If you want a wholemeal base for your Easter brunch, choose bread explicitly labelled as wholemeal: visible seeds and the word ‘multigrain’ don’t tell you anything about this on their own. If texture is your main priority, seeded bread could be a good fit. For a guest who needs to eat gluten-free, you’ll need bread explicitly labelled as gluten-free, and should check the other allergens too.
You want seeded bread, but the type of flour and fibre content matter to you too. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes wholemeal bread as high in fibre. Check that the product is labelled as wholemeal and look at the nutritional information per 100 g.
You’re looking for nuts and seeds to add a different bite alongside sweet or savoury toppings. Multigrain bread could be a good fit, but the name doesn’t tell you whether it’s made entirely with wholemeal flour. Check the ingredients if this matters to you.
You need bread for yourself or a guest that’s explicitly labelled as gluten-free. ‘Seeded’ on its own isn’t enough. Check the other allergens for the exact product too; for example, Jumbo’s gluten-free multiseed bread lists soya.
Before choosing based on flavour or bread shape, find out whether any of your guests need gluten-free bread. Then compare the flour base and the texture you’d like to serve.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal base and fibre | Look for a wholemeal label and compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutritional information. | I want to serve seeded bread, but the flour base matters more to me than the seeds on the crust. For around 42% of consumers, wholemeal and fibre are the top priorities. |
| Texture and bread shape | Check which seeds are listed in the ingredients and choose a size that suits the number of guests. | For a brunch with sweet and savoury toppings, I’m mainly looking for bread with a firm bite. Around 33% of consumers give texture the highest priority. |
| Gluten and allergens | If needed, check that it’s explicitly labelled as gluten-free, as well as the latest allergen information. | If a guest needs to eat gluten-free or avoid an allergen, suitability comes before bread style. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain refers to the use of several types of grain; it doesn’t automatically mean the bread is made entirely with wholemeal flour. Seeds on the crust don’t tell you either.
Look for an explicit wholemeal label and, if fibre matters to you, compare the nutritional information per 100 g.
Regular seeded bread may contain cereals with gluten or other allergens. Bread that’s explicitly labelled as gluten-free may still contain other allergens too.
Ask guests about their specific needs, read the packaging of the bread you choose and keep gluten-free bread separate when slicing and adding toppings if cross-contact needs to be avoided.
If you buy the bread before your brunch, the storage instructions for that particular product will affect when you can serve it.
Choose an amount that suits your guests and follow the label for storage, freezing if applicable, and preparation.
A supermarket where you can browse different types of bread online, including wholemeal and multigrain.
Worth considering if you want to compare seeded wholemeal bread with explicitly labelled gluten-free multiseed bread.
An option to explore if you’re looking for multigrain bread with seeds and a firm bite for brunch.
A brand to look at for freshly baked bread, including varieties with grains and seeds.
Worth considering if you want to compare a light multiseed bread with an explicitly labelled gluten-free multiseed option.
An option to consider if you’re looking for brown wheat bread with seeds for brunch sandwiches.
These two Lekhaven varieties are suitable if you’re looking for round multigrain bread. If you specifically need wholemeal or gluten-free bread, check the packaging separately to confirm it meets those requirements.
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An option if you’d like to serve round multigrain bread at your Easter brunch and can allow time for defrosting and baking.
Check the baking instructions on the packaging. If wholemeal, fibre or allergens matter to your guests, read the labelling, nutritional information and allergen information for this variety.
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An option if you’re looking for round multigrain bread for brunch and have time to defrost and bake it.
The product name lists 550 g. If you need wholemeal or gluten-free bread, or need to check for other allergens, always check the packaging of this variety.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means that several types of grain are used; it doesn’t automatically mean the bread is made entirely with wholemeal flour. Check the label and ingredients of the bread you want to buy.
Check the allergen information for the exact product against your guest’s needs. Jumbo’s seeded wholemeal bread lists, among other things, cereals containing gluten, soya and sesame; Jumbo’s gluten-free multiseed bread lists soya. These examples don’t tell you anything about the ingredients of other breads.
Follow the storage and preparation instructions on the packaging of the bread you choose. The product information for some Jumbo and PLUS breads recommends storing them in a cool, dark place and freezing them on the day of purchase, but don’t apply these instructions to another variety without checking first.
