For a barbecue, first choose bread that is clearly labelled wholemeal, then check which seeds it contains. A wholemeal multiseed loaf is a good choice for topped slices; if sunflower seeds are what you’re after, a wholemeal sunflower seed loaf is a more focused option. A wholemeal baguette is handy for sharing, but it won’t necessarily contain seeds.
Planning to serve burgers, grilled vegetables or spreads on bread? Look for a wholemeal loaf with clearly listed seeds, and choose a slice thickness that suits the toppings. Check the allergens before serving it, too.
Do you mainly want to taste sunflower, pumpkin, linseed or sesame seeds? Check which seeds the bread actually contains. A dark colour or the term ‘multigrain’ does not, on its own, mean that it is wholemeal.
If ingredients such as cereals containing gluten, sesame, soya or nuts are a concern, up-to-date allergen information matters more than the shape of the loaf or its seed mix. Ask for this information before choosing unpackaged bread.
First, check that it is labelled wholemeal and look at the ingredients. Then choose a seed texture and serving style to suit your toppings, and read the allergen information before buying.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Seed texture and toppings | Check which seeds are listed and whether you want to serve the bread in slices. Albert Heijn lists pumpkin seeds, linseed, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds in AH Les Pains Boulogne. | If I want to pile toppings onto my bread, I look for a slice with a distinct seed texture. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this combination of texture and serving style. |
| Wholemeal base and fibre | Check that it is labelled wholemeal and compare nutritional values on the same basis, such as fibre per 100 g. Albert Heijn lists 8,3 g of fibre per 100 g for AH Les Pains Boulogne; Jumbo lists 7,6 g per 100 g for Stevig Volkoren Zonnepit. | I want to be sure the bread is made with wholemeal flour, and I use the fibre information to compare loaves. For around 29% of consumers, this is their main concern, ahead of the choice of seeds. |
| Serving style | Choose slices, rolls or pieces of baguette depending on whether you want to add toppings or serve the bread with dips. Check the seeds and wholemeal status separately. | If everyone is helping themselves to bread to dip, I want something that’s easy to share. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this serving style. |
| Allergens and baker’s salt | Read the up-to-date ingredients and allergen information. Check separately whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed, if this is relevant to your choice. | If someone at the table needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in the bread before serving it. Around 14% of consumers give checking the label this highest priority. |
Seeds don’t determine whether the bread is made with wholemeal flour. You could end up choosing a loaf with the seeds you want, but without the wholemeal base you’re looking for.
Check that it is labelled wholemeal and read the ingredients, then see which seeds have been added.
According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers are not required to use baker’s salt. So the word ‘wholemeal’ does not tell you whether the bread was made with baker’s salt.
Look for baker’s salt or iodised salt on the label, or ask about it when buying unpackaged bread.
Seeded bread may contain sesame, cereals containing gluten or soya, among other things. Warnings about the possible presence of other allergens also vary between products. Recipes can change, too.
Check the up-to-date information every time you buy, and ask about allergens before taking unpackaged bread home.
Raw food can come into contact with bread that’s ready to eat via serving dishes, cutlery and hands. The Voedingscentrum advises keeping raw and cooked foods separate when barbecuing.
Use a clean breadboard and separate serving utensils for the bread and toppings.
AH Les Pains Boulogne is a wholemeal multiseed loaf for anyone looking for a range of seeds in slices to top.
Stevig Volkoren Zonnepit is a wholemeal loaf for anyone mainly looking for sunflower seeds.
Boeren volkoren meergranen is a whole loaf that ALDI describes as bread with grains and seeds.
Lidl offers an 800 g sunflower seed loaf, baked fresh in store, for anyone looking for that seed texture.
PLUS Boeren volkoren and Korenlanders Stokbrood volkoren offer different ways to serve bread.
Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Bakkers Multikorn volkoren as a half loaf, alongside wholemeal rolls and wholemeal baguettes.
No. Seeds can also be added to bread that isn’t made with wholemeal flour. First check whether the product is labelled wholemeal, then see which seeds are listed in the ingredients.
No, not every baker uses baker’s salt. The Voedingscentrum says that bakers are not required to use it. Check the label or ask which salt has been used when buying unpackaged bread.
Check the up-to-date allergen information for the bread you want to buy, not just the name of the seed mix. Look out for cereals containing gluten and sesame, among other things, and read any warnings about the possible presence of other allergens. Ask for the information before buying unpackaged bread.
Keep bread and toppings separate from raw meat and fish. Use clean serving dishes, a separate breadboard and separate cutlery. The Voedingscentrum advises keeping raw and cooked foods separate when barbecuing.
