Putting together a platter of topped snacks
You want to serve bread in pieces with spreads, cheese or vegetables, for example. A whole seeded loaf lets you cut the portions to suit; check the packaging to see whether it’s wholemeal too.
Who is this bread for?
Comparing wholemeal bread and fibre
You look for the wholemeal label first, then compare the fibre per 100 g. A dark crust, visible seeds or the word ‘multigrain’ aren’t a substitute.
Serving individual rolls
You want to top a separate roll for each guest rather than slice a whole loaf. A seeded wholemeal roll is a suitable option.
What should you look for when choosing?
Wholemeal loaf with seeds
Choose this: if you want to cut your own slices or pieces for a sharing platter and are specifically looking for wholemeal bread.
Bear in mind: a whole loaf lets you decide on portion sizes, but you’ll also need to think about what to do with any leftovers.
Multigrain bread with seeds
Choose this: if a combination of different grains and seeds is your priority.
Bear in mind: ‘multigrain’ and ‘wholemeal’ mean different things. Check the product description if you also want a wholemeal base.
Individual wholemeal roll with seeds
Choose this: if you want to top and serve individual snacks straight away.
Bear in mind: individual rolls give you less flexibility to cut different-sized portions for a group.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Bread shape and texture | Check whether you’re buying a whole loaf or individual rolls, and whether the description mentions seeds. | If I want to share generously topped snacks, I look for a loaf I can cut to the right size. This combination of shape and texture is a priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check for the wholemeal label and compare fibre on the same basis, such as per 100 g. | I want a wholemeal base, even when a multigrain loaf looks appealing. This is the first consideration for around 40% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients, allergens and salt content per 100 g for the exact variety. | If I need to watch out for certain ingredients or allergens, I can’t rely on the bread’s name alone. Around 20% of consumers give checking the label top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming seeds or a dark crust mean it’s wholemeal
Bread with visible seeds isn’t automatically wholemeal. Choosing by appearance alone may mean you end up serving something different from what you wanted for your snack night.
Look for the wholemeal label on the exact variety and, if you like, compare the fibre per 100 g.
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Relying only on the online category if you have an allergy
A category or photo won’t tell you which allergens are listed for the bread variety you’ve chosen. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergens must be clearly stated on the label.
Check the current packaging of the bread you’re buying, rather than relying on information about a similar variety.
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Assuming every loaf contains iodised salt
The salt listed for one loaf tells you nothing about the ingredients in another. Albert Heijn lists iodised salt in its tested Zaans volkoren variety; the tested product description for PLUS Boeren volkoren lists baker’s salt.
Check the ingredients list for the exact variety if the type of salt used matters to you.
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Buying a whole loaf without a plan for leftovers
A whole loaf may be more than you need for a small group, while individual rolls let you decide on portions in advance.
Choose the type of bread based on how many portions you want to serve, and check the packaging for advice on storing any leftovers.
Without a plan for storing it, leftover bread can go stale or mouldy.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
The tested AH Zaans volkoren heel is a wholemeal wheat loaf. If you’re looking for seeded bread, check the product description for the specific variety.
- Albert Heijn provides ingredients and nutritional information for this variety.
- The ingredients in this loaf don’t necessarily apply to other AH breads.
Jumbo
Jumbo describes Rond Korn Volkoren as a wholemeal multigrain loaf with seeds.
- The product description for this variety mentions wholemeal bread and seeds.
- Check the ingredients and nutritional information for each variety, not the range as a whole.
Lidl
Lidl describes its tested wholemeal roll as an individual roll with seeds.
- An individual roll works well for snacks you want to top separately.
- Lidl says this roll is only available in store; check the packaging there.
Aldi
Aldi describes grains and seeds in its boeren volkoren multigrain bread.
- This tested variety combines the wholemeal label with multigrain bread and seeds.
- That doesn’t mean Aldi’s other wholemeal breads contain seeds.
Plus
For PLUS Boeren volkoren heel, you can use the listed ingredients and nutritional information to make a comparison.
- The product information helps you check the details of the exact loaf.
- The tested description doesn’t identify this bread as containing seeds.
Dirk
The tested range includes a wholemeal floor loaf.
- This loaf gives you another option if you want to cut your own pieces.
- Check the product name and ingredients before choosing a Dirk loaf as seeded bread.
Bread on Joybuy
If you’re looking for a round multigrain loaf to slice for sharing, there’s a Joybuy product below. Check the packaging if wholemeal flour, specific seeds or allergens are important to you.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round 550 g
This round multigrain loaf is a good fit for a snack night when you want to serve your own slices.
The stated loaf weight is 550 g. Check the current packaging for the seeds, allergens and preparation instructions for this variety; ‘multigrain’ doesn’t confirm that it’s wholemeal.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread with seeds automatically wholemeal?
No. ‘Multigrain’ and ‘wholemeal’ don’t mean the same thing. Check whether the specific bread’s product name or description says it’s wholemeal, and look at the ingredients.
Does every loaf in the Netherlands contain iodised salt?
You can’t assume this is the case for every loaf. Read the ingredients list for the variety you’ve chosen: Albert Heijn lists iodised salt in the tested Zaans volkoren, while the tested description for PLUS Boeren volkoren mentions baker’s salt without specifying the iodine content.
What should I check if I’m allergic to sesame, nuts, soya or gluten?
Check the allergen information on the current packaging for the exact bread variety. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergens must be clearly shown on the label. Don’t rely on a category description or the packaging of another bread.
Can I freeze wholemeal bread ahead of my snack night?
Yes, if the storage instructions for your chosen bread allow it. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises that wholemeal bread can be kept in the freezer for one to three months; for a specific product, also follow the instructions on the packaging.