you the proportion of white flour to wholegrain.
Check the ingredients and look for a stated grain proportion if that particular blend is what will determine your choice.
According to the Voedingscentrum, rye is one of the grains that contains gluten. Other ingredients, such as wheat, may also be relevant to the allergen information.
Check the ingredients and allergen information for the specific bread if you need to avoid gluten or certain grains.
Ingredients and nutritional values can vary between varieties; general information for rye bread won’t necessarily describe the loaf you’re buying.
Compare fibre and salt on the same basis, such as per 100 g, and also check the portion size on the packaging.
Smaakt describes an organic wholemeal rye bread with linseed. The ingredients and labelling of this variety don’t necessarily apply to other breads from the brand.
Bolletje sells products including Fries Roggebrood; Jumbo also lists a product called Licht Volkoren Roggebrood. These names don’t necessarily describe the same ingredients.
Van Dijk's Roggebrood explains the difference between Frisian and Brabant-style methods. Jumbo also lists an Ambachtelijk Fries Roggebrood from the brand.
Check the organic labelling on the rye bread packaging. According to Skal Biocontrole, the EU organic logo gives you confidence that a product is organic; a natural or artisan appearance doesn’t.
Regular rye bread isn’t gluten-free: according to the Voedingscentrum, rye is a grain that contains gluten. For a specific product, also check the ingredients list and allergen information, which may mention wheat, for example.
According to Van Dijk's Roggebrood, Frisian rye bread is made mainly from cracked rye grains, while Brabant rye bread is made mainly from milled rye. Use this distinction as a guide to the texture you want, not as proof of organic status or a particular proportion of wholegrain.
You can’t assume this is true of every rye bread. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that iodine compounds may be added to bread through baker’s salt; if this matters to your choice, check the ingredients of the product you’ve selected.
