Wholegrain Rye or Rye & Wheat Bread: What to Check

Who might be interested in the different types?

For anyone comparing wholegrain options and fibre

You’re looking for a clear wholegrain label and comparing fibre per 100 g. That way, you can choose based on the packaging rather than relying on the dark colour alone.

For anyone looking for a lighter rye option

You want rye bread for breakfast or lunch, but a pronounced rye flavour doesn’t appeal to you as much. A rye and wheat blend may be worth considering; check the flavour description for the specific product.

For anyone who checks ingredients carefully

You want to know in advance which grains and allergens are listed, and how much salt the bread contains. If baker’s salt matters to your choice, check whether it appears in the ingredients list too.

What should you look for when choosing?

The name alone doesn’t mean a rye and wheat blend will taste milder. Jumbo describes Bolletje Licht Volkoren Roggebrood, made with wholegrain rye and wholemeal wheat flour, as lighter in flavour and colour. Decide which flavour profile you’re after, then check the information on the packaging of the product you’re actually buying.

What to consider	What to check when buying	Who it matters to
Wholegrain and fibre	Look for ‘wholegrain’ on the packaging and compare fibre per 100 g.	If you’re looking for a distinctive rye flavour, you’ll want to identify whether it’s wholegrain and compare the fibre content. This is the top priority for around 42% of consumers.
Flavour and grain blend	Check whether it’s rye bread or a rye and wheat blend, and read the flavour description for that specific product.	For a fussy eater, a milder flavour can make all the difference without ruling out rye altogether. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this.
Ingredients and salt	Check the allergens, compare salt per 100 g and, if needed, look for ‘baker’s salt’ in the ingredients list.	If you want to know exactly what’s in your bread, check which grains and type of salt are listed too. This is estimated to be the top priority for 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes when buying rye bread

Assuming dark bread is wholegrain

Colour or a term such as ‘multigrain’ is no substitute for the ‘wholegrain’ label. According to the Voedingscentrum, this label on bread means that wholemeal flour is used.

Start by checking the product name and ingredients list. Then compare fibre per 100 g if that matters to your choice.
Assuming all rye bread contains baker’s salt

According to the Voedingscentrum, bread in the Netherlands does not have to be baked with baker’s salt. So the type of bread alone won’t tell you whether it has been used.

Look for ‘baker’s salt’ on the label or ask the baker which salt has been used in the bread.
Assuming rye bread is automatically free from gluten-containing grains

The product information reviewed for Bolletje and TastyBasics rye breads lists rye and, for some varieties, wheat too. A product photo or general category name is no substitute for the allergen information.

Check the allergen information on the packaging of the exact variety you’re choosing.
Assuming a product page means it can be delivered

Lidl states that the rye bread product reviewed is available in store only. So seeing a product page online doesn’t necessarily mean you can have the product delivered.

Before buying, check the current product and how you can purchase it at your location.

Brands and shops to explore

These shops offer a range of rye breads. Use their product pages to find different varieties, and check the packaging of your chosen bread for its ingredients and nutritional information.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists AH Fries roggebrood, as well as varieties from Van Dijk and Bolletje.

The range of products listed gives you a starting point for comparing different types of bread.
Check the ingredients and nutritional information for your chosen variety separately.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists Fries roggebrood, as well as a lighter wholegrain Bolletje variety made with rye and wheat.

The description of the lighter variety gives you a specific option to explore if you’re considering rye and wheat.
Don’t assume other varieties have the same ingredients or flavour without checking the label.

PLUS

PLUS lists several rye bread varieties, including Brood van Soma Oberlander, made with wheat and rye sourdough.

The wheat and rye variety listed gives you another option to compare by ingredients.
Check the latest product information and the packaging of your chosen variety.

Dirk

Dirk’s range includes Van Dijk’s Fries roggebrood, Soma Oberlander and Bolletje Roggebrood.

The products listed let you compare both Frisian rye bread and a wheat and rye variety.
Check which varieties are available at your local branch.

Lidl

Lidl lists a 500 g rye bread product with sunflower seeds.

The 500 g pack size and mention of sunflower seeds make this variety easy to identify.
Lidl states that this product is ‘available in store only’; check the packaging there for the rest of the product information.

ALDI

ALDI lists FINEST BAKERY Roggebrood in a 500 g pack.

The product name and pack size make it clear which variety you’re looking for.
In store, read the ingredients and nutritional information on the packaging before comparing this variety with other breads.

Rye bread at Joybuy

These two rye breads suit different preferences: Bolletje lists wheat ingredients as well as wholegrain rye, while TastyBasics highlights wholegrain rye in its product information. The presence of wheat alone doesn’t mean the Bolletje variety has a milder flavour.

Bolletje Rye Bread Roll – 500 g

Worth considering if you’re looking for rye bread made with both rye and wheat ingredients. Don’t judge this variety’s flavour on the grain blend alone.

According to Joybuy’s product information, this bread contains 56% wholegrain cracked rye, 9.1 g of fibre and 0.94 g of salt per 100 g. The ingredients also include wheat bran and wheat flour. Check the latest allergen information and, if it matters to your choice, whether baker’s salt is listed on the packaging.

View at Joybuy

TastyBasics Rye Bread – 9 pieces

Worth considering if you’re mainly comparing wholegrain rye and fibre content, rather than looking for a specifically mild rye and wheat flavour.

According to Joybuy’s product information, this bread contains 60% wholegrain cracked rye, 9.6 g of fibre and 0.99 g of salt per 100 g. Read the latest allergen information and, if necessary, check the ingredients list for baker’s salt.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions about rye bread

Is rye bread automatically wholegrain?

No. Check whether ‘wholegrain’ appears on the packaging. According to the Voedingscentrum, this term on bread means that wholemeal flour is used. Also read the ingredients list to see which grains are in the rye bread you’ve chosen.

Does rye bread in the Netherlands always contain baker’s salt?

No. According to the Voedingscentrum, bread does not have to be baked with baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list for the specific bread or ask the baker if this ingredient matters to your choice.

If I avoid gluten-containing grains, can I choose rye bread by looking at the name alone?

No, read the allergen information for the specific variety. The product information reviewed for Bolletje and TastyBasics rye breads lists rye and, for some varieties, wheat too. Don’t assume that another product with the same category name has the same ingredients.

How can I compare the salt content of rye breads?

Compare salt per 100 g so that different portion sizes don’t skew the comparison. According to the Joybuy product information reviewed, Bolletje Rye Bread Roll contains 0.94 g of salt per 100 g and TastyBasics Rye Bread 0.99 g per 100 g. Check the latest packaging before you buy.

Can I order online any rye bread I see on a product page?

No, a product page doesn’t necessarily mean the item can be delivered. Lidl states that the rye bread product reviewed is available in store only. Check the current purchase options at your chosen shop for your location.