Parents of a fussy eater who is sensitive to texture
When choosing a roll for a meal, consider whether visible seeds, the crust or an unexpected bite might make it less appealing. A familiar-looking option may matter more than variety in the grains.
A seeded roll may be a good option if the person eating it is happy with visible seeds and the texture of the bread. If either is a sticking point, try a less conspicuous option with a familiar filling. Also check the ingredients, allergens and baking instructions for each product. If you’re counting bread as a source of iodine, check whether baker’s salt has been used: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, not all bakers use it.
When choosing a roll for a meal, consider whether visible seeds, the crust or an unexpected bite might make it less appealing. A familiar-looking option may matter more than variety in the grains.
If you’re considering a multiseed roll, you’ll want to know which ingredients and allergens it contains before serving it. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists sesame seeds and gluten-containing cereals among the allergens that must be declared.
For these households, the question is whether baker’s salt was used in the roll they’ve chosen. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, this isn’t the case with every loaf, and organic bread usually doesn’t contain baker’s salt.
Start with what the person eating the roll is happy with in terms of appearance and texture. Then compare the latest product information and, if it matters to your choice, check which salt has been used.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Seeds and texture | Check how visible the seeds are and whether the crust suits what the person eating it is willing to try. | If visible seeds or a different texture make mealtimes difficult, I’d offer a familiar-looking roll first. Around 42% of consumers put predictable texture first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the latest label; for loose rolls, ask for allergen information. Look out for sesame seeds and gluten-containing cereals, among other things. | When I serve a multiseed roll, I want to know in advance which ingredients and allergens it contains. For around 33% of consumers, this check is their top priority. |
| Dietary choices and iodine | Compare the nutritional information for each product and look for baker’s salt or iodised salt if iodine from bread is relevant to your choice. | I want to be able to assess bread’s place in my diet without drawing conclusions from the words ‘multigrain’ or ‘organic’. Around 25% of consumers give this priority. |
A roll might be rejected because of its visible seeds or texture, even if you’re keen to offer more variety.
Make texture your first consideration. If possible, try one roll, or choose a less conspicuous option with a familiar filling.
‘Multiseed’ doesn’t tell you which allergens are in the roll you’ve chosen. Product information can also change.
Check the packaging every time you buy. For unwrapped rolls, ask the seller for allergen information; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says this information must also be available for unpackaged foods.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt, and organic bread usually doesn’t contain it. ‘Sourdough’, ‘multigrain’ and ‘multiseed’ don’t tell you either way.
If the type of salt used matters to your choice, check the ingredients list or ask the baker about loose rolls.
Jumbo lists a four-pack of multiseed rolls, weighing 300 g in total.
PLUS lists 300 g packs of multigrain rolls, as well as a separate Korenlanders sourdough option.
Albert Heijn lists, among other products, a brown sourdough roll with seeds and organic multigrain rolls.
It can be, if they’re happy with visible seeds and the texture of the roll. If either is a sticking point, try a less conspicuous option first and keep the filling familiar.
For a pre-packed roll, read the latest label; for an unwrapped roll, ask the seller for allergen information. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, information must be provided about allergens including sesame seeds and gluten-containing cereals.
No, you can’t tell from the product name. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers don’t have to use baker’s salt, and organic bread usually doesn’t contain it. Check the ingredients or ask the baker.
Follow the instructions for the specific product. PLUS recommends baking its Multigrain Rolls for 8–10 minutes at 220 °C; the instructions may differ for other rolls.