Which bread is right for you?

If you’re putting together a bread board

Look for a loaf with visible seeds and a crust that goes well with savoury toppings. Rustic bread from Lidl or ALDI could be a good option; check the shape and serving instructions for each product.

If you’re looking for wholemeal bread and fibre

Check whether the bread is genuinely wholemeal rather than judging by its colour or the word ‘multiseed’ in its name. Compare the ingredients and fibre per 100 g on the packaging. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre distinguishes between wholemeal bread and other types.

If you need to consider allergies or gluten

Check the ingredients and allergy warnings on the label before buying. For example, a multiseed loaf from PLUS lists cereals containing gluten, soya and sesame. If a guest needs to eat gluten-free, choose a suitably labelled product and serve it separately, away from ordinary bread.

What should you look for when buying?

First, find out what your guests can eat. Then decide what role the bread will play at the table and when you want to serve it.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Wholemeal and nutritional value Check that it is labelled wholemeal and compare fibre and salt per 100 g on the labels. If you like to serve wholemeal bread, don’t judge it by its seeded crust alone. This is the top priority for around 27% of consumers.
Crust, shape and toppings Check whether the bread is sliced and whether its shape suits a bread board or slices with toppings. For some consumers, the main consideration when putting together a bread board is how the bread will work with the chosen toppings; this is the top priority for around 33%.
Allergens and gluten Read the current ingredients list and may-contain warnings. If gluten-free bread is required, check the product labelling. If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, that determines which bread and serving method are suitable. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers.
Storage and serving Compare the size with the amount you want to serve and read the storage instructions and any baking directions. If you buy bread in advance, you’ll want to put out only what you need for dinner. This is the main concern for around 20% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking dark or multiseed bread for wholemeal

    Seeds and a dark colour don’t tell you whether the grain used is wholemeal. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre distinguishes between wholemeal bread and other types.

    Look for ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging, then compare the fibre and salt per 100 g of the breads you’re considering.

  • Assuming seeded bread is suitable for every allergy

    PLUS lists cereals containing gluten, soya and sesame among the ingredients of its light multiseed loaf, along with warnings about possible traces of other allergens. Ingredients vary from product to product.

    Ask guests which ingredients they need to avoid, check the current label and keep suitable bread separate from ordinary bread when serving.

  • Buying more bread than you’ll serve

    At a multi-course dinner, you may end up with part of a whole loaf left over, especially if it’s served as a side dish only.

    Choose a suitable size or freeze the bread in portions after buying it. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises taking only what you need out of the freezer.

  • Assuming it’s available in every shop

    Lidl lists one multigrain loaf as an in-store product only. ALDI says its range of freshly baked bread is available in shops with an in-store bakery.

    Before you shop, check whether your chosen variety is available at your local branch, and read the packaging again when you buy it.

Brands with suitable bread options

Lidl

Lidl offers, among other options, a 600 g organic brown sourdough multigrain loaf with seeds and kernels.

  • A rustic option to consider if you’re looking for a whole loaf to serve at the table.
  • Lidl lists another multigrain variety as available in-store only, so check availability at your local branch.

ALDI

ALDI lists Bakkersgoud Rustiek Licht Meerzaden, which is partly sliced and has a seeded crust.

  • Its shape and crust are useful points of comparison for the bread board you have planned.
  • ALDI says its range of freshly baked bread is available only in shops with an in-store bakery.

PLUS

PLUS provides ingredient, allergen and nutritional information for Korenlanders Licht Meerzaden.

  • The listed ingredients and values per 100 g make it easier to compare specific products.
  • The variety described contains cereals with gluten, soya and sesame, among other ingredients; check the current may-contain warnings too.

Dirk

Dirk offers both a farmhouse multiseed loaf and a brown multiseed loaf to bake at home.

  • These two product formats let you choose between bread that’s ready to serve and a bake-at-home option.
  • Before planning your dinner, check the ingredients, preparation instructions and availability of your chosen variety.

Choosing bread at Joybuy

This round multigrain loaf is one option to consider as table bread for Christmas dinner. Check that the ingredients and preparation instructions suit your guests and serving plans.

Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round 550 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round 550 g

A round loaf for the Christmas table. Before buying, read the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging. If you plan to bake the bread, check the preparation instructions.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that ‘multigrain’ refers to the use of several types of grain; it doesn’t automatically mean the bread is made with wholemeal flour. Check the wholemeal labelling and ingredients list of the bread you want to buy.

Which allergens should I check in seeded bread?

Check the allergens and may-contain warnings on the current packaging of the bread you’ve chosen. PLUS lists cereals containing gluten, soya and sesame among the ingredients of its light multiseed loaf; this information doesn’t necessarily apply to other varieties.

Can I serve ordinary multiseed bread if a guest needs to eat gluten-free?

For that guest, choose bread that is appropriately labelled gluten-free, and check the other ingredients and warnings too. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists wheat and barley among cereals containing gluten. Serve suitable bread separately to avoid contact with crumbs from ordinary bread.

Can I buy bread for Christmas dinner in advance?

Yes, as long as you store it according to the instructions for that bread. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises freezing bread in portions after buying it if you won’t use it straight away. That way, you only need to take out the amount you need for dinner.

Does bread always contain iodine because it has seeds?

The presence of seeds tells you nothing about the type of salt used. If it matters for your purchase, check the ingredients list to see whether baker’s salt is listed.