Parents looking at wholegrain and fibre
When choosing bread for a school lunch, you can compare the wholegrain information and nutritional details. The Voedingscentrum recommends wholemeal and brown bread for children because of their fibre content.
Who are these choices relevant to?
Families who want seeds in their bread
If the texture of seeds matters to you, check which seeds are actually listed in the ingredients. The Veldkeuken, for example, lists sunflower seeds, linseed and pumpkin seeds in its seeded rye bread.
Families checking allergens and school rules
If a food allergy or gluten-free diet is a concern, the allergen information is essential. Also check whether the school or after-school club has rules about food brought from home; don’t assume the same rules apply everywhere.
What should you look for when choosing?
If seeds are a must, start with the ingredients. Then compare the wholegrain information and fibre content, and check the allergens before putting the bread in a lunchbox.
| What to look for | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholegrain and fibre | Check the wholegrain information and compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutritional information. | If I’m mainly looking for a wholegrain base with fibre for lunch, I want to be able to compare similar breads side by side. Around 44% of consumers put wholegrain and fibre first. |
| Seeds and texture | Look for specific seeds in the ingredients list, such as linseed, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. | If I want extra texture, I need to know whether the bread really contains seeds rather than relying on the product name. Around 33% of consumers prioritise seeds and texture. |
| Allergens and school rules | Read the current allergen information and check any rules set by the school or after-school club. | If allergens or school rules are a factor, I need to know what can go in the lunchbox and what’s suitable. This is the top priority for around 23% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all dark rye bread contains seeds
The ingredients list for Bolletje Rye Bread on Joybuy names rye and wheat bran, but no seeds. So the dark colour or product name is no substitute for checking the ingredients.
Look for the seeds you want, such as linseed, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
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Confusing rye bread with gluten-free seeded bread
Rye is a gluten-containing grain. Rye bread is therefore not gluten-free; gluten-free seeded bread without rye is a different type of bread, even if an online product title is confusing.
If you’re choosing a gluten-free option, rely on the ingredients and allergen information for that specific product, not just the category or title.
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Assuming all rye bread is made with baker’s salt
The name ‘rye bread’ doesn’t tell you which salt was used to make it. So don’t assume every product will have the same iodine information.
Check the label or ask the baker which salt was used if this is important to your choice.
Brands to consider
De Veldkeuken
De Veldkeuken describes a specific variety of seeded rye bread.
- According to the product page, this variety is 80% wholegrain and includes sunflower seeds, linseed, millet and pumpkin seeds.
- The product information lists gluten, rye and oats, and says it may contain sesame. Check the current label before including it in a school lunch.
Bolletje
Bolletje offers standard varieties of rye bread; check each one to see whether it meets your requirements for seeds.
- The Joybuy product information for Bolletje Rye Bread lists 56% wholegrain cracked rye and 9.1 g of fibre per 100 g.
- The ingredients list for this variety doesn’t mention any seeds. Its fibre content doesn’t automatically make it seeded rye bread.
Brood van Soma
Jumbo and PLUS list a range of Brood van Soma breads in their online rye bread categories.
- The categories include wholegrain rye bread and Oberländer varieties.
- Don’t assume a variety contains seeds based on its type of bread; check the ingredients on the packaging you choose.
Rye bread on Joybuy
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Does rye bread contain gluten?
Yes, rye is a gluten-containing grain. Rye bread made with rye is therefore not gluten-free; also check the allergen information for the specific product.
How can I tell whether rye bread really contains seeds?
Look for specific seeds in the ingredients list. For example, De Veldkeuken lists sunflower seeds, linseed and pumpkin seeds in its seeded rye bread. The name ‘rye bread’ alone doesn’t tell you whether it contains seeds.
Should I check for sesame when choosing a school lunch?
Check whether sesame is listed if this is relevant to your child or the rules at their school or after-school club. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists sesame seeds and gluten-containing grains as allergens that consumers must be informed about. Check the current allergen information for the bread you choose.
How can I check whether rye bread contains baker’s salt?
Check the label or ask the baker which salt was used to make it. The product name ‘rye bread’ doesn’t tell you which salt was used or whether iodine is listed.