For a picnic, first look for bread explicitly labelled wholemeal if a wholemeal base and fibre are your priorities; then check that it contains the seeds you want. Seeds don’t automatically make bread wholemeal. If you have allergies, check the latest label, and carry fillings that need to be kept chilled in a cool bag.
If bread is the main part of your lunch, first check whether it’s labelled wholemeal. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes wholemeal bread as a type of bread that’s high in fibre; to compare specific loaves, check the fibre per 100 g on the labels.
When choosing bread to go with cheese, hummus or vegetables, the texture you’re after can help you decide. Check that seeds are actually listed in the product description or ingredients, and choose between a whole loaf and individual rolls depending on how you want to portion it.
If you have a food allergy, the latest allergen information matters more than how the bread looks. If you’re bringing perishable fillings, plan how you’ll keep them chilled too; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends using a cool bag.
First decide what matters most for your picnic: a wholemeal base, the shape and texture of the bread, or checking allergens and keeping fillings chilled. You may want seeds as part of any of these choices, but they don’t replace the other checks.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ and compare the fibre per 100 g in the breads you’re considering. | If bread is the basis of my picnic lunch, I don’t want to judge it by the seeds on the outside alone. Around 40% of consumers prioritise a wholemeal base and fibre. |
| Texture and portions | Check which seeds are listed and whether you’re buying a whole loaf, sliced bread or individual rolls. | If I’m sharing fillings in the park, the texture I want and the shape of the bread matter a lot; around 30% of consumers prioritise texture and portions. |
| Allergens and chilled transport | Read the latest allergen information and carry fillings that need to stay chilled in a cool bag. | If someone in my group has a food allergy or we’re bringing perishable fillings, I want to be able to plan the ingredients and transport in advance. This is the main concern for around 30% of consumers. |
Seeds can also be found on bread that isn’t labelled wholemeal. So if you’re mainly looking for a wholemeal base, you can’t make your choice based on the appearance of the crust.
Check whether ‘wholemeal’ appears in the product name, and compare the fibre per 100 g if you want to check the nutritional information for different breads.
Bread containing seeds, muesli or nuts may include ingredients that matter to someone at the table. For example, Albert Heijn lists hazelnut, almond and milk among the ingredients in AH Volkoren muesli-notenbrood.
For pre-packed bread, read the latest ingredients and allergen information. If you’re buying unpackaged bread for a group, ask for the allergen information first.
Choosing the right bread doesn’t mean fillings that need to be kept chilled are safe to carry without refrigeration.
Use a cool bag for chilled items and bring clean, sealed containers. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, you should throw away perishable food if it has been out of the fridge for more than two hours.
These examples show what product information can help you when choosing. Always check the label on the bread you’re actually taking with you before you buy it.
AH Volkoren muesli-notenbrood is an example for anyone looking for a pronounced nutty, muesli texture as well as wholemeal bread.
Jumbo Rond Korn Volkoren is a specific example of a whole round wholemeal multigrain loaf with seeds.
Lidl’s freshly baked range includes a wholemeal roll with seeds, as an example of an individual bread roll.
ALDI lists, among other products, a farmhouse wholemeal multigrain loaf with grains and seeds.
PLUS Rond fijn volkoren heel is an example for anyone looking for a whole wholemeal loaf without making seeds the main consideration.
Dirk presents Bakker van der Akker Boeren Extra vezels volkoren heel as a wholemeal option with a focus on fibre.
These two options could suit a picnic where you’re considering seeded bread: a whole round multigrain loaf and individual multigrain rolls. If you specifically want wholemeal bread, check that the current packaging says so before choosing.
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A whole round 550 g loaf for anyone who wants to prepare sandwiches before setting off. Allow time for defrosting, baking and cooling before slicing it; check the preparation instructions on the packaging. Also check whether it’s labelled wholemeal and look at the nutritional information if these will influence your choice.
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Four individual multigrain rolls for anyone who wants to portion out a picnic lunch. If you’re looking for a wholemeal base, check the current packaging. If you have a sesame allergy, it’s especially important to check before buying: the product information gives conflicting details about sesame.
No, seeds don’t prove that bread is wholemeal. If you want a wholemeal base, look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the product packaging and compare the fibre per 100 g if you wish.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s Storage Guide, you can keep opened wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2 to 4 days or in the freezer for 1 to 3 months. For a sealed pack, follow the date and storage advice on the product.
Carry fillings that need to stay chilled in a cool bag, and take them out of the fridge shortly before you leave. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends throwing away perishable food if it has been out of the fridge for more than two hours.
Before buying, read the latest ingredients and allergen information for the specific bread. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be listed on labels; also look out for relevant ‘may contain’ statements, and ask for allergen information if the bread is unpackaged.
No, don’t assume that all bread contains iodised salt. Check the ingredients list for the bread you choose; for example, Albert Heijn lists ‘iodised salt’ in AH Extra lang lekker Zaans volkoren heel.
