Who are these options for?

Morning shoppers who don’t have time to slice

You want to top a slice of bread straight away or take it with you. Look for the word ‘sliced’: ‘half’ and ‘whole’ don’t tell you how thick the slices are.

Shoppers comparing wholemeal bread and fibre

You’re looking for bread that is specifically sold as wholemeal multigrain bread. Then compare the fibre content per 100 g on the nutritional information for the breads you’re considering.

Shoppers checking allergens or iodine

You need to check certain ingredients or allergens, or want to know whether the bread is made with baker’s salt or iodised salt. Check the information for the exact product.

What should you look for when buying?

Start by considering whether you want to have breakfast without slicing the bread. Then assess whether it’s wholemeal, check the label and choose the right loaf size as separate decisions.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Breakfast without slicing Look for ‘sliced’ on the packaging or product page. Check the slices if their thickness matters to you. If I want to top a slice of bread straight away in the morning, I don’t want to have to slice the loaf first; for around 40% of consumers, having it ready to use is the top priority.
Wholemeal bread and fibre Check for the ‘wholemeal’ label and compare the fibre and salt per 100 g in the exact breads you’re considering. If you’re looking for wholemeal multigrain bread to eat every day, you don’t want to rely on the word ‘multigrain’ alone; around 30% of consumers prioritise this.
Ingredients and allergens Read the current ingredients and allergen information. If you’re checking for iodine, look separately for ‘baker’s salt’ or ‘iodised salt’. If I need to avoid certain ingredients or want to take the iodine in bread into account, I want to know what’s in that specific loaf; for around 20% of consumers, checking the label comes first.
The right loaf size Check whether a ‘half’ or ‘whole’ loaf suits how much you eat, and read the storage advice. If I don’t eat much bread, I don’t want to choose a larger loaf than I expect to use; for around 10% of consumers, quantity is the main concern.

Common mistakes when choosing

  • Assuming multigrain means wholemeal

    The word ‘multigrain’ doesn’t confirm that a loaf is wholemeal too. If that’s what you’re looking for, check for a separate product label.

    Check that the exact loaf is labelled ‘wholemeal’, then compare the fibre and salt per 100 g.

  • Taking ‘half’ to mean medium-thick slices

    When it comes to bread, ‘half’ refers to the loaf size. A half loaf isn’t necessarily sliced to a medium thickness.

    Look for ‘sliced’ and check the slices in store if their thickness matters to you.

  • Assuming every loaf contains baker’s salt

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt when baking isn’t compulsory. The type of bread alone won’t tell you whether it’s been used.

    Check the ingredients list for ‘baker’s salt’ or ‘iodised salt’, and ask about it if the bread is sold unwrapped.

  • Skipping the allergen information

    Ingredients and listed allergens vary from one bread recipe to another. Recognising the product category doesn’t replace checking the specific loaf.

    Read the product’s current allergen information before buying, even if you’ve bought bread with the same name before.

Brands to compare

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists AH Liefde & Passie Meergranen gesneden as a 550 g multigrain loaf.

  • You can compare the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for this product, among other details.
  • The word ‘sliced’ doesn’t specify a medium slice thickness, so check the current packaging too.

Jumbo

Jumbo offers a half-size wholemeal multigrain loaf among its product options.

  • For this example, Jumbo lists 7,8 g of fibre per 100 g and provides allergen information.
  • Check which option is currently available and whether it is sliced.

Lidl

Lidl describes a multigrain loaf that includes wheat, barley and buckwheat.

  • The product description helps you identify the grains listed.
  • In store, check the slices, ingredients and nutritional information for the loaf you choose.

ALDI

ALDI offers multigrain bread in whole and half sizes, and describes Boeren volkoren meergranen as sliced.

  • You can check whether each product option is labelled ‘wholemeal’, ‘sliced’ and ‘half’ separately.
  • Even with a sliced option, you’ll need to check the loaf itself to see if the slices are the thickness you want.

PLUS

PLUS offers options such as sourdough and oat multigrain breads in its multigrain bread category.

  • The range gives you options for comparing the ingredients in specific loaves.
  • Check whether each option is sliced and review its nutritional and allergen information.

Dirk

Dirk offers options such as Bakker van der Akker Bakkers meergranen half.

  • The half-size option is worth considering if you’re looking for a smaller loaf.
  • Check the nutritional information on the label, and don’t assume ‘half’ tells you how thick the slices are.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. ‘Multigrain’ and ‘wholemeal’ don’t mean the same thing, so check whether the exact loaf is labelled wholemeal. Then compare the fibre and salt per 100 g if those figures matter to your choice.

Does ‘half’ mean a loaf is cut into medium-thick slices?

No, ‘half’ refers to a smaller loaf size, not the thickness of the slices. Look separately for ‘sliced’ and check the slices or ask about them if you want a particular thickness.

Does all Dutch bread contain baker’s salt?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt when baking isn’t compulsory. If you want to take this into account, check the ingredients list for ‘baker’s salt’ or ‘iodised salt’.

How do I check allergens in multigrain bread?

Read the allergen information for the exact product before buying; ingredients and possible traces vary by recipe. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergen information for prepacked products must appear on the label. For unwrapped bread, ask the shop for the product information.

What loaf size should I choose if I don’t eat breakfast at home every day?

A half loaf may suit you better if you’re unlikely to finish a whole one. Also check the storage and freezing advice for the bread you buy; ‘half’ says nothing about the thickness of the slices.