Hosts looking for texture
If you want the bread to stand out on the antipasti board, consider wholemeal bread with kernels and seeds. If any guests have allergies, check the ingredients and allergens first.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Those who want the toppings to take centre stage
With delicate toppings, you may simply want a wholemeal base without kernels defining the texture. Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, this refers to the flour used, not whether the bread contains seeds.
Hosts comparing labels
If guests have allergies or different preferences, the current ingredients list, allergen information and nutrition information for each loaf matter more than the product name alone.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether the bread itself should have a firm bite or simply provide a base for the toppings. Then check the wholemeal claim, allergens and information per 100 g for each product.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Texture with the toppings | Check which kernels and seeds are listed in the ingredients and whether their texture works with the toppings. | With robust toppings, I want the bread itself to have a satisfying bite too. For around 40% of consumers, texture is the most important factor. |
| Wholemeal base and fibre | Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label and compare fibre per 100 g in the nutrition information. | If I mainly want to choose wholemeal bread, I don’t rely on a dark colour or visible seeds alone. Around 30% of consumers prioritise a wholemeal base and fibre content. |
| Allergens for guests | Read the current ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ statements; look out in particular for sesame, cereals containing gluten and soya. | When I’m serving guests with allergies, the bread needs to suit their needs. This check is the top priority for an estimated 20% of consumers. |
| Quantity and freshness | Choose a suitable pack size and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. | For one evening, I want to serve enough bread without having too much left over. Around 10% of consumers prioritise quantity and storage. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking ‘multigrain’ for ‘wholemeal’
A dark colour or visible seeds don’t tell you whether the bread is made with wholemeal flour.
Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label on the packaging. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour.
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Choosing bread with kernels without checking the allergens
Jumbo Rond Korn Volkoren and AH ELL Eiwitrijk volkoren meerzaden list sesame, cereals containing gluten and soya, among other ingredients. The ingredients in another loaf may differ.
Ask guests about any relevant allergies and check the current ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ statements before serving.
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Treating an online description as the definitive recipe
Albert Heijn and PLUS point out that ingredients, nutritional values and allergy information can change.
Use product pages to compare breads, but check the packaging again when you buy.
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Buying more bread than you need for the evening
Bread can be frozen, but according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, it dries out if frozen for too long.
Choose the number of loaves to suit your guests and follow the storage instructions on the packaging for any leftovers.
Brands with relevant bread ranges
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers a range of wholemeal breads, including varieties with sunflower seeds and AH ELL Eiwitrijk volkoren meerzaden.
- The AH ELL product information lists seeds, nutritional values per 100 g and allergens.
- Albert Heijn advises checking the packaging, as product information can change.
Jumbo
Jumbo Rond Korn Volkoren is a wholemeal multigrain bread with kernels and seeds listed among its ingredients.
- For this bread, Jumbo lists sunflower seeds, linseed, sesame, nutritional values and allergens, among other information.
- Compare other Jumbo breads individually: the ingredients in Rond Korn don’t represent the entire bread range.
Lidl
Lidl provides an ingredients and allergens overview for its fresh-from-the-oven bread range.
- The overview is a useful starting point for exploring bread options.
- For a specific loaf, check the product or in-store information about seeds and allergens.
Aldi
ALDI describes Boeren volkoren meergranen as bread made with grains and seeds.
- It’s a specific product to consider if you’re looking for bread with seeds.
- Check the packaging for the exact ingredients, nutritional values and allergens.
PLUS
PLUS offers fine wholemeal bread, multigrain bread and other wholemeal varieties.
- You can compare product types with different textures.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for each loaf you choose; a category overview won’t describe every recipe.
Dirk
Dirk’s bread range includes multiseed bread and wholemeal bread.
- The range includes product types you can compare for seeds and wholemeal labelling.
- Before choosing, read the information for the individual loaf or check the label in store.
Wholemeal bread as a base for toppings at Joybuy
These breads work as a wholemeal base alongside dips or toppings: a flatbread and two pack options of a round loaf. If you’re looking for a satisfying bite from kernels and seeds, check the ingredients list of the bread you choose.
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Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, 6 pieces
A wholemeal flatbread to serve alongside dips or toppings. If you’re looking for bread with a pronounced seed texture, check the ingredients list. If any guests have allergies, also check the current allergen information.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 2 × 550 g
This pack of two round wholemeal loaves could work if you’re serving bread with toppings to several guests. Allow time for defrosting, baking and cooling. If seeds or allergens are important to your choice, check the ingredients list.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
The pack with one round wholemeal loaf is an option if two loaves don’t suit your plans. Again, allow time for defrosting, baking and cooling, and read the label for the current ingredients and allergens.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if seeded bread is really wholemeal?
Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label on the packaging. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour; ‘brown’ or ‘multigrain’ doesn’t automatically mean the same thing.
Which allergens should I check in seeded bread?
Check the allergens in the specific bread, which may include sesame, cereals containing gluten and soya. Jumbo Rond Korn Volkoren lists these ingredients; for your guests, check the current packaging and any ‘may contain’ information too. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly listed on the label.
Can I assume that every loaf contains iodised salt?
No. Check the ingredients list of the bread you’re buying. AH ELL Eiwitrijk volkoren meerzaden, for example, lists iodised salt, but that product information doesn’t tell you anything about the salt in other breads.
Can I freeze bread in advance for an Italian evening?
Yes, bread can be frozen, although according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre it dries out if frozen for too long. Follow the storage instructions on the packaging; Jumbo says to freeze Rond Korn Volkoren on the day of purchase and use it within one month.