If you want bread with seeds and a wholemeal flour base for a street festival, first look for the word ‘wholemeal’, then check which seeds are listed in the ingredients. Choose a whole or half loaf if you want to make sandwiches at home, or rolls if individual portions would suit you better. If you opt for part-baked bread, remember to prepare it before you leave. Whatever you choose, check the allergens, storage instructions and use-by date.
You want the texture of seeds and kernels, but you’re not choosing bread based on the word ‘multigrain’ alone. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the name by itself doesn’t mean a loaf is wholemeal. So first look for the word ‘wholemeal’, then check the seeds in the ingredients list.
If someone in your group needs to avoid certain ingredients, you’ll want to know before buying which gluten-containing cereals, sesame or other allergens are listed for the bread you’ve chosen. Check the current packaging, or ask for allergen information if the bread is sold loose.
You can choose between sandwiches made from a whole or half loaf and individual rolls you can prepare at home. The size, any baking instructions, storage advice and use-by date will help you decide what fits your plans.
When choosing seeded bread, first decide what matters most for your festival meal: the flour base, the seed mix, allergen information or preparation. Then check that feature on the specific product.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the word ‘wholemeal’. If you want to compare nutritional values, use the fibre information per 100 g for both loaves. | I mainly want to know what the flour base is made from, even if the bread is topped with kernels. For around 25% of consumers, choosing wholemeal is the top priority. |
| Seeds and kernels | Check which seeds and kernels are actually listed in the ingredients. | The specific seed mix determines whether the bread has the texture I’m looking for. Around 19% of consumers put this first. |
| Allergens | Check the current allergen information, including any warnings about possible cross-contamination. | If someone in my group needs to avoid an allergen, I need to be able to check this before buying bread. For around 31% of consumers, this is the top priority. |
| Portions and preparation | Compare the size or number of pieces, and read the preparation, storage and use-by information. | I want to prepare the bread at home and take an amount that suits us. For around 25% of consumers, practical planning is the deciding factor. |
Seeded bread can also be made partly with wheat flour. The Korenlanders multiseed bread described by PLUS contains both wholemeal wheat flour and wheat flour.
If you want wholemeal bread, look specifically for the word ‘wholemeal’ first. Then use the ingredients list to choose your seeds.
Seeded bread may contain sesame or gluten-containing cereals, for example. The relevant allergens vary by product and recipe.
Before buying, read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging. If the bread is sold loose, ask what allergen information is available.
A fresh whole or half loaf and part-baked rolls don’t need the same preparation. This matters if you want to slice or prepare everything before you leave.
First decide how many portions you need, then check the preparation instructions, storage method and use-by date for that product.
Albert Heijn offers a range of multigrain breads, including whole loaves and a multigrain triangle loaf.
Jumbo offers, among other options, a half wholemeal multigrain loaf with kernels and seeds, as well as a pack of multigrain rolls.
PLUS describes a 400 g Korenlanders light multiseed half loaf containing sunflower seeds, linseed and sesame seeds, among other ingredients.
Lidl describes a multigrain bread made with a mix of grains and seeds.
Aldi lists, among other options, farmhouse wholemeal multigrain bread and multigrain bread with grains and seeds.
Dirk shows a range of bread types, including half loaves and part-baked bread.
These Joybuy products include multigrain baguettes and round multigrain loaves, for anyone looking for individual portions or a loaf to slice at home. If wholemeal flour, specific seeds or allergens matter to you, don’t choose based on the word ‘multigrain’ alone.
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The pack contains two baguettes, which could be handy if you want to take individual portions. Check the packaging for the seeds and allergens listed for this product, and make sure the flour base suits your preferences.
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The baguette shape works well for portions you can prepare individually. Check the total quantity on the packaging and follow the defrosting and baking instructions before taking them with you. Also check the current allergen information.
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The round loaf is a good option if you want to slice it at home. Plan ahead for defrosting and baking according to the packaging before slicing, and check the seeds and allergens for this variety too.
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This 550 g round loaf is a good fit for a meal where you want to make your own slices at home. Follow the packaging instructions for defrosting and baking, especially the baking time, and check the current allergen information.
No. Seeds and the name ‘multigrain’ don’t prove that the flour base is wholemeal. If that’s your priority, look for the word ‘wholemeal’; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre also distinguishes between multigrain bread and wholemeal bread.
Ask for the allergen information available for the bread before you buy it. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, information must be provided about allergens present in non-prepacked foods. For gluten-containing cereals and nuts, the specific types must be made clear.
No, this doesn’t follow from the rules on adding iodine. The Dutch Commodities Act Decree on the Addition of Micronutrients to Foods, in the supplied version of the legislation effective from 14 November 2014, permits iodine to be added to bread and other specified bakery products only via baker’s salt, at a maximum of 65 mg of iodine per kg of salt. Check the ingredients list on your chosen loaf to see which salt is listed.
