Planning to make sandwiches, and is wholemeal important to you? First check that the bread is explicitly labelled as wholemeal. Then choose seeds to get the texture you want. For a crunchy snack, crispbread is a different product type from soft bread. Whichever you choose, check the latest allergen information and storage instructions, and look for baker’s salt if that matters to you.
For quick sandwiches or toast during the autumn half-term, with seeds for extra crunch. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from the whole grain and contains more fibre, vitamins and minerals than white bread.
Sesame, cereals containing gluten, soya, milk and nuts may all be relevant when choosing seeded bread. Always check the latest label for the product you choose, as ingredients and allergen information can change.
For several snack breaks, pack size or suitability for freezing may influence your choice. Follow the instructions for the specific bread: for example, PLUS recommends freezing its Boeren wholemeal bread on the day of purchase and using it within one month.
First decide whether you want soft sandwiches or a crunchy snack. Then compare the wholemeal labelling, ingredients and storage instructions of products suited to the occasion.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for an explicit wholemeal label; compare fibre per 100 g when weighing up the nutritional value of two loaves. | If wholemeal is my top priority for snack sandwiches, I don’t want to judge by the visible seeds alone. For around 33% of consumers, choosing wholemeal would be the main priority. |
| Texture and portions | Choose between sliced bread and crunchy crispbread, and check which pack size suits your snack breaks. | I want to serve small snacks quickly, so I’d first choose the shape and texture that work best. Convenience and texture would come first for around 27% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the latest ingredients and allergen information, including any warnings about traces. | If someone at home needs to avoid an allergen, the ingredients determine which bread is suitable. For around 20% of consumers, checking this would be the main concern. |
| Storage and stocking up | Check the storage instructions and whether the chosen bread can be frozen according to the packaging. | For snacks spread over several days of the holidays, I want to avoid fresh bread going to waste. Storage and stocking up would be top priorities for around 20% of consumers. |
Having several types of grain does not, by itself, mean that a bread has the wholemeal base you’re looking for.
Check the wholemeal labelling separately, then choose seeds according to the flavour and texture you like.
As well as sesame, cereals containing gluten, soya, milk or nuts may also be relevant, depending on the bread.
Read the latest ingredients and allergen information every time you buy, even if you’ve bought the product before.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread does not have to be made with baker’s salt. The type of bread or presence of seeds alone won’t tell you whether it has been used.
Check the label for baker’s salt or iodised salt if this matters to your choice.
You may be left with a large loaf if you’ve only planned a few snack breaks.
Choose a pack size to suit the number of occasions, and only freeze bread according to the instructions for that product.
Albert Heijn offers various wholemeal breads, including a sunflower seed loaf and a separate wholemeal muesli and nut loaf.
Jumbo Rond Korn Wholemeal is one example of wholemeal bread with seeds for sandwiches and snacks.
Lidl describes a 400 g oat and spelt loaf with seeds as an in-store product.
ALDI describes wholemeal bread, multigrain bread with seeds, and a separate seeded wholemeal crispbread.
PLUS lets you compare different types of bread individually, including wholemeal and dark multigrain.
Dirk offers products including a wholemeal bâtard loaf and a separate extra-fibre wholemeal loaf.
For a crunchy snack, you’ll find crispbread products here; there’s also bread and rolls for sandwiches and snacks. For each product, look at the difference between seeds added as an ingredient and an explicit wholemeal label.
Image unavailable
A crunchy snack to consider if you’re looking for a wholemeal option. If you have allergies, look out for sesame and cereals containing gluten, and check the latest label. Also look for baker’s salt if that matters to your choice.
Image unavailable
A good option if you’re looking for a thin, crunchy sesame snack. Check the wholemeal labelling separately if you prefer a fully wholemeal product. If you have allergies, also read the latest information about sesame, cereals containing gluten and possible traces of milk.
Image unavailable
A round multigrain loaf to bake for a snack break. The product information lists sunflower seeds, linseed and sesame. Check the wholemeal content separately, as the ingredients list wheat flour. Follow the defrosting and baking instructions, and check the latest allergen information.
Image unavailable
Individual seeded rolls for sandwiches and snacks. Plan ahead for defrosting: the product information says they can be stored for up to two days after defrosting. The ingredients list wheat flour; check the latest allergen information, including for milk, wheat, egg and sesame.
Image unavailable
A crunchy sesame snack in a pack of five. Don’t assume it’s wholemeal just because it contains seeds: the ingredients list wheat flour. If you have allergies, check the label for wheat, sesame and possible traces of soya.
No. Seeds and wholemeal describe different things. Wholemeal refers to the grain base, so check the wholemeal labelling separately if it matters to your choice.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread does not have to be made with baker’s salt. Check the ingredients on the label or ask the baker if you want to know whether it has been used in a particular loaf.
You can if the storage instructions for the product allow it. For some breads, Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS recommend freezing on the day of purchase and using within one month. Don’t automatically apply this advice to another loaf.
Check the latest label for allergens that are relevant to your household. For example, Jumbo Rond Korn Wholemeal lists gluten, soya and sesame, while Albert Heijn also lists milk, almonds and hazelnuts for its wholemeal muesli and nut loaf.
