Who is this choice relevant to?

Parents comparing wholegrain ingredients and fibre

You want to check whether the bread is wholemeal and how much fibre it contains per 100 g for tea time. The word ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you that on its own.

Parents checking allergens and school rules

You’re packing bread for school or childcare and need to consider your child’s dietary needs or allergen rules. If your child has a relevant allergy or coeliac disease, the latest product information is key; ordinary multigrain bread isn’t automatically suitable.

Families looking to serve smaller portions

You’re looking for a shape that’s easy to share at tea time. Multigrain rolls are another serving option besides slices from a whole loaf.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether the type of bread, allergens or serving size will guide your choice. Then compare the information on the packaging of the breads that meet your needs.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this most important for?
Wholegrain ingredients and fibre Read the bread description and compare the fibre content per 100 g in the nutritional information. If the bread’s composition determines my choice, I want to know whether ‘multigrain’ also means wholemeal. For around 33% of consumers, a wholegrain base and the ability to compare fibre are top priorities.
Allergens and school rules Check the latest ingredients and allergen information, and ask about the rules at school or childcare. When packing a lunch, I want to be sure the bread suits my child’s dietary needs and complies with school rules. This is the first concern for an estimated 27% of consumers.
Texture and portions Check which seeds the bread contains and choose between slices and small rolls. My child prefers a small portion or doesn’t like a crust with lots of seeds. That’s why around 20% of consumers prioritise texture and serving size.
Availability and storage Check where the bread is available and follow the storage instructions for the product you choose. I want to be able to pick up the bread with my usual shopping and keep it until it’s time to eat. For around 20% of consumers, practical planning matters most.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘wholemeal’

    Multigrain bread can contain wheat flour as well as wholemeal flour. For example, PLUS states that Korenlanders Licht Meerzaden contains 30% wholemeal wheat flour and 22% wheat flour.

    Read the bread description and ingredients, and always compare fibre per 100 g.

  • Focusing mainly on the seeds

    The breads described contain cereals with gluten; other ingredients or allergen warnings may also be relevant for individual products.

    Read the label on the bread you’re buying. If it’s for school or childcare, also check the local rules about allergens.

  • Assuming a product page means it’s always available

    Albert Heijn marks AH Zaans meergranen as ‘discontinued’, while Lidl lists its Meergranenbrood as an in-store product. So finding a product online doesn’t mean it will be available through your preferred way of shopping.

    Check the product’s current status with the retailer where you plan to shop, just before you go.

Brands to consider

Jumbo

Jumbo describes both wholemeal seeded multigrain breads and a brown Waldkorn multigrain bread.

  • Jumbo lists 8,6 g of fibre per 100 g for Stevig Meergranen, 8,0 g for Boeren Donker Volkoren Meergranen and 6,7 g for Waldkorn Meergranen.
  • The varieties described contain cereals with gluten. Check the allergen information for each individual bread.

PLUS

PLUS describes Korenlanders Licht Meerzaden as a whole brown loaf with seeds and kernels.

  • According to PLUS, this bread contains 30% wholemeal wheat flour, 22% wheat flour and 5,5 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The presence of wholemeal flour doesn’t mean the entire loaf is wholemeal.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn describes AH Zaans meergranen as a brown multigrain bread with grains and seeds.

  • The product information lists 5,9 g of dietary fibre per 100 g and mentions iodised salt.
  • Albert Heijn marks this particular bread as ‘discontinued’. Check any alternative separately.

ALDI

ALDI describes Boeren volkoren meergranen as a whole loaf with grains and seeds, available to buy in store.

  • The product description mentions both grains and seeds.
  • For a comparison of fibre and allergens, read the nutritional information on the packaging.

Lidl

Lidl describes its Meergranenbrood as an in-store product made with a mix of grains and seeds.

  • Lidl mentions wheat, barley and buckwheat, among other ingredients, in the product description.
  • In store, check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for the bread you’re buying.

Dirk

Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Multikorn multigrain rolls with seeds and kernels as an alternative to a whole loaf.

  • According to Dirk, the pack contains four rolls, so you can serve them individually.
  • Check the label if fibre or specific allergens will affect your choice.

Multigrain bread at Joybuy

This round multigrain bread from Lekhaven Bakkerij is a good option if you’re looking for seeded bread to serve at tea time. Before serving, check the latest ingredients, allergen information and preparation instructions.

Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round 550 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round 550 g

An option if you’d like to serve round multigrain bread with seeds at tea time. If you have a relevant allergy, pay particular attention to the latest information about wheat and sesame. Also check the packaging for instructions on how to prepare the bread.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. The name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t confirm that a bread is entirely wholemeal. PLUS lists both 30% wholemeal wheat flour and 22% wheat flour for Korenlanders Licht Meerzaden. So read the bread description and compare fibre per 100 g.

Can you pack seeded multigrain bread for school?

That depends on the ingredients in the bread you choose, your child’s dietary needs and the rules at their school. The examples described contain cereals with gluten; also check the current packaging for sesame and any other relevant allergens.

Does multigrain bread always contain iodine?

Don’t assume it does based on the name of the bread. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds can be present in bread through bakers’ salt. If the type of salt used matters to your choice, check the ingredients.

How should you store bread for tea time later on?

Follow the storage instructions for the bread you actually buy. Jumbo and PLUS advise storing the products described in a cool, dry and dark place; check the packaging for other breads.