Who is this choice for?

Eaters who are particular about texture

For people who eat bread but prefer to avoid visible kernels, hard crusts or bits in the crumb. A fine wholemeal loaf can be a familiar starting point; try a seeded option separately if you like.

Wholemeal seekers who are happy with seeds

For households looking for a wholemeal base where seeds or kernels are no problem. Check the product description and ingredients: a dark colour or a multigrain name alone doesn't tell you whether bread is wholemeal.

Bread buyers who check for allergens

For anyone who needs to check ingredients such as wheat, sesame, soya or nuts. Always check the current allergen information for the exact loaf you choose, even if you have bought it before.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, work out which texture the eater will accept. Then check whether the bread is genuinely wholemeal and look at the ingredients for the option you want to buy.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Texture Check whether there are kernels on the crust or in the crumb. If needed, start with a fine wholemeal loaf and offer a seeded option separately. If bits in bread are rejected, I want to start with a predictable texture. Texture acceptance is the top priority for around 36% of consumers.
Wholemeal base Check the product description for wholemeal and compare nutritional values on the same basis, for example per 100 g. If seeds aren't a problem, I want to know whether the bread itself is wholemeal and not just made to look that way. This nutritional foundation matters most to around 29% of consumers.
Allergens Read the current ingredients and allergen information, including any warnings about possible traces. If an ingredient needs to be avoided, I need information about the exact loaf before I serve it. Checking allergens is the first priority for around 21% of consumers.
Availability and storage Check where the option you have chosen is available, what size you are buying and how it should be stored. If I want to serve a loaf regularly, I need to be able to buy it again or store it according to the product instructions. This practical consideration is the deciding factor for around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming dark bread or seeds mean it's wholemeal

    A multigrain name, dark colour or seeded crust doesn't tell you which types of flour have been used. Albert Heijn explains that Waldkorn bread can be made with wholemeal flour, white flour or a combination of the two.

    If you want wholemeal bread, check the product description and ingredients for the option you have chosen.

  • Starting with a strong seed texture

    If kernels or a crunchy crust are what the eater dislikes, this kind of bread won't suit the texture they accept.

    Start with a familiar texture and offer a small amount of seeded bread separately, without putting pressure on them. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping mealtimes relaxed when dealing with fussy eating.

  • Relying on the product name to check for allergens

    Ingredients vary from loaf to loaf and can change. For example, Albert Heijn lists sesame, cereals containing gluten and soya among the ingredients in AH ELL Eiwitrijk volkoren meerzaden half.

    Read the current packaging for the loaf you have chosen. If you are buying unpackaged bread, ask for the allergen information before you buy.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers both a wholemeal multiseed loaf and Zaans volkorenbrood, which it describes as soft and light.

  • According to Albert Heijn, AH ELL Eiwitrijk volkoren meerzaden half contains kernels and seeds; its stated nutritional values are 11 g of fibre and 17 g of protein per 100 g.
  • The multiseed option lists sesame, cereals containing gluten and soya among its ingredients. Check the current packaging for warnings about possible traces of other allergens too.

Jumbo

Jumbo offers two loaves, Fijn Volkoren and Rond Korn Volkoren, giving you a choice between a fine texture and visible seeds and kernels.

  • According to Jumbo, Fijn Volkoren contains 7,6 g of fibre per 100 g and has no seeds listed in its ingredients. Rond Korn Volkoren is a wholemeal multigrain loaf with seeds and kernels, and lists 8,3 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • If the eater dislikes kernels, Rond Korn may not be the best first step. The absence of seeds from an ingredients list doesn't rule out a warning about possible traces of allergens.

Lidl

Lidl describes its Volkorenbol as a bread roll with seeds and kernels.

  • The roll is an option if you want to choose bread with visible seeds.
  • Lidl says the Volkorenbol is only available in store. Check the current ingredients and allergen information there.

ALDI

ALDI describes Boeren volkoren meergranen as bread with grains and seeds, and says it is available as a whole or half loaf.

  • The different sizes let you choose an amount that suits your household.
  • Check the current information for the loaf you buy for its ingredients and allergens.

PLUS

PLUS Boeren volkoren heel is a wholemeal option for anyone who also needs to think about storage.

  • PLUS lists 6,7 g of fibre per 100 g and recommends freezing the bread on the day of purchase and using it within a month.
  • Don't assume this particular loaf contains seeds; check the ingredients for the option you have chosen.

Dirk

Dirk stocks wholemeal bread from Bakker van der Akker, including Boeren Extra vezels volkoren heel.

  • This is a wholemeal option to consider when a fine bread texture matters more than visible seeds.
  • Check the label for the option you have chosen if you are specifically looking for bread with seeds or kernels.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is bread with seeds automatically wholemeal?

No. Seeds don't tell you what flour the bread is made from. Albert Heijn, for example, explains that Waldkorn bread can be made with wholemeal flour, white flour or a combination of the two. So check the product description and ingredients for the specific loaf.

How can I introduce a fussy child to seeded bread?

If texture is a concern, start with bread that has a texture they already accept, and perhaps offer a small taste of seeded bread separately. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping things relaxed and giving children the chance to try foods more than once when they are fussy eaters. This doesn't predict whether a child will like this particular bread.

Which allergens should I check in seeded bread?

Read the current ingredients and allergen information for the option you have chosen. Check for cereals containing gluten and, depending on the recipe, sesame, soya, milk or nuts. If you are buying unpackaged bread, ask for allergen information before you buy.

Does all bread in the Netherlands contain iodine from baker's salt?

Don't assume this is the case for a particular loaf without checking. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights bread baked with baker's salt in connection with iodine intake. Check the ingredients list for the option you have chosen or ask the baker which salt was used.