Who is this bread suitable for?

Canteen buyers looking for a wholemeal staple

You want to choose bread for lunch whose wholemeal labelling, ingredients and nutritional values you can check for each product.

Guests who enjoy seeds and extra texture

You’re looking for variety in your bread, perhaps with sunflower seeds or linseed, and want to know which ingredients and allergens come with that choice.

Canteens serving unpackaged bread

You need to be able to tell guests about the allergens in the bread actually being served before they buy it. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority sets requirements for this information when unpackaged food is sold.

What should you look for?

Start by checking that the bread is labelled wholemeal. Then assess the seed mix and how the canteen makes allergen information available when serving it.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Wholemeal base and fibre Check the wholemeal labelling and compare fibre and salt per 100 g on the label. I want to buy bread for regular lunches with a clearly labelled wholemeal base and nutritional values. For around 45% of consumers, being able to check these details is the top priority.
Seeds and texture Check which seeds and kernels the bread contains; don’t rely on the name “multigrain” alone. If I want to offer guests a more satisfying bite, I want to know which seeds give the bread its texture. This is the top priority for around 33% of consumers.
Allergen information at the point of service Keep the allergen information for the exact bread available where it is served, especially if it is offered unpackaged. When serving unpackaged bread, I want to be able to answer questions about allergens before purchase. This is the main concern for around 22% of consumers.

Common mistakes when choosing canteen bread

  • Choosing seeded bread without allergen information for serving

    Even when bread is offered unpackaged, guests must be able to get information about any allergens it contains before purchase, according to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority.

    Keep the latest ingredient and allergen information for each loaf available where it is served, and make sure staff can answer questions about it.

    This also takes time for product labels, updating information and briefing staff.

  • Assuming multigrain means wholemeal

    The name “multigrain” doesn’t tell you whether the bread meets your wholemeal requirements. The seed mix and allergens also vary from recipe to recipe.

    Check the product description and compare the ingredients, allergens, fibre and salt for the exact loaf.

  • Expecting every loaf to contain iodised salt

    Baker’s salt contains added iodine, but bakers aren’t required to use it, according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.

    Check the ingredients list for iodised salt or baker’s salt in the loaf you’ve chosen, or ask the supplier which salt has been used.

  • Treating a product change as the same bread choice

    An alternative loaf may have a different recipe and different allergens, even if the product names look similar.

    Agree on a suitable alternative and check the information given to guests every time the bread changes.

    An unexpected change takes extra time for purchasing and updating the serving information.

Brands to consider for your range

Compare specific loaves in the range: the term “multigrain” alone doesn’t confirm that a bread is wholemeal.

Albert Heijn

AH Biologisch Batard volkoren zonnepit is a specific example of sliced wholemeal bread with seeds.

  • Albert Heijn lists 7,6% sunflower seeds and 8,6 g of fibre per 100 g for this bread.
  • The product lists sesame, soya, barley, spelt and wheat, among other ingredients. Check the current packaging when buying.

Jumbo

Jumbo Volkoren Meergranen Brood shows which seeds and kernels may be included in a multigrain wholemeal recipe.

  • The recipe described contains pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and linseed; Jumbo listed 7,8 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • Check that the variety you want is available, and use the information for the bread you actually buy.

PLUS

A seeded wholemeal variety from PLUS Korenlanders is worth comparing if your canteen is also considering bread with a product-specific reduced-carbohydrate claim.

  • For this variety, PLUS lists 3,2% sesame seeds, 2,7% linseed, sunflower seeds and 12,2 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The listed allergens include wheat, barley, soya and sesame. A reduced-carbohydrate claim doesn’t replace the need to check the full product information.

ALDI

ALDI describes Boeren volkoren meergranen as bread made with grains and seeds.

  • The product description includes both wholemeal and multigrain.
  • Check the packaging for the exact ingredients, allergens and nutritional values before buying.

Lidl

Lidl’s Meergranenbrood is a useful reference if you want to compare local bread made with grains and seeds.

  • Lidl lists wheat, barley and buckwheat, among other ingredients, in the product description.
  • Don’t assume this multigrain variety has a wholemeal base without checking. Read the packaging for allergen and nutritional information too.

Dirk

At Dirk, product names such as Boeren meerzaden and Vloerbrood zonnepit can help you search for the right canteen bread.

  • The range also includes a separate Boeren Extra vezels volkoren variety.
  • For each loaf you choose, check that it is wholemeal and contains the seeds you want, and read the accompanying allergen information.

Seeded wholemeal bread on Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose seeded wholemeal bread for the canteen?

First, choose bread that is clearly labelled as wholemeal. Then compare fibre and salt per 100 g, and check which seeds and allergens the exact product contains.

What allergen information is needed for unpackaged bread?

Information about any allergens present must be available before purchase when bread is sold unpackaged. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority also requires cereals containing gluten and nuts to be specified where necessary. Keep the information up to date for the bread you serve.

Does seeded bread always contain sesame?

No. The seeds and allergens vary from recipe to recipe. For example, AH Biologisch Batard volkoren zonnepit lists sesame, but you should check the ingredient and allergen information for every other loaf.

Does every loaf contain iodised baker’s salt?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the label on the bread you’ve chosen or ask the supplier which salt it contains.