Shoppers checking for organic credentials
You want to know whether the bread is certified organic, rather than relying on words such as natural or artisan. Check for the EU organic logo, the control code and the country of origin statement.
Who should make these checks?
Households keeping an eye on fibre
You eat bread regularly and want to compare both the wholemeal label and the amount of fibre per 100 g. The Voedingscentrum recommends wholemeal bread as a high-fibre option because it contains the whole grain.
Shoppers who read ingredient lists carefully
You look out for iodised salt or need to know which allergens the bread contains. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging, as recipes can vary from one loaf to another.
What should you look for when choosing?
Check for wholemeal and organic credentials separately. Then use the nutritional information and ingredients to compare breads that meet your initial requirements.
| What to look for | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Organic labelling | Look on the packaging for the EU organic logo, the control code and the origin of the agricultural ingredients. | I want clear proof that my wholemeal bread is organic, not just an artisan look; this is the top priority for around 44% of consumers. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the wholemeal label and compare the stated fibre per 100 g. | For my daily sandwich, I first want to know whether the bread is genuinely wholemeal and how much fibre it contains; this comes first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Iodine, salt and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information. Compare the salt per 100 g and, if iodine is a priority, look for iodised salt or baker’s salt. | If iodine, salt or allergens influence my choice, I want to be able to check the ingredients in this bread. This is the top priority for around 23% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming dark or multigrain bread is wholemeal
The colour and number of grain varieties don’t prove that the grain ingredient consists entirely of wholemeal flour. According to the NVWA, that is a requirement for a product labelled wholemeal.
Look for the wholemeal label, then read the ingredients list.
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Assuming organic means a particular nutritional value
Organic certification relates to how a product is produced. It won’t tell you how much fibre or salt a loaf contains, which allergens it includes or whether its salt is iodised.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and check the ingredients and allergens for the specific loaf.
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Relying on outdated product information
An earlier online description may not match the packaging of the product you buy. This matters if a particular ingredient or allergen could affect your choice.
Use online information to narrow down your options, then check the current packaging or shelf label before use.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
A useful starting point if you want to compare a specific organic wholemeal loaf with other wholemeal options.
- Albert Heijn lists the EU organic logo and iodised salt for AH Biologisch Batard volkoren zonnepit gesneden.
- These details apply to this product; check them again for other AH breads.
Jumbo
A range where you can compare different types of wholemeal bread, such as fine and coarse loaves.
- Jumbo lists several wholemeal options in its bread category.
- Check the organic labelling, ingredients and nutritional information for each loaf you choose.
Lidl
Worth considering if you also want to look at wholemeal sourdough bread in store.
- Lidl describes its rustic wholemeal sourdough bread as a wholemeal wheat sourdough loaf.
- Lidl lists this product as available in store only; check its organic credentials and nutritional information on the label in store.
ALDI
A brand to consider if fibre is a priority when comparing wholemeal bread.
- ALDI states that its Extra vezelrijk volkorenbrood has 30% more fibre and 30% less salt than regular wholemeal bread; this is an ALDI comparison specific to this product.
- Check the nutritional information and assess any organic labelling separately.
PLUS
A range where you can compare options including fine wholemeal bread and hearth-baked loaves.
- PLUS lists different wholemeal breads in its bread category.
- Check the label of the loaf you choose for its organic credentials and ingredients.
Dirk
A range where you can explore regular, extra-high-fibre and reduced-carbohydrate wholemeal options.
- Dirk lists several options in its wholemeal bread search results.
- A product name alone says nothing about organic certification; check the label of the product you choose.
Wholemeal bread at Joybuy
This selection is a Lebanese wholemeal flatbread, for example to serve with dips as part of a meal, rather than a sliced loaf. Check the packaging for organic credentials if these are important to your choice.
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Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P
A flatbread for anyone who would rather enjoy wholemeal bread with dips than have a sliced loaf.
Check the current packaging to see whether the bread is certified organic and whether it contains iodised salt.
The product information lists wheat and gluten; it may also contain soya and milk. Check the allergen information on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if bread is genuinely wholemeal?
Look for the wholemeal label. According to the NVWA, a product can only be called wholemeal if its grain ingredient consists entirely of wholemeal flour; a dark colour or the name multigrain isn’t proof.
How can I identify organic wholemeal bread?
For packaged bread, check for the EU organic logo, the control code and the origin statement for the agricultural ingredients. According to the European Commission, the logo can only be used on certified organic products. Also check the product name to make sure the bread is wholemeal.
Does organic wholemeal bread always contain iodised salt?
No. Organic labelling doesn’t tell you which salt has been used in a particular loaf. The Voedingscentrum describes bread made with iodised baker’s salt as a source of iodine in the Netherlands. Check the current ingredients list for iodised salt or baker’s salt.
Which grains in wholemeal bread contain gluten?
According to the Voedingscentrum, wheat, rye, barley and spelt are gluten-containing grains. Check the ingredients and allergen information for the specific loaf, even if it is organic.