Who is this bread suitable for?

Office lunch-goers comparing fibre

You’re looking for bread that’s clearly wholemeal and want to compare the fibre content per 100 g. A dark colour or the word ‘multigrain’ isn’t enough to tell you that.

Fans of seeds and a hearty texture

You want to know whether a loaf contains ingredients such as pumpkin seeds, linseed, sunflower seeds or sesame. You should also check the allergen information for the exact product.

Planning lunches for a shared office

You’re buying bread for several lunches or colleagues and want to check the allergens, quantity needed and storage instructions in advance.

What should you look for when choosing?

For an office lunch, the first thing to check is whether the bread is labelled wholemeal. The seeds you want, allergens, nutritional information and the quantity you need will then help you choose a loaf that suits your plans.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Wholemeal Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging; don’t rely on the colour, seeds or the word ‘multigrain’. I want to be sure my lunch bread is genuinely wholemeal, whatever it looks like. For around 33% of consumers with this lunch need, that certainty is the top priority.
Seeds and allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact loaf; ask for details if buying unpackaged bread. I’m looking for the texture of seeds, but need to know which allergens the bread contains when sharing lunch. For around 27% of consumers, this combination is the top priority.
Nutritional information Compare fibre, protein and salt on the same basis, such as per 100 g; also consider portion size for your lunch. I want to compare the nutritional values of two seeded loaves rather than choosing based on the name alone. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this comparison.
Quantity and storage Choose an amount that suits the days you’ll have lunch at work, and check the date and storage instructions on the packaging. I take bread to work on several days and want to avoid leftover slices going stale or mouldy. For around 20% of consumers, planning how much to buy matters most.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming seeds or a dark colour mean the bread is wholemeal

    A seeded loaf may be multigrain or sourdough without the name confirming that it’s wholemeal. According to the Voedingscentrum, the word ‘wholemeal’ on bread is what makes this clear.

    Check for that label before comparing the seeds and other features.

  • Choosing a seed mix without checking the allergens

    The Albert Heijn and Jumbo loaves described here contain sesame and soya, among other ingredients, as well as ingredients containing gluten. This is important information if colleagues will be sharing the food.

    Read the allergen information on the exact packaging. If you’re buying unpackaged bread, ask for this information before you buy.

  • Comparing fibre alone and overlooking salt

    According to their product information, AH Les Pains Boulogne and Jumbo Waldkorn Volkoren contain 8.3 g and 8.2 g of fibre per 100 g respectively, but their salt levels also differ: 0.63 g and 1.01 g per 100 g.

    Compare both values per 100 g so you’re using the same basis.

  • Buying a whole loaf without a storage plan

    If you only take bread to work on a few days, the remaining slices may go stale or mouldy before you use them.

    Choose an amount that suits the days you’ll have lunch at work, or freeze slices in portions soon after buying them.

Supermarket brands to consider

Albert Heijn

A good place to start if you want to assess a specific wholemeal seeded loaf by its ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.

  • According to Albert Heijn, AH Les Pains Boulogne contains pumpkin seeds, linseed, sunflower seeds and sesame. The product information lists 8.3 g of fibre and 0.63 g of salt per 100 g.
  • According to the product information, the bread also contains wheat, sesame and soya. Check the packaging when you buy it, including any warnings about other allergens.

Jumbo

A good place to start if you want to compare the nutritional values and allergens of a loaf labelled wholemeal with seeds.

  • Jumbo lists linseed, sunflower seeds and sesame in Waldkorn Volkoren, with 8.2 g of fibre, 14.3 g of protein and 1.01 g of salt per 100 g.
  • The product information lists ingredients containing gluten, sesame and soya, among others. Check this variety’s own label rather than relying on the name Waldkorn alone.

ALDI

A good place to start if you’re considering a seeded wholemeal multigrain loaf.

  • ALDI describes Boeren volkoren meergranen as a loaf made with grains and seeds.
  • Check the packaging to see which seeds and allergens this variety contains, along with its nutritional values.

Lidl

A good place to start if you’re looking at an organic multigrain sourdough loaf with seeds.

  • Lidl describes Bio rustiek meergranen desembrood as a 600 g brown loaf with seeds.
  • If you’re looking for wholemeal bread, don’t rely on the words ‘brown’ or ‘multigrain’ for this product; check the label and ingredients on the packaging.

Dirk

A good place to start when browsing individual wholemeal loaves in the range.

  • Dirk’s search results include Bakker van der Akker Bakkers Multikorn volkoren, among other products.
  • Check whether the variety you choose contains seeds, and read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.

PLUS

A good place to start when searching for bread in the wholemeal category.

  • PLUS has an online category for wholemeal bread.
  • For each loaf, check whether it contains seeds and what ingredients, allergens and nutritional values are listed on the packaging.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is dark multigrain bread with seeds automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Voedingscentrum, you can identify wholemeal bread by the word ‘wholemeal’; a dark colour, several grains, sourdough or seeds don’t prove it on their own.

Which allergens should I check if colleagues will be sharing the bread?

Check the allergen information for the exact loaf, and ask for it if you’re buying unpackaged bread. The Albert Heijn and Jumbo examples described here list ingredients containing gluten, sesame and soya, among other things. Don’t assume another loaf has the same ingredients.

How should I store wholemeal bread for several working days?

Freeze slices you won’t use soon in portions, and follow the date and instructions on the packaging. The Voedingscentrum recommends keeping wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2 to 4 days, or in the freezer for 1 to 3 months.