Breakfast fans who specifically want wholemeal
You want seeds in your bread, but you don’t want to assume from the name ‘multigrain’ that it’s entirely wholemeal. Look for the wholemeal label, check the ingredients and compare the fibre per 100 g.
Who is this bread for?
Fans of substantial bread with savoury toppings
You’re looking for a slice with kernels or seeds and a type of loaf that suits your toppings. Compare sliced bread with a crusty loaf or baguette, and factor in the preparation time if you’re choosing bake-at-home bread.
Shoppers who read labels carefully
If allergens or iodised salt are important to your choice, check the latest ingredients and allergen information. Don’t assume another loaf has the same ingredients.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether wholemeal, the texture of the seeds, label information or a suitable size is most important to you. Then compare only the features that are relevant to your choice.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Especially useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the wholemeal label and compare fibre on the same basis, per 100 g. | If I want wholemeal bread, the ingredients need to make that clear; a layer of seeds alone isn’t enough. Around 36% of consumers prioritise wholemeal and fibre when making their choice. |
| Seeds and loaf shape | Check which seeds are listed and whether you’re choosing sliced bread, a crusty loaf or a bake-at-home option. | With substantial savoury toppings, I’m mainly looking for a loaf shape and texture that work well; baking time also matters if I want to finish it in the oven. This is the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Allergens and salt | Read the latest allergen information and check whether iodised salt is explicitly listed in the ingredients. | If sesame or gluten matters to me, or I want to know which salt has been used, the label needs to give me a clear answer. For around 21% of consumers, this is their first consideration. |
| Size and availability | Choose a pack that suits how much you use and check what the retailer in question has available. | If I only have bread for breakfast occasionally, I want to choose an amount I can use or store. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this practical consideration. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming multigrain means wholemeal
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain refers to at least three types of grain. The name doesn’t tell you whether the bread is entirely wholemeal.
Look for the wholemeal label, then check the ingredients and nutrition information for the specific loaf.
-
Overlooking allergens in seeded bread
Seeded bread may contain sesame and gluten-containing grains, among other ingredients. Some products also carry warnings about the possible presence of other allergens.
Check the latest ingredients and allergen information every time you buy, even if you’ve bought the bread before.
-
Assuming every loaf contains iodised salt
The fact that a loaf is sold by a Dutch retailer, or called multigrain, doesn’t tell you which salt has been used in that specific bread.
If it affects your choice, check the ingredients list for iodised salt or baker’s salt.
-
Choosing a loaf shape without considering how much you’ll use
A whole loaf or a pack of bake-at-home bread won’t necessarily suit how often you have it for breakfast.
Compare the pack size and read the storage or freezing instructions before you choose.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
The AH Liefde & Passie Meergranen reviewed is a sliced brown loaf with seeds.
- Albert Heijn lists sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and iodised salt, among other ingredients, and 5,7 g of fibre per 100 g.
- The bread contains both wholemeal wheat flour and wheat flour; the name multigrain doesn’t mean it’s entirely wholemeal.
Jumbo
Jumbo Boeren Donker Volkoren Meergranen Half is an example with an explicit wholemeal label, kernels and seeds.
- Jumbo lists 55,7% wholemeal wheat flour and 8,0 g of fibre per 100 g for this loaf.
- It contains gluten-containing grains and, according to Jumbo, may also contain sesame, milk and soya, among other allergens. Check the latest allergen information.
Lidl
Lidl includes both wholemeal and multigrain options in its oven-fresh bread range.
- There are different types of bread and preparation methods to compare.
- Lidl says its fresh range may vary between stores. Check the ingredients and nutrition information for the loaf you actually choose.
Aldi
Aldi offers Boeren volkoren meergranen in a half-loaf version, as well as part-baked multigrain baguettes from De Afbakker.
- Aldi says De Afbakker baguettes need 8–10 minutes in the oven when you want to bake them for breakfast.
- Check the latest label for the version you choose if the precise ingredients, allergens or nutritional values matter to you.
Plus
PLUS Korenlanders Licht Meerzaden is a whole brown loaf with listed seeds and nutrition information.
- PLUS lists 30% wholemeal wheat flour, sunflower seeds, linseed and sesame seeds, among other ingredients, and 5,5 g of fibre per 100 g.
- It also contains wheat flour. Check the allergen information, and don’t take the label ‘multiseed’ as proof that the bread is entirely wholemeal.
Dirk
Dirk describes its Vloerbrood meergranen heel as a substantial loaf with grains and seeds.
- A crusty loaf could be a good choice if you’re looking for a substantial slice to go with savoury toppings.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and nutrition information for the specific loaf before comparing it on these points.
Multigrain baguettes on Joybuy
These are multigrain baguettes for anyone considering a different type of bread from sliced bread for a savoury breakfast. The Lekhaven options need preparation; for all three products, check the latest packaging if wholemeal content, nutritional values or allergens will affect your choice.
Image unavailable
g'woon Popular Multigrain Baguettes, 2 pieces, 300 g
The pack title describes two multigrain baguettes weighing 300 g in total. If you specifically want wholemeal bread, check the ingredients; only compare fibre values once you know what quantity they refer to.
Check the latest allergen information if wheat or possible traces of sesame are relevant to you. Also check the preparation instructions before choosing these baguettes for breakfast.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette 4 x 135 g x 2
These multigrain baguettes are a good fit for a breakfast when you have time to defrost and bake the bread. Check the baking time on the packaging; product listings give different times.
Check the latest packaging to confirm the number of baguettes. Also check the label if wholemeal content, allergens or iodised salt matter to you.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette 4 x 135 g
This option is for anyone who wants to defrost and bake multigrain baguettes for breakfast. The title says 4 x 135 g; check the number of baguettes on the packaging before choosing a size.
Check the latest label for wholemeal content, allergens and iodised salt. Only compare nutritional values when it’s clear what quantity they refer to.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain bread always wholemeal?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain, but that doesn’t mean it’s entirely wholemeal. Look for the explicit wholemeal label and check the ingredients of the bread you want to buy.
Which allergens should I check in seeded multigrain bread?
Check the allergen information for the specific loaf, including gluten-containing grains and sesame if these are relevant to you. Also look for any warnings about the possible presence of other allergens; ingredients vary between products.
Does Dutch multigrain bread always contain iodised salt?
No, don’t assume that every loaf does. Check the ingredients list for iodised salt or baker’s salt; for the AH Liefde & Passie Meergranen reviewed, Albert Heijn explicitly lists iodised salt.
When should I choose bake-at-home baguettes instead of sliced bread?
Bake-at-home baguettes are a good choice if you have time to prepare them in the oven; sliced bread can be eaten without that step. Aldi gives an oven time of 8–10 minutes for the part-baked De Afbakker multigrain baguettes reviewed. For another product, follow the instructions on its packaging.