When choosing multigrain bread for Easter lunch, don't judge it by the seeds you can see. If wholemeal and fibre matter to you, check the ingredients and nutritional information for the specific loaf. Then choose a whole loaf or individual rolls to suit the way you want to serve them. If any guests have allergies, always check the current label, including any warnings about possible traces.
You want to know whether a multigrain loaf is actually wholemeal before serving it at Easter lunch. The name alone won't tell you; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends checking the bread's ingredients.
You're looking for bread whose shape and texture will work well with your toppings. You can slice and share a whole loaf, while individual rolls let each guest top their own portion.
You want to know which allergens and possible traces are listed on the packaging before serving the bread. This is especially important if a guest has a food allergy or another strict dietary requirement.
First decide whether wholemeal, how you plan to serve the bread or your guests' dietary needs will be the deciding factor. Then compare only products whose current ingredients and nutritional information you can check.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it's important for |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check whether the bread is explicitly labelled wholemeal and compare fibre on the same basis, for example per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that multigrain does not automatically mean wholemeal. | I want to avoid mistaking bread made with several types of grain for wholemeal bread; around 33% of consumers put checking wholemeal content and fibre first. |
| Seeds and serving size | Check which seeds are listed and choose between a whole or half loaf, baguette or individual rolls to suit the way you plan to serve them. | For a table where guests can top their own bread, I'm mainly looking for a suitable shape and texture; around 27% of consumers prioritise ease of serving. |
| Allergens | Read the label on the bread you buy, including information about possible traces. Check for allergens that are relevant to your guests. | If a guest has a food allergy, I need to know whether this particular bread is suitable; around 27% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
| Where to shop and planning | Check your local store's range shortly before buying, along with the available bread formats and any ordering or collection options. | I want to have the bread in time without assuming a store will always have it in stock; around 13% of consumers put this planning first. |
Multigrain refers to several types of grain, not necessarily to using the whole grain. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that multigrain bread can also be made with refined flour.
Is wholemeal important to you? Look for that description on the specific product and compare its fibre per 100 g with any bread you're considering as an alternative.
Seeded bread can contain various allergens. For example, Jumbo lists cereals containing gluten, sesame and soya for its Waldkorn multigrain bread.
Ask which allergens are relevant to your guests and read the packaging of the bread you're actually serving. If someone needs to avoid a particular ingredient, choose a separate suitable product rather than relying on the bread category.
Ingredients and allergy information can change. A bread shown online also doesn't necessarily reflect what's available at your local store on the day you shop.
Check your store's options shortly before Easter lunch and read the label again when you buy the bread.
The fact that iodised salt is listed for one loaf tells you nothing about the ingredients of another.
If you want to know which salt is listed in a specific product, check that loaf's ingredients list.
These examples show the types of bread you could compare. Check ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for each product individually.
Albert Heijn describes its AH Triangel multigrain brown roll, weighing 90 g, as a lunch roll.
The brown Waldkorn multigrain bread is a whole loaf with kernels and seeds.
Lidl describes a hearty multigrain bread made with a mix of grains and seeds, including wheat, barley and buckwheat.
ALDI describes both a seeded multigrain baguette and a half loaf of farmhouse wholemeal multigrain bread.
PLUS Korenlanders Light Multiseed Bread is available as a whole or half loaf.
Dirk describes a whole multigrain hearth-baked loaf with grains and seeds, as well as a separate half loaf of multigrain bread.
These multigrain loaves and rolls come in a range of formats for Easter lunch: round loaves to share, a baguette and individual rolls. Check the seeds, ingredients and nutritional information for each version if they affect your choice.
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Slice and share this round loaf at Easter lunch. The product name indicates two 550 g loaves; remember to allow time for defrosting and baking when planning your lunch. Check the packaging for listed seeds and allergens, and compare fibre per 100 g if that matters to your choice.
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This 550 g round loaf is a good option if you want to slice a single loaf for lunch. Allow time for defrosting and baking, and follow the instructions on the packaging. Check the label for ingredients, allergens and fibre per 100 g if these affect your choice.
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The baguette format is a good choice if you'd like to serve individual loaves at Easter lunch. Check the number of baguettes on the packaging before planning portions, and allow time for defrosting and baking. Read the label if the seeds, allergens or fibre content will affect your choice.
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Four individual rolls make it easy to prepare a portion for each guest. If anyone has a sesame allergy, check the current label before serving: the available product information lists sesame both as an allergen and as a possible trace. Also check the ingredients and fibre per 100 g if wholemeal or fibre content matters to you.
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that multigrain bread can also be made with refined flour. Look for the word wholemeal on the bread you want to buy, and compare fibre on the same basis, for example per 100 g.
Check the label on the bread you've chosen for any allergens relevant to your guests, including warnings about possible traces. For example, cereals containing gluten, sesame and soya are listed for Jumbo's Waldkorn multigrain bread; other products may have different ingredients.
You can't tell from the name multigrain bread. Albert Heijn lists iodised salt in its multigrain triangle roll; for other bread, check its own ingredients list.
Follow the storage instructions for the bread you buy. Jumbo and PLUS recommend storing the products mentioned here in a cool, dry place away from light. If a loaf needs defrosting or baking, allow time for each step and follow the instructions on the packaging.
