First, choose bread that is genuinely wholemeal, then check which seeds it contains: a dark colour or the name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t prove that the grain base is wholemeal. A whole loaf suits a family that gets through it quickly; if how much you eat varies, smaller portions, freezing or bake-at-home bread may be more practical. Whatever you choose, check the allergens and storage or preparation instructions.
If several family members eat the same bread, a whole seeded wholemeal loaf may suit your needs. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal bread contains dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals. Check which seeds have been added to each loaf.
If your family eats at different times or has different taste preferences, half loaves, rolls or portions for the freezer may be a better fit than a whole loaf. Check the storage instructions for the product you choose.
If someone in your household needs to avoid gluten or a particular ingredient, the up-to-date allergen information is what matters. Standard wholemeal bread made with wheat isn’t gluten-free; seeded bread may also contain ingredients such as sesame.
Start with the wholemeal base, then choose a size that suits how much bread your family eats. Next, compare the seeds, allergens and nutritional information of the remaining options.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal base and fibre | Check the product description and ingredients list for wholemeal flour. Compare fibre per 100 g if you’re looking at the nutritional value of different loaves. | When I buy seeded bread for my family, I want to know whether the grain base is wholemeal too. For around 36% of consumers, a wholemeal base is the top priority. |
| Size and storage | Choose a whole loaf, half loaf, rolls or bake-at-home bread to suit how much you eat. Check the storage and freezing instructions. | If mealtimes vary, I don’t want a whole loaf left uneaten. Around 29% of consumers prioritise a suitable size and less waste. |
| Seeds and texture | Check the ingredients list to see which seeds and kernels are used; separately, make sure the bread is wholemeal. | Not everyone at home likes the same texture, so I look for seeded bread that everyone will want to eat. Taste and texture are the main considerations for around 21% of consumers. |
| Allergens and nutritional information | Check the latest allergen information. Compare salt per 100 g if that’s relevant to your choice of bread. | If someone in our household needs to avoid an ingredient, I can’t rely on the product name. For around 14% of consumers, checking this is the top priority. |
Bread with seeds or a dark colour doesn’t automatically have a wholemeal base. According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain means bread made with at least three types of grain.
Check the product description and look for wholemeal flour or wholemeal wheat flour in the ingredients list.
If not everyone eats the same bread, a whole seeded loaf may be left uneaten before you finish it.
Choose a size based on the number of people eating it and when they’ll eat it. If you want to freeze portions, follow the instructions on the packaging.
The name ‘seeded bread’ doesn’t tell you which grains and allergens a particular loaf contains. Ingredients can vary from one product to another.
Check the current label every time you buy, especially if someone in your household needs to avoid an ingredient.
Albert Heijn lists wholemeal bread and seeded products in its online range.
Jumbo’s bread range includes wholemeal multigrain bread and a wholemeal sunflower seed variety.
Lidl lists wholemeal bread in its range, including a variety made with more finely milled wholemeal flour.
ALDI describes Boeren volkoren meergranen heel as a whole loaf made with grains and seeds.
PLUS provides product information for Korenlanders Volkoren meergranenbollen, including ingredients and storage advice.
Dirk lists both a multigrain crusty loaf with grains and seeds and a wholemeal crusty loaf.
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, multigrain means that bread is made with at least three types of grain; it doesn’t mean the whole grain has been used. Check the product description and ingredients list for wholemeal flour.
Yes, if it’s made with grains that contain gluten, such as wheat, rye or barley. If you need a gluten-free product, check that it’s explicitly labelled gluten-free and take care to avoid cross-contamination when storing and preparing it.
No. Ingredients and allergens vary between loaves. For example, PLUS Korenlanders Volkoren meergranenbollen list wheat, soya, milk and sesame, among other ingredients. Check the latest label for the product you choose every time you buy.
Choose a size that suits how much you eat, and follow the bread’s storage and freezing instructions. For its Korenlanders Volkoren meergranenbollen, PLUS advises freezing them on the day of purchase and using them within one month. Don’t assume the same instructions apply to other breads.
