Who are these choices relevant to?

Parents comparing seeds and fibre

For parents and carers who want to see which seeds have been added and compare the fibre per 100 g, or per stated serving, with that of other breads.

Parents checking for allergens

For anyone who needs to check the listed grains, allergens and any cross-contamination warnings against their child’s needs and the school’s rules before packing lunch.

Households using one pack for several lunches

For anyone who wants the pack size and after-opening storage instructions to suit the number of lunches they need to prepare.

What should you look for in seeded rye bread?

For a packed lunch, check the allergens and school rules first. Then compare the ingredients on a like-for-like basis and choose a pack you can use in line with the storage instructions.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Grains, seeds and fibre Check which grains and seeds are listed in the ingredients. Compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutritional information. I want seeds in my lunch bread and a way to compare fibre without relying on the word ‘multigrain’ alone. This ingredient mix is the top priority for around 42% of consumers.
Gluten and other allergens Read the current allergen information, including any relevant ‘may contain’ statements, and check the school’s rules. If a child has a relevant dietary restriction, I want to know whether the bread can be taken to school. For around 33% of consumers, allergens and school rules come first.
Storage and pack size Check the storage instructions for after opening and whether you’ll use the pack within the stated period. If one pack is intended for several lunches, I want to make sure its storage requirements work for us. This is the most important factor for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes when choosing

  • Assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘mostly rye’

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain. The term doesn’t tell you which grain is most prominent or which seeds have been added.

    Read the ingredients list and compare the stated amount of rye or wholemeal rye, and the seeds listed, with what you’re looking for.

  • Looking at the seeds alone

    Bread with linseed or kernels may also contain gluten-containing grains and list other allergens. For example, Jumbo’s Tarwe Roggebrood Mehrkorn contains several grains and may contain soya.

    Check the packaging of the product you’re buying and, where there are relevant dietary restrictions, make sure your choice complies with the arrangements made with the school.

  • Choosing a pack without a storage plan

    An opened pack may be used for several lunches, but storage instructions vary from product to product.

    Choose a suitable pack size and follow the instructions on the label. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists freezing as an option for storing dark rye bread.

Brands to consider

Jumbo

Jumbo describes its 500 g Tarwe Roggebrood Mehrkorn as a variety containing, among other ingredients, brown linseed and sunflower seeds.

  • The product information lists the ingredients, allergens and 6.1 g of fibre per 100 g, making it easy to compare this variety on those points.
  • As well as rye, the bread contains other gluten-containing grains. Check the statement about possible soya too.

TerraSana

Linseed is listed as a separate ingredient in TerraSana Roggebrood met Lijnzaad.

  • The ingredients list published by Jumbo names 5% linseed, alongside ingredients including rye and water.
  • Rye contains gluten. Also check the current packaging for statements about possible milk, nuts, soya and sesame.

Soma

PLUS lists several Soma rye bread varieties, including a wholemeal variety.

  • For the wholemeal variety, PLUS lists 25% wholemeal rye flour and 21% cracked rye.
  • That doesn’t automatically make the wholemeal variety a bread with the seeds you’re looking for. Check the ingredients and allergens for each variety.

Bolletje

Bolletje offers, among other products, a light wholemeal rye bread variety in sliced form.

  • A pack of sliced bread may suit anyone who wants to portion out their packed lunches in advance.
  • The light wholemeal variety described contains rye and wheat. Don’t assume it is seeded bread based on the brand name alone.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can seeded rye bread be part of a gluten-free packed lunch for school?

No. Rye bread isn’t gluten-free because rye contains gluten. Also check the chosen pack for any other listed gluten-containing grains and allergens, and take the school’s rules into account.

Does ‘multigrain’ tell you how much rye or how many seeds the bread contains?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain; the name alone doesn’t tell you which grain is most prominent. Check the ingredients list for rye and seeds, and compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutritional information.

How should I store an opened pack of dark rye bread?

Follow the instructions on the packaging of the bread you’ve chosen. For dark rye bread, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends two weeks in the fridge and one to three months in the freezer. Check whether your product’s label gives more specific instructions.

How can I tell whether the rye bread contains iodised salt?

Read the ingredients list on the packaging you’ve chosen. For example, Jumbo lists iodised salt in its Tarwe Roggebrood Mehrkorn. Don’t assume every rye bread uses the same type of salt just because it belongs to the same product category.