Who are these options relevant to?

If you want to compare wholemeal flour and fibre

You’re looking for bread for sandwiches or toast bites, and want to see how much wholemeal flour and fibre it contains on the label rather than judging by the visible seeds.

If you want to make small portions with a light style of bread

You’d like to serve topped pieces of bread and may prefer light or white multiseed bread. Bear in mind that these descriptions don’t automatically mean the bread is wholemeal.

If you need to take allergens into account

If a child or guest has a known allergy or needs gluten-free food, check the specific bread and how it’s prepared and served. Multiseed bread may contain wheat, soya or sesame, among other allergens.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check whether an allergy or gluten-free requirement limits your choice. Then compare the type and size of bread with the portions you want to serve.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is this important for?
Wholemeal flour and fibre Read the bread description and ingredients; compare the fibre per 100 g. If you mainly want to know how much wholemeal flour and fibre the party bread contains, seeds alone won’t tell you. For around 40% of consumers, this is their main consideration.
Bread style and portions Check whether the bread is white, light, brown or wholemeal, and whether you can cut it to a suitable size. For small topped portions, you might prefer a light style of bread that’s easy to divide. This is the main consideration for around 40% of consumers.
Allergens and gluten-free requirements Check the latest allergen information and, if needed, the gluten-free label; avoid contact with regular bread during preparation. If a child or guest has a known allergy or needs gluten-free food, the bread you choose must meet their needs before you serve it. For around 20% of consumers, this is their first consideration.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming seeds mean the bread is wholemeal

    White multiseed bread can contain plenty of visible seeds. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also points out that the term ‘multigrain’ doesn’t mean a bread is wholemeal.

    Read the bread description and ingredients, and compare the fibre per 100 g if that’s your main priority.

  • Looking only at the type of bread when there’s an allergy

    The regular multiseed breads described contain various allergens, including wheat, soya or sesame. The ingredients of the bread you buy are what matter.

    Ask parents or carers which allergens are relevant, and check the latest label or the supplier’s allergen information before serving.

  • Confusing gluten-free with allergen-free

    Jumbo’s gluten-free multiseed bread contains soya and may contain almonds, egg and milk. So a gluten-free label doesn’t rule out other allergens.

    Check the full allergen information and keep the bread, fillings and utensils separate when preparing food for a gluten-free guest.

  • Relying on an old product description when serving

    Ingredients and allergen information can change from one product to another. This is particularly important if you’re choosing bread for someone with a known allergy.

    Check the packaging of the bread you’ve bought, or ask for the latest information if it’s sold loose.

Brands and bread ranges compared

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn describes AH Liefde & Passie Meerzaden as a white multiseed bread. It’s worth considering if you’re looking for a white-style bread with seeds.

  • Albert Heijn lists 4,1 g of fibre per 100 g for this product.
  • The bread contains sesame, soya and wheat, among other ingredients; also check the latest information about possible traces of milk.

Jumbo

Jumbo describes both Boeren Licht Meerzaden, a white wheat bread with seeds, and Lekker Vrij van Gluten Meerzaden.

  • The two products listed offer different types of bread to compare using their individual labels.
  • The regular bread contains wheat, soya and sesame. The gluten-free product contains soya and may contain almonds, egg and milk.

Lidl

Lidl describes Bio rustiek meergranen desembrood as an organic brown sourdough bread with seeds, weighing 600 g.

  • The product description gives the style and size of the bread.
  • Check the packaging for the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information of the bread you buy.

ALDI

According to ALDI, Bakkersgoud Rustiek Licht Meerzaden is a partially sliced loaf with a seeded crust.

  • The partially sliced loaf could be handy if you want to prepare small portions.
  • Read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging before serving it to guests with an allergy.

PLUS

According to PLUS, Korenlanders Rond Licht Meerzaden Half contains 30% wholemeal wheat flour, seeds and kernels. It’s still a light multiseed bread, not a claim that it’s entirely wholemeal.

  • PLUS lists 5,5 g of fibre per 100 g for this product.
  • It contains wheat, soya and sesame, among other ingredients; check the latest allergen information and any warnings about possible traces.

Dirk

Dirk lists products including Bakker van der Akker Boeren Meerzaden Heel, as well as other multigrain breads.

  • A whole multiseed loaf is worth considering if you want to cut your own portions.
  • Check the specific ingredients and allergen information for the bread you choose before serving it.

Bread options at Joybuy

This Joybuy selection is a 550 g round multigrain loaf that you can portion yourself for the party. If wholemeal flour, fibre or a specific allergy will determine your choice, check the details for this bread first.

Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round 550 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round 550 g

You can cut the round loaf into portions for topped pieces of bread.

Allow time for defrosting, baking and cooling, following the product instructions. Check the latest allergen information before serving, especially if wheat, barley or sesame could be an issue for a guest.

Compare the wholemeal content and fibre per 100 g on the label if these will influence your choice.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is seeded bread always wholemeal?

No. Seeds can be added to different types of bread. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also explains that ‘multigrain’ doesn’t automatically mean wholemeal. Check the bread description, ingredients and fibre per 100 g.

How can I check allergens in unpackaged bread?

Ask the supplier for the allergen information for that specific bread before buying it. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says suppliers must provide information about 14 allergens. If someone has a known allergy, check that the bread and the way it’s served are suitable for them.

Can a child with coeliac disease eat regular multiseed bread?

If a child has coeliac disease, don’t choose regular multiseed bread unless it’s explicitly labelled gluten-free. Check for other allergens too, and prevent contact with regular bread when cutting, adding toppings and serving.

Can I freeze bread for the children’s party in advance?

Follow the storage instructions for the bread you buy. PLUS says the Korenlanders bread mentioned can be frozen at home on the day of purchase; don’t apply this advice to other breads without checking first.

Does seeded bread always contain iodised salt?

No, don’t assume it does just because it contains seeds. Check the ingredients list of the bread you choose to see whether it lists baker’s salt or iodised salt.