Who are these considerations relevant to?

Shoppers checking the organic label

Want to make sure the organic description applies to the bread itself? Check the packaging. Skal Biocontrole explains when the EU’s green leaf logo is compulsory on prepacked organic food produced in the EU.

Everyday wholemeal bread eaters

If you’re looking for bread for breakfast and lunch, you’ll want to know whether the slices suit your toppings as well as checking that it’s described as wholemeal. Always compare nutritional information, such as fibre, on the same basis, for example per 100 g.

Shoppers who check for baker’s salt

If you often eat organic bread or sometimes bake your own, check which salt the bread contains if you rely on it as a source of iodine. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that bakers are not obliged to use baker’s salt.

What should you check when buying?

When choosing organic wholemeal bread for everyday use, check its organic status, wholemeal description and slice thickness separately. Baker’s salt is also worth checking if you rely on bread as a source of iodine.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Organic status Check the organic description on the bread. For prepacked organic bread produced in the EU, also look for the EU’s green leaf logo, as described by Skal Biocontrole. If I want to buy organic bread, the description needs to be on the product itself. For around 36% of consumers, this is the top priority.
Wholemeal and everyday use Check that it is described as wholemeal and compare fibre and other nutritional values per 100 g or per equivalent serving. For my everyday breakfast or lunch, I’m first and foremost looking for genuinely wholemeal bread. Around 29% of consumers give this the highest priority.
Baker’s salt Read the ingredients list or ask the baker whether baker’s salt has been used; don’t rely on the word ‘organic’ alone. If I rely on bread as a source of iodine, I want to know which salt the baker uses. This is the most important consideration for around 21% of consumers.
Slice thickness and availability Look at the slices or ask how the bread is cut; check what’s currently available at the shop where you’re buying it. I want slices that suit my toppings and lunch, and bread I can buy at my local shop. For around 14% of consumers, this is the first thing they consider.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming organic bread is made with baker’s salt

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers are not obliged to use baker’s salt. As a result, organic bread made without it may contain almost no iodine.

    If you rely on bread as a source of iodine, check the ingredients list or ask the baker which salt has been used.

  • Judging whether bread is wholemeal and organic by its colour or seeds

    A brown colour or the presence of seeds doesn’t confirm that a loaf is both wholemeal and organic. These features don’t tell you how thickly it has been sliced either.

    Check the wholemeal description, organic status and slicing separately.

  • Assuming a product page reflects what’s available in your local shop

    Jumbo says its organic wholemeal multigrain bread is no longer part of its online range. Lidl notes that its fresh bread range can vary by branch.

    Check the latest product information or the shelves just before you buy. If medium-sliced bread is important to you, ask how the loaf is cut.

  • Overlooking the label for allergen information

    Organic and wholemeal don’t mean a bread is suitable for someone with an allergy. For AH Biologisch Batard volkoren zonnepit gesneden, Albert Heijn lists sesame, soya, barley, spelt and wheat, among other allergens.

    Read the allergen information on the packaging of the loaf you’re actually buying.

Brands and shops to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists AH Biologisch Batard volkoren zonnepit gesneden as organic, wholemeal and sliced bread.

  • The product information includes nutritional values and allergens.
  • ‘Sliced’ doesn’t confirm a medium slice; check the latest packaging for allergen information too.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s product page for Jumbo Biologisch Volkoren Meergranen Half shows the type of bread the chain has sold.

  • The product name specifies both organic and wholemeal.
  • Jumbo says this bread is no longer part of its online range; the name doesn’t confirm a medium slice either.

Lidl

At Lidl, you can check the fresh bread range in store if the way the loaf is sliced matters to you.

  • You can inspect the packaging and slices in person.
  • Lidl says its fresh bread range can vary by branch; check the organic and wholemeal descriptions for each loaf.

ALDI

ALDI lists a wholemeal loaf and, as a separate product, organic rye bread.

  • The individual product information can help you check the type of bread and its ingredients.
  • Organic rye bread isn’t necessarily an alternative to the medium-sliced wholemeal bread you’re looking for.

PLUS

PLUS has a bread category where you can browse the range at your chosen shop.

  • You can check a specific loaf against its product information and packaging.
  • Check the organic description, wholemeal status and slice thickness for each product.

Dirk

Dirk has a bread department where you can check the local range.

  • In store, you can check the packaging and how a particular loaf is sliced.
  • Don’t assume that a loaf in store is organic, wholemeal and medium-sliced; check the product itself.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I identify organic bread from its packaging?

Look for the organic description on the bread itself. According to Skal Biocontrole, the EU’s green leaf logo is compulsory on prepacked food produced in the EU and sold as organic; the logo is subject to certain conditions, including at least 95% organic ingredients.

Does organic wholemeal bread automatically contain iodine from baker’s salt?

No, you can’t tell from the organic or wholemeal description. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers are not obliged to use baker’s salt, and organic bread is often baked without it, particularly by artisan bakers. Check the ingredients list or ask the baker.

Will organic bread I see online also be available in my local shop?

Don’t assume so without checking. Jumbo says its Biologisch Volkoren Meergranen Half is no longer part of its online range, while Lidl notes that its fresh bread range can vary by branch. Check the latest information from the shop where you plan to buy it.

Do I still need to check for allergens in organic wholemeal bread?

Yes, always check the allergen information for the specific loaf. For AH Biologisch Batard volkoren zonnepit gesneden, Albert Heijn lists sesame, soya, barley, spelt and wheat, among other allergens. Check the latest packaging before you buy.