Who is this choice relevant to?

Fans of a seeded texture

You want seeds or kernels in your rye bread, not just a dark colour or a multigrain name. Check whether the ingredients list includes linseed or sunflower seeds, for example.

Readers of nutrition labels

You compare the wholegrain rye base and the stated fibre per 100 g. For you, seeds are an added feature, not a measure of nutritional value.

Consumers with questions about ingredients

You want to know which grains and potential allergens a loaf contains, or what type of salt has been used. That means checking the label for the specific variety.

What should you look for when choosing?

Multigrain or waldkorn rye bread

Choose this if: you’re looking for a mix of seeds and kernels. The Jumbo and Soma varieties described both list linseed and sunflower seeds.

Bear in mind: these varieties also contain other grains, including wheat. A multigrain name doesn’t confirm that the base is entirely wholegrain.

Wholegrain rye bread with linseed

Choose this if: a clearly stated wholegrain rye base and linseed matter more to you than a mix of different seeds.

Bear in mind: Smaakt Roggebrood bio lists linseed, but not sunflower seeds, and states that it contains sea salt.

Classic Frisian rye bread

Choose this if: you want a dense slice of rye bread and seeds aren’t a must.

Bear in mind: the label for Bolletje Fries Roggebrood doesn’t list any seeds or kernels.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Seeds and kernels Look for the seeds or kernels you want in the ingredients list. Also check which grains make up the bread’s base. I’m specifically looking for the texture of linseed and seeds, and don’t want to rely on the name alone. Around 40% of consumers put that seeded texture first.
Wholegrain base and fibre Check whether wholegrain rye is listed and compare the fibre per 100 g on the label. If the grain base determines my choice, I don’t want to confuse seeds with wholegrain rye. For around 40% of consumers, the wholegrain base and fibre content are the top priorities.
Allergens and type of salt Read the latest allergen information. If you have a question about iodine, check which type of salt is listed in the ingredients. I need to know which grains the bread contains or what type of salt has been used before I choose it. Checking the ingredients is the top priority for around 20% of consumers.

Common assumptions

  • A multigrain name means the bread contains seeds

    A name such as waldkorn doesn’t tell you which seeds or kernels have been used. The product information for Jumbo Tarwe Roggebrood Mehrkorn and Soma Waldkorn does list linseed and sunflower seeds for those specific varieties.

    Read the ingredients list for the bread you want to buy and look for the seeds that matter to you.

  • Seeds automatically mean wholegrain rye bread

    The types of seeds and the grain base are separate features. The stated fibre content also varies from one product to another.

    Check the wholegrain ingredients and compare the nutritional information per 100 g, rather than relying on the front of the pack alone.

  • All rye bread contains iodised salt

    The type of salt varies between products: Jumbo lists iodised salt for its Tarwe Roggebrood Mehrkorn, while PLUS lists sea salt for Smaakt Roggebrood bio.

    If added iodine is one of your selection criteria, check the label for the type of salt used.

  • You can check allergens later

    The rye breads described contain grains that contain gluten. The Soma Waldkorn variety examined also states that the product may contain nuts.

    For pre-packed bread, read the latest allergen information before buying. For unpackaged bread, ask for this information before you order.

Brands to consider

Brood van Soma

PLUS lists several rye and wheat varieties from Brood van Soma, including Waldkorn and Oberländer. Their features vary from loaf to loaf.

  • Albert Heijn’s product information lists sunflower seeds and linseed for Soma Waldkorn rye bread. This variety contains 7.6 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • This Waldkorn variety also contains wheat, oats and barley, and may contain nuts. This doesn’t tell you anything about the ingredients in other Soma varieties.

Jumbo

Jumbo Tarwe Roggebrood Mehrkorn is a rye and wheat bread whose ingredients list includes both grains and seeds.

  • Jumbo lists brown linseed and sunflower seeds. The stated fibre content is 6.1 g per 100 g.
  • This variety contains several grains that contain gluten and lists preservatives. It isn’t made from rye alone.

Smaakt

Smaakt Roggebrood bio is a wholegrain rye bread with linseed, for anyone looking for this combination rather than several types of seeds.

  • PLUS’s product information lists 53% wholegrain cracked rye grains, 5% linseed and 11 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The ingredients include sea salt, so don’t assume this variety contains iodised baker’s salt. The bread contains grains that contain gluten.

Bolletje

Bolletje Fries Roggebrood is a classic option to compare if a seeded texture isn’t essential.

  • Jumbo lists 56% wholegrain cracked rye and 9.1 g of fibre per 100 g for this variety.
  • The ingredients list doesn’t mention any seeds or kernels, but does list wheat bran.

Related products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is seeded rye bread automatically wholegrain?

No. The presence of seeds tells you nothing about the grain base. Check the ingredients list for wholegrain rye and compare the stated fibre per 100 g.

Is seeded rye bread gluten-free?

No. The seeded varieties described here contain rye, a grain that contains gluten, as well as other grains. Check the latest allergen information for the variety you’re considering.

How can I tell if rye bread contains iodised salt?

Check the type of salt in the ingredients list for the specific bread. Jumbo lists iodised salt for Tarwe Roggebrood Mehrkorn, while Smaakt Roggebrood bio lists sea salt. So don’t judge by the type of bread alone.

How should I store pre-packed rye bread after opening?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging of the bread you’ve bought. Look out for any separate guidance on shelf life and storage after opening.

Where can I find allergen information for rye bread?

For pre-packed rye bread, the allergen information is on the label. For unpackaged bread, this information must be available in another way according to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. If you need it, ask before you order.