Who is this bread for?

If you want to serve topped slices

For sandwiches or generously topped slices, the shape of the loaf matters: choose slices that suit what you want to put on them. Jumbo describes a wholemeal multigrain loaf with seeds as an option in this category.

If you want to compare wholemeal bread and fibre

Visible seeds and a dark colour don’t tell you whether a loaf is wholemeal. Check the product name, ingredients and fibre per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre distinguishes between multigrain and wholemeal bread.

If you need to consider allergens

If you’re serving bread to guests with an allergy, check the allergen information for that specific loaf. Sesame, soya and cereals containing gluten may be relevant; according to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for prepacked bread is shown on the label.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you want slices to top or bread to share. Then compare the ingredients and nutritional information of the loaves that suit the way you plan to serve them.

Wholemeal multigrain bread with seeds

A good choice if: you’re looking for sliced bread to serve with toppings and want to be able to identify its wholemeal base.

Bear in mind: with seeds and grains in the mix, it’s important to check the allergen information.

Brown multiseed bread

A good choice if: you’re mainly looking for brown bread with visible seeds to serve in slices.

Bear in mind: a brown colour or a multigrain name doesn’t automatically mean the whole loaf is wholemeal. PLUS describes Korenlanders Licht Meerzaden as brown multigrain bread.

Multigrain baguette

A good choice if: you want to put pieces of bread on the table for everyone to share; ALDI describes its multigrain baguette as crusty and topped with seeds.

Bear in mind: the baguette shape tells you nothing about whether that specific loaf is wholemeal or its nutritional value.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is this most important for?
Firm slices and seeds Check that the serving style suits your toppings and that seeds are listed in the ingredients. For topped BBQ slices, I want bread I can serve in slices, with seeds for the texture I’m after. Around 36% of consumers prioritise how easy it is to serve.
Wholemeal bread and fibre Check whether it’s labelled wholemeal and compare fibre per 100 g, rather than comparing per slice with per 100 g. If I’m also considering the type of grain, I want to know more than the bread’s colour or name can tell me. Wholemeal bread and fibre matter most to around 29% of consumers.
Allergens Read the latest allergen information; for unpackaged bread, ask before buying. If a guest has an allergy, I need to be able to check whether this specific loaf is suitable to serve. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this check.
Quantity and storage Choose a whole loaf, half a loaf or a baguette to suit your group; if you buy bread in advance, freeze it in portions. If I buy bread before the BBQ, I want to defrost only what we need and avoid leftovers. Around 14% of consumers say this planning is their top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming multigrain means wholemeal

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain. That doesn’t mean the grains used are all wholegrain.

    If you want wholemeal bread, look for ‘wholemeal’ in the product name, then compare the ingredients and fibre per 100 g.

  • Relying on visible seeds to identify allergens

    What you can see on the outside doesn’t give you the full picture of the ingredients. Sesame, soya and cereals containing gluten may be present in multigrain bread.

    For packaged bread, check the current label. For unpackaged bread, ask about the allergen information before buying.

  • Assuming all bread contains baker’s salt

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that using baker’s salt isn’t compulsory. So you can’t tell whether it’s been used just from the type of bread.

    Check the label or ask which salt has been used for unpackaged bread if this is important to your choice.

  • Buying more fresh bread than you need

    A whole loaf may go uneaten if you’re catering for a small group, especially if there are other side dishes on the table.

    Choose an amount that suits the number of people you’re serving. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread in portions as soon as you buy it if you’re buying it in advance.

    Without a plan for leftover slices, bread could go to waste.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers, among other things, a whole multigrain hearth loaf that you can serve in slices.

  • The product information for AH Vloerbrood meergranen heel lists 31% wholemeal wheat flour.
  • The same ingredient information lists 30% wheat flour. So don’t rely on the brown colour or the name ‘multigrain’ alone to tell you what’s in it.

Jumbo

Jumbo offers, among other things, wholemeal multigrain bread with seeds.

  • Jumbo describes Stevig Meergranen as a whole wholemeal multigrain loaf with seeds.
  • Check the ingredients and allergens for each variety; the description of one loaf doesn’t apply to the whole range.

Lidl

Lidl describes a multigrain loaf made with grains and seeds, including wheat, barley and buckwheat.

  • The description is useful if you’re looking for a loaf with visible grains and seeds.
  • If you’re choosing based on nutritional value or allergens, check the information for the loaf currently on sale.

ALDI

ALDI describes both a multigrain baguette with seeds and a farmhouse wholemeal multigrain loaf.

  • A baguette is a different way to serve bread from a sliced loaf: you can break it into pieces to share.
  • Don’t assume the baguette is wholemeal based on its name; check the ingredients and allergens for the variety you choose too.

PLUS

PLUS describes Korenlanders Licht Meerzaden as brown multigrain bread with seeds.

  • The product description makes the type of bread clear, as well as the fact that it contains seeds.
  • ‘Brown’ and ‘multiseed’ are no substitute for checking whether it’s labelled wholemeal and reviewing the allergen information.

Dirk

Dirk describes its multigrain hearth loaf as firm and packed with grains and seeds.

  • As a whole hearth loaf, it’s an option for slicing and serving at the BBQ table.
  • If you’re choosing wholemeal bread or buying for guests with an allergy, don’t rely on the general bread description alone.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain, but that doesn’t mean all the grains used are wholegrain. Check the product name and ingredients list if a wholemeal base is important to you.

Is Dutch multigrain bread always made with baker’s salt?

No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that using baker’s salt isn’t compulsory. Check the label or ask which salt has been used for unpackaged bread if you want to know.

Which allergens should I check in seeded bread?

Check the allergen information for the specific loaf, including cereals containing gluten, sesame and soya if these are relevant to your guests. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, this information is shown on the label of prepacked bread. For unpackaged bread, ask before buying.

Can I buy multigrain bread in advance for a BBQ?

Yes, you can buy bread in advance and freeze it in portions. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread as soon as you buy it and defrosting only what you need.