If wholemeal and fibre matter to you
You’re looking for bread to enjoy with savoury toppings and want to know first whether its grain base is wholemeal. Seeds and kernels are then a secondary consideration, not proof that the bread is wholemeal.
Who might enjoy this bread?
If you like kernels and a firm bite
You enjoy choosing bread with visible seeds or kernels for its texture. The ingredients list shows which varieties have been used and what the grain base is made from.
If you compare carbohydrates and ingredients
You’re considering seeded bread with a different nutritional profile from regular bread. Compare carbohydrates on the same basis and read the allergen information before making your choice.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide what matters most for your savoury breakfast: the grain base, texture, ingredients or nutritional profile. Then compare loaves on the same basis, preferably per 100 g.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal base and fibre | Check the grain base in the ingredients list and compare fibre per 100 g. | For my regular breakfast, I want to know first whether the bread is wholemeal; kernels on the crust don’t tell me that. For around 33% of consumers, a wholemeal base comes first. |
| Seeds and texture | Check which seeds and kernels are listed in the ingredients and choose a loaf shape that suits your breakfast. | With savoury toppings, I’m mainly looking for a slice with a firm bite. For around 27% of consumers, texture is the main reason for choosing seeded bread. |
| Ingredients and allergens | For packaged bread, read the allergen information; for unpackaged bread, ask what information is available before buying. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, a suitable composition matters more than flavour or texture. For around 20% of consumers, checking this comes first. |
| Carbohydrates and protein | Compare carbohydrates, protein and fibre per 100 g, and also consider how much you eat in a portion. | I’m looking for bread that suits my preference for a different balance of carbohydrates and protein. For around 20% of consumers, nutritional composition matters most. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming visible kernels mean the bread is wholemeal
Seeded bread can contain wholemeal flour, white flour or a combination of the two. For example, PLUS lists both wholemeal flour and wheat flour in its PLUS Korenlanders Licht Meerzadenbrood.
If you want wholemeal bread, check the product description and ingredients before comparing the fibre content per 100 g.
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Checking only the topping for allergens
Ingredients that aren’t visible can also be relevant. According to Jumbo, the Jumbo bread option reviewed contains, among other things, gluten-containing cereals, sesame and soya.
Read the allergen information on the packaging. For unpackaged bread, ask what allergen information is available before buying.
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Assuming every loaf is made with baker’s salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt contains iodine, but using it in bread isn’t compulsory. The type of bread or a seed topping won’t tell you whether it has been used.
If you want to know whether a loaf was made with baker’s salt, check the ingredients or ask the baker.
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Using a carbohydrate claim as the only basis for comparison
A loaf that stands out for its carbohydrate content may also differ from the bread you’re comparing it with in terms of fibre, salt, ingredients and allergens.
Check the full nutritional information on the same basis, such as per 100 g, and also consider what constitutes a portion for you.
Brands and shops to explore
These examples from shops show the product information you can compare; always check the current packaging of the bread you buy.
Albert Heijn
The TastyBasics bread with kernels and seeds product page reviewed lists ingredients, nutritional values and allergens.
- Use the product information to compare fibre and salt, among other things.
- Albert Heijn notes that product information can change; check the packaging of the bread you buy.
Jumbo
The Jumbo Rond Korn Volkoren reviewed is a wholemeal multigrain bread with seeds and kernels.
- Jumbo lists the seed mix and nutritional information for this bread.
- Check the allergens: gluten-containing cereals, sesame and soya are among those relevant to this variety.
Lidl
Lidl offers, among other things, an oat and spelt loaf with seeds and kernels.
- For packaged loaves, Lidl’s fibre information can help you compare values per 100 g.
- For freshly baked bread, ask for the full ingredients and allergen information if you need it to make your choice.
ALDI
According to ALDI, the luxury sunflower hearth loaf reviewed contains sunflower seeds and linseed.
- The kernels and seeds listed give you an idea of the texture to expect.
- Also compare the grain base, nutritional information and allergens on the packaging.
PLUS
For its Korenlanders Licht Meerzaden, PLUS lists both the seeds and information about the grains used.
- The product information lists 30% wholemeal flour as well as wheat flour, helping you look beyond the name ‘multiseed’.
- For this particular loaf, also check the allergens and any possible traces listed on the packaging.
Dirk
Dirk offers a bâtard loaf with seeds and kernels.
- The product description is helpful if you’re specifically looking for a loaf with kernels.
- To compare fibre, salt and allergens, refer to the bread’s nutritional information and ingredients.
Bread options on Joybuy
These options include a linseed loaf and two varieties of round multigrain bread. Choose the type of bread you want, and check the current ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for your breakfast.
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TastyBasics Bread Linseed, 5 pieces
For anyone considering linseed bread for a savoury breakfast. Compare the carbohydrates and fibre per 100 g on the packaging, and check the allergens if you need to avoid any ingredients.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 550 g × 2
For anyone looking for two round multigrain loaves for breakfast. Check which grains and seeds have been used and compare the nutritional information per 100 g; also check the preparation instructions on the packaging.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round, 550 g
For anyone who wants a round multigrain loaf to enjoy with savoury toppings. Check the grain base and allergens on the packaging, and see whether the nutritional values are given per 100 g or per portion.
Frequently asked questions
Is multiseed bread always wholemeal?
No. Seeds and kernels don’t tell you whether the grain base is made from wholemeal flour, white flour or a combination of the two. Check the product description and ingredients if you specifically want wholemeal bread.
How do I compare the fibre in seeded bread?
Compare the fibre per 100 g so you’re using the same amount of bread as your basis. Then consider how much you eat in a portion; the amount of visible seeds isn’t a substitute for the nutritional information.
Where can I find allergen information for unpackaged bread?
Ask before buying if the information isn’t immediately visible. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that information about relevant allergens must be available for unpackaged foods; don’t rely only on the name or the visible kernels.
Does all bread in the Netherlands contain iodine from baker’s salt?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt contains iodine, but bread doesn’t have to be made with baker’s salt. For packaged bread, check the ingredients list; for unpackaged bread, ask which type of salt has been used.