Who is this choice relevant to?

Families serving bread with dinner

A coarser wholemeal loaf can work well with soup, salad or toppings if everyone at the table enjoys a hearty texture. Visible seeds are a matter of texture, not proof that the bread is wholemeal.

Families with different texture preferences

If not everyone enjoys whole seeds, it’s worth comparing finer wholemeal options. For babies just starting to eat bread, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre suggests bread without seeds or kernels as a first option.

Families who need to check allergens

If someone has a food allergy, the information for the specific loaf is what matters. For packaged bread, check the latest label; for unpackaged bread, ask for the allergen information.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by checking that it is labelled wholemeal. Then compare the texture and allergen information, and choose a loaf size that suits the meal.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is this most important for?
Wholemeal and fibre Look for the wholemeal label on the product and, if useful, compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutritional information. If bread needs to be the wholemeal basis of the meal, I don’t want to judge by colour or seeds alone. For around 33% of consumers, choosing wholemeal comes first.
Seed texture Check the product name and ingredients for the seeds or kernels listed, and compare coarser and finer wholemeal options. I want a hearty bite, but the bread also needs to suit the preferences of others at the table. Around 20% of consumers prioritise a texture everyone can enjoy.
Allergens and young children Read the latest allergen information, including any warnings. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre suggests bread without seeds or kernels as a first option for babies starting to eat bread. If an allergy or a baby just learning to eat bread is a factor, I need to know whether this bread is suitable first. This is the top priority for around 27% of consumers.
Quantity and storage Compare whole and half loaves, and read the storage and freezing instructions for the specific product. For a later meal, I want enough bread without ending up with too much left over. For around 20% of consumers, planning this comes first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming visible seeds mean the bread is wholemeal

    Seeds and kernels don’t determine whether a loaf is labelled wholemeal. A dark colour or the word ‘multigrain’ on its own doesn’t tell you that either.

    First check that the product is labelled wholemeal, then decide whether you want a seeded texture.

  • Skipping the allergen information for unpackaged bread

    Ingredients vary from loaf to loaf. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must also be available to consumers for unpackaged foods.

    If the information isn’t readily available, ask at the bakery counter for details about the specific loaf.

  • Assuming every loaf contains baker’s salt

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt when baking bread is not compulsory.

    If baker’s salt matters to you, check the label to see whether it is listed as an ingredient.

Brands and ranges to explore

These ranges offer different options to explore, from wholemeal and seeds to a finer texture. Always check the information for the bread you choose before buying.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists a coarse wholemeal sunflower-seed loaf in its range.

  • A specific option to consider if you’re looking for visible sunflower seeds.
  • Check the latest ingredients and allergen information for this loaf on the label.

Jumbo

Jumbo includes Stevig Volkoren Zonnepit in its list of wholemeal breads.

  • The product name makes both wholemeal and sunflower seeds clear points to look for.
  • Check the information for the specific product for its ingredients and allergens.

Lidl

Lidl describes a kids’ wholemeal bread made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour.

  • A finer wholemeal texture to consider if coarse seeds aren’t to everyone’s taste.
  • If you’re looking specifically for seeded bread, check the product label; the description doesn’t confirm that this loaf contains seeds.

ALDI

ALDI describes its boeren-volkoren-meergranenbrood as bread made with grains and seeds.

  • A familiar combination of a wholemeal label and seeded texture.
  • Check the latest label for the exact ingredients and allergen information.

PLUS

PLUS provides product-specific storage and freezing instructions for some wholemeal bread.

  • These instructions are useful if you’re keeping bread for a later meal.
  • This particular loaf isn’t described as seeded bread; if you choose another variety, check its own label.

Dirk

Dirk lists products including Bakker van der Akker Boeren Extra vezels volkoren heel.

  • The product name gives you a useful starting point if wholemeal and fibre are what you’re looking for.
  • The name doesn’t confirm that it contains seeds; check the ingredients if you want that texture.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread with seeds automatically wholemeal?

No. Seeds and the word ‘multigrain’ don’t, by themselves, confirm that bread is wholemeal. Look for the wholemeal label on the specific product, then check which seeds are listed in the ingredients.

Does all Dutch bread contain baker’s salt?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt when baking bread is not compulsory. Check the label to see whether it has been used in the loaf you choose.

How do I check allergens in seeded bread?

For packaged bread, read the latest label; for unpackaged bread, ask for the allergen information for that product. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists, among others, cereals containing gluten and sesame seeds as allergens that consumers must be informed about. The allergens present vary from loaf to loaf.

Is bread with seeds and kernels a good first option for a baby?

Not according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s guidance for starting solids. For babies beginning to eat bread after six months, it recommends brown bread or wheat bread without seeds or kernels.

Can I freeze leftover wholemeal bread?

Follow the instructions for the specific loaf. For its Boeren volkoren heel, PLUS says it can be frozen at home on the day of purchase and gives a storage period of one month. Don’t assume the same instructions apply to other breads.