Who is this relevant for?

The seed enthusiast planning a party table

Wants to choose seeds carefully for the bread’s texture and appearance. A clearly listed seed mix gives you more to go on than the word ‘multigrain’ alone.

The label-conscious wholemeal shopper

Wants to know whether the bread really is wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread labelled ‘wholemeal’ is made from 100% wholemeal flour; ‘multigrain’ doesn’t confirm this.

The host planning for a mixed group

Wants to match the quantity of bread, the time of purchase and the ingredients to the people joining them for Flag Day. If anyone has an allergy, it’s important to check the latest allergen information.

What should you look for when choosing?

First check that the bread is labelled ‘wholemeal’, then choose based on the seed mix and the quantity you need. For shoppers considering seeded wholemeal bread for Flag Day, these are three distinct priorities.

What to look for What to check when buying Who is this important for?
Genuinely wholemeal Look specifically for ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging, shelf label or product page; don’t rely on ‘multigrain’ alone. If wholemeal is my main priority, I don’t want to assume the bread is made from wholemeal flour just because it has a seed crust. Around 42% of these shoppers would put confirmation that the bread is wholemeal first.
Seeds and allergens Check which seeds are listed and read the latest allergen information. Compare nutritional information per 100 g or per portion only when it uses the same basis. If my guests enjoy a pronounced seeded texture, I want to know which seeds the bread contains and whether anyone needs to avoid them. Around 33% of these shoppers would prioritise the seed mix and ingredient checks.
Quantity and storage Check whether a whole or half loaf is right for your group, and read the storage instructions on the packaging. When the number of people eating varies, I want to have enough bread without ending up with lots left over. The amount needed would be the main priority for roughly 25% of these shoppers.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing ‘multigrain’ with ‘wholemeal’

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain. This alone doesn’t confirm that the bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour.

    First check that the bread is labelled ‘wholemeal’, then assess the seed mix.

  • Judging by the seed crust alone

    Visible seeds don’t tell you what other ingredients or allergens the bread contains. For example, Albert Heijn also lists sesame seeds in the seed mix for AH Les Pains Boulogne.

    Read the full ingredients list and allergen information on the latest label, especially if a guest has a food allergy.

  • Assuming average nutritional values apply to a branded loaf

    The values the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives for seeded wholemeal bread don’t automatically apply to the loaf you buy.

    Compare the nutritional information for the specific loaves on the same basis, for example per 100 g.

  • Buying early without a storage plan

    Bread can be frozen, but according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, it becomes drier if it’s frozen for longer.

    Choose an amount that suits your group and freeze any bread you’ll use later if needed.

    You could also end up with too much if fewer guests join you than expected.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Worth considering if you want to check which seeds a particular wholemeal loaf contains before buying.

  • For AH Les Pains Boulogne, Albert Heijn lists pumpkin seeds, linseed, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds.
  • Check the latest packaging for allergen and nutritional information, as product details can change.

Jumbo

Worth considering if you want to compare different seeded wholemeal breads.

  • For Rond Korn Volkoren, Jumbo lists oat flakes, linseed, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds. It also offers Stevig volkoren met zonnepitten.
  • Check the nutritional and allergen information for your chosen loaf separately.

Lidl

Worth considering if you’re looking for freshly baked bread and want to check ingredients and allergens in advance.

  • Lidl provides an ingredients and allergen overview for its freshly baked bread range.
  • Check whether your chosen loaf is wholemeal and which seeds it contains.

ALDI

Worth considering if you’re looking at a whole multigrain wholemeal loaf with grains and seeds.

  • ALDI describes Boeren volkoren meergranen heel as a loaf containing grains and seeds.
  • Check the label to see which seeds are used and which allergens and nutritional values apply to this loaf.

PLUS

Worth considering if you’re looking for a sunflower seed variety in the wholemeal bread range.

  • PLUS includes Korenlanders Volkoren zonnepit vloer heel in its range.
  • Check the details for the individual loaf to see the full ingredients and allergen information.

Dirk

Worth considering if you’re looking at wholemeal bread from Bakker van der Akker.

  • Dirk lists Batard volkoren from Bakker van der Akker.
  • A seed mix isn’t guaranteed in this variety, so check the label if seeds are important to your choice.

Products on Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ means that bread contains at least three types of grain; the term alone says nothing about whether it’s wholemeal. Bread labelled ‘wholemeal’ is made from 100% wholemeal flour.

Which allergens should I check in seeded wholemeal bread?

Check the full allergen information for the loaf you choose, especially if a guest has a food allergy. Sesame and grains containing gluten are worth looking out for; for AH Les Pains Boulogne, Albert Heijn lists sesame, soya, barley, oats and wheat, among other ingredients. Always follow the latest label for the specific loaf.

Does all Dutch bread contain iodised salt?

No, that doesn’t follow from the Dutch iodine regulation. The Foodstuffs (Addition of Micronutrients) Decree, in the version cited and in force from 14 November 2014, only permits iodine to be added to bread, bread substitutes and other bakery products via baker’s salt containing no more than 65 mg of iodine per kg of salt. Check the ingredients list to see which salt is used in a specific loaf.

Can I freeze bread for Flag Day in advance?

Yes, bread can be frozen. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, it may become drier the longer it stays in the freezer. Choose an amount that suits your group and follow the storage instructions on the packaging.