Who is this choice relevant to?

Fans of seeds

You’re looking for a loaf with clearly named seeds to serve as part of a shared meal, and want to choose a whole, half or pre-sliced loaf to suit the number of diners.

Shoppers who want to check it’s wholemeal

You want to combine seeds with a verifiable wholemeal base. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ on its own doesn’t mean that bread is wholemeal.

Shoppers who need to check for allergens

If you have a relevant allergy, check the ingredients and possible traces for each loaf individually. Product information from retailers including Jumbo and PLUS lists cereals containing gluten, sesame or soya, depending on the loaf.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether seeded texture, a verifiable wholemeal base, loaf size or allergen checks matter most for your meal. Then compare the information for the loaf you’re actually planning to buy.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Seeds Look for specific seeds in the ingredients list, such as sunflower seeds, linseed or sesame. When serving bread alongside other dishes, I want to know which seeds it contains rather than relying on the name ‘multigrain’ alone. This seeded texture is the top priority for around 39% of consumers.
Wholemeal and fibre Check whether it’s labelled wholemeal and compare the wholemeal flour content and fibre per 100 g, if available. I want to be able to identify a wholemeal base and compare the nutritional information for different loaves. This is the main purchasing priority for around 31% of consumers.
Size and preparation Compare whole and half loaves, pre-sliced bread, and the storage or baking instructions. For a small gathering, I don’t want to end up with more bread than I need. How much preparation is required also matters when serving it. Around 15% of consumers prioritise this practical consideration.
Allergens Read the latest ingredients and allergen information, including any ‘may contain’ statements, for the specific loaf. If I need to take a relevant allergy into account, I can’t rely on the product name or the appearance of the bread. Around 15% of consumers put allergen checks first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming multigrain means wholemeal

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ refers to the number of grain types used, but doesn’t guarantee that the bread is wholemeal. So the name alone won’t tell you whether the loaf suits a preference for wholemeal bread.

    Look for an explicit wholemeal label and check the ingredients and, where available, the fibre per 100 g.

  • Looking only at the seeds on the front

    Bread with seeds may also contain allergens that aren’t obvious from the front of the pack. Product-specific information from Jumbo and PLUS lists sesame, soya and cereals containing gluten, among other things.

    If you have a relevant allergy, read the latest ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ statements. For unpackaged bread, ask for the allergen information.

  • Buying a whole loaf without a plan for leftovers

    A whole loaf may be more than you want to serve with a small meal, while seeded bread is also available as a half loaf.

    Choose a size that suits the number of diners and follow the storage advice on the packaging for any leftover bread.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers different types of multigrain bread, including artisan-style and sliced loaves.

  • The range gives you options to compare different types of loaf.
  • Check the latest ingredients and allergen information for your chosen loaf before selecting it for its seeds or wholemeal status.

Jumbo

Jumbo describes both a whole and a half wholemeal multigrain loaf with seeds.

  • You can compare the size, ingredients and stated fibre per 100 g of these two loaves.
  • Check the allergens for each version; the whole Stevig Meergranen loaf also lists sesame and soya.

Lidl

Lidl describes its multigrain bread as a hearty loaf made with a mix of grains and seeds.

  • The product description is useful if you’re specifically looking for a seeded loaf.
  • Check the in-store label if the precise ingredients, allergens or wholemeal status will determine your choice.

ALDI

ALDI describes its luxury multigrain artisan-style loaf as pre-sliced bread made with grains and seeds.

  • Pre-sliced bread is ready to serve, with no need to cut it yourself.
  • Check the loaf’s label if you’re looking for wholemeal bread or specific seeds.

PLUS

PLUS offers, among other options, Korenlanders Donker multigrain and Licht Meerzaden, which have different ingredients.

  • PLUS states that Korenlanders Donker contains 50% wholemeal wheat flour and several types of seed.
  • Check the allergens for your chosen version; Licht Meerzaden lists sesame, soya and cereals containing gluten, among other things.

Dirk

Dirk describes its whole multigrain artisan-style loaf as hearty and packed with grains and seeds.

  • The description suits you if seeded texture is your main priority.
  • Check the packaging if specific seeds, wholemeal status or allergens are important to your choice.

Multigrain bread at Joybuy

These round Lekhaven Bakkerij multigrain loaves are options if you want to bake bread for your meal and are looking for a seeded texture. Check the packaging for each loaf separately if wholemeal status, nutritional information or allergens are important to you.

Lekhaven Bakkerij round multigrain bread, 2 × 550 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij round multigrain bread, 2 × 550 g

For a meal where you want to bake round multigrain loaves and are looking for a seeded texture. According to the product name, the pack contains 2 × 550 g. Allow time to defrost and follow the baking instructions on the packaging. Check the pack for the wholemeal label, nutritional information and allergens too.

View on Joybuy
Lekhaven Bakkerij round multigrain bread, 550 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij round multigrain bread, 550 g

For a meal where you want to bake a round multigrain loaf and are looking for a seeded texture. The product name states 550 g; allow time to defrost and bake when planning your meal. Check the pack for the contents, wholemeal label, nutritional information and allergens.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread is made with at least three different types of grain; that alone doesn’t mean it’s wholemeal. Check the wholemeal label and the ingredients for the specific loaf.

Which bread is best for a meal with only a few people?

A half loaf may be a better fit for a small meal if you want to avoid leftovers. Jumbo describes Boeren Donker Volkoren Meergranen Half as a half loaf with seeds. If you do choose a whole loaf, check the storage advice on the packaging.

What should I check if I have an allergy and want seeded bread?

Check the latest ingredients and allergen information for the loaf you’ve chosen, including any ‘may contain’ statements. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains allergen labelling on packaging. The loaves mentioned have different ingredients, including sesame, soya and cereals containing gluten.

Does multigrain bread contain iodine?

You can’t tell from the name ‘multigrain’. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that iodine compounds may be present in bread when baker’s salt is added. Check the ingredients information for the loaf if this is relevant to your choice.