Who is this choice relevant to?

Households that eat bread regularly

If you eat bread often, it’s worth considering how much of a whole or half loaf you’ll actually get through. Choose a size that suits your consumption and any freezer space you have.

Shoppers looking for both organic and wholemeal

A brown or multigrain loaf won’t necessarily meet both requirements. Check that the same loaf is labelled organic and wholemeal.

Shoppers who check ingredients carefully

If iodised salt or certain allergens matter to you, check the latest ingredients and allergen information for the specific loaf.

What should you look for when choosing?

First check that the same loaf is both organic and wholemeal. Then look at the size and any ingredients that matter to you.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important to?
Size and food waste Check the loaf’s weight and choose a whole or half loaf based on how much you can eat in time or freeze. If I don’t eat the same amount of bread every day, I want to avoid a whole loaf going stale. For around 50% of consumers, reducing waste comes first.
Organic and wholemeal Look for both labels on the individual loaf; don’t assume from its colour or a shop category name. I want to be sure the loaf I pick meets both my requirements. For around 30% of consumers, this combination is the top priority.
Ingredients and allergens Read the latest ingredients list, including the type of salt listed, and check the allergen information. If iodised salt or a particular ingredient matters to me, I want to know what’s in this loaf. For around 20% of consumers, checking the label is their first concern.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming an organic bread category means a loaf is suitable

    A supermarket may sell organic food and wholemeal bread without every loaf carrying both labels.

    Check the product page or the label on the loaf you want to buy.

  • Buying a whole loaf without considering its size

    A larger loaf may not be the best choice if you can’t eat it all in time.

    Choose a size that suits how much bread you eat, and follow the freezing advice on the packaging if you want to store it.

    Bread you don’t eat or freeze may go to waste.

  • Assuming the type of salt or allergens from the organic label

    The organic label doesn’t tell you which type of salt or allergens an individual loaf contains. For example, AH Biologisch Batard volkoren zonnepit gesneden lists iodised salt, wheat, soya and sesame.

    Check the latest ingredients and allergen information every time you buy, especially if any of these ingredients matter to you.

  • Assuming a loaf you viewed before will still be available

    A product page doesn’t guarantee that the same variant will be available when you do your shopping.

    Check the current range in your shop or online before counting on a particular size.

Brands to check loaf by loaf

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn describes AH Biologisch Batard volkoren zonnepit gesneden as an organic wholemeal loaf.

  • The product information lists the EU organic logo, 600 g and iodised salt.
  • It’s a sunflower seed loaf; the ingredients information also lists wheat, soya and sesame.

Jumbo

Jumbo describes an organic wholemeal multigrain variant as a half loaf weighing 400 g.

  • A half loaf may suit you if you can’t finish a whole loaf in time.
  • Check whether this variant is available in your shop or online.

Lidl

Lidl describes a rustic wholemeal sourdough loaf and also has an organic range.

  • According to Lidl, the wholemeal sourdough loaf described is a shop-only product.
  • Check whether each loaf is also organic; a separate organic range doesn’t mean this sourdough loaf is organic.

ALDI

ALDI describes an extra-high-fibre wholemeal loaf and also sells organic products.

  • The loaf described is labelled wholemeal.
  • Check whether the specific loaf also carries an organic label.

PLUS

PLUS describes Boeren volkoren heel as a whole loaf weighing 800 g.

  • PLUS recommends freezing this loaf on the day you buy it as a way to store it.
  • If you need both qualities, check the organic label and the current packaging.

Dirk

Dirk has an organic range and a category for organic bread, sandwich toppings and biscuits.

  • That category can be a good starting point for browsing bread products.
  • Check whether each individual loaf is both organic and wholemeal.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I recognise wholemeal bread?

Check whether the loaf is labelled wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour; don’t rely on a brown colour or the word ‘multigrain’ alone.

Is organic bread automatically wholemeal?

No. Organic and wholemeal describe different qualities. If you’re looking for both, check that the same loaf carries both labels.

Does organic wholemeal bread always contain iodised salt?

You can’t tell from the organic label. Albert Heijn lists iodised salt for AH Biologisch Batard volkoren zonnepit gesneden; for a different loaf, check its own ingredients list.

When is a whole loaf a good choice?

A whole loaf is a good choice if you can eat it in time or freeze it according to the packaging advice. For Boeren volkoren heel, PLUS recommends freezing it on the day you buy it and using it within one month. Check the advice for the loaf you choose.