Lunch shoppers looking for fibre
You’re looking for rye bread that is clearly labelled wholegrain and want to compare its fibre content per 100 g. According to the Voedingscentrum, packaged wholemeal bread must be labelled as wholemeal.
Who are these choices relevant to?
Fans of a lighter style of bread
You want to try rye bread without focusing only on darker varieties. Bolletje describes its Licht Volkoren Roggebrood as lighter in flavour and colour; Oberländer wheat rye bread is another style to compare.
Shoppers who read labels carefully
You check the ingredients, gluten-containing cereals or salt content before choosing rye bread. Check the packaging of the product you’re actually buying, even if you already know it.
What should you look for when buying?
Start with the style of bread you want to eat, then compare products on the same nutritional basis. Check the slice itself if its thickness will make a difference to your lunch.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholegrain and fibre | Look for the wholegrain label and compare fibre per 100 g on the packaging. | If fibre is my priority for everyday lunches, I don’t want to judge by the bread’s dark colour alone. Around 50% of shoppers in this lunch scenario prioritise wholegrain and fibre. |
| Flavour and slice | Check the style of bread and, where possible, the actual slice thickness; the weight of a portion doesn’t tell you how thick it is. | For my usual toppings, I want a slice that works well, in a style of bread I enjoy. For around 30% of shoppers, this combination of flavour and practicality comes first. |
| Salt and ingredients | Read the current ingredients and allergen information, and compare salt per 100 g, bearing your toppings in mind too. | If I need to watch gluten-containing cereals or salt, the label determines whether a variety is suitable for me. Checking the label is the main concern for around 20% of shoppers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming dark rye bread is wholegrain
The colour doesn’t tell you how much fibre the bread contains. Product information for the Jumbo and PLUS varieties reviewed shows different fibre values.
Check the wholegrain label and compare fibre per 100 g.
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Confusing the number of slices with their thickness
A pack stating the number of slices or the weight per slice still doesn’t tell you how thick each slice is. So you can’t automatically tell whether the bread will work with your toppings.
If possible, look at the slices before buying. When shopping online, check what portion information is available.
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Skipping the allergen information
Rye contains gluten; some rye breads also contain wheat or other gluten-containing cereals. The Voedingscentrum notes that people with coeliac disease must follow a gluten-free diet.
Check the current ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack every time you buy.
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Looking only at the salt in the bread
Salt content varies between rye breads, while toppings can also add salt to your lunch.
Compare salt per 100 g and per slice, and take your usual toppings into account.
Brands to compare
Bolletje
Bolletje Licht Volkoren Roggebrood is a 500 g sliced variety with around nine slices, for anyone looking for a bread style described as lighter.
- According to Jumbo’s product information, this variety contains 41% wholegrain cracked rye and 7% wholegrain wheat flour, with 11 g of fibre and 0.99 g of salt per 100 g.
- Bolletje describes this particular bread as lighter in flavour and colour. Check the current packaging and availability before choosing the same variety.
Brood van Soma
PLUS lists both wholegrain rye bread and Oberländer wheat rye bread from Brood van Soma, each as a 400 g product.
- According to PLUS’s product information, the wholegrain variety lists 5.2 g of fibre and 0.9 g of salt per 100 g; the Oberländer variety lists 5.1 g of fibre and 1.1 g of salt per 100 g.
- Both varieties reviewed contain gluten-containing cereals. Check the current ingredients list for the variety you’re buying.
Van der Meulen
Van der Meulen 100% Volkoren Roggebrood is an example of a sliced product in a resealable tub.
- Jumbo’s product information lists ten slices per 500 g pack for this variety, with 10 g of fibre and 0.89 g of salt per 100 g.
- When buying, check that the packaging and nutritional values match the variety in front of you.
Rye bread products on Joybuy
These products may be of interest if you’re looking for rye bread for lunch and want to compare the variety, portions and label details in particular. Check the shape of the bread and the slice thickness before assuming a product contains sliced portions of the thickness you want.
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TastyBasics rye bread, 9 pieces
An option if you’re looking for rye bread in individual portions for lunch.
Check the fibre, salt and allergens on the current packaging. Also check the slice thickness if it matters for your toppings.
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Bolletje Rye Bread Bun, 500 g
A Bolletje rye bread product to consider if you’re looking for a 500 g pack.
Check the shape of the bread before buying: the product title says ‘bun’, while the description refers to sliced rye bread. Also check the allergens and, if you’re looking for slices, the thickness.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare rye bread if fibre matters to me?
First, look for the wholegrain label, then compare fibre per 100 g. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal bread is made from the whole grain, and packaged bread must be labelled as wholemeal; colour alone isn’t a substitute for checking the label.
Is rye bread gluten-free?
Ordinary rye bread isn’t gluten-free: rye is a gluten-containing cereal. The Voedingscentrum says that people with coeliac disease must follow a gluten-free diet. For a specific product, also check which other cereals and allergens are listed on the label.
Does baker’s salt mean every rye bread contains iodine?
No, you can’t assume this is true of every rye bread. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority describes the addition of iodine compounds to bread via baker’s salt as permitted under certain conditions, not as a requirement for every product. Check the ingredients list on the packaging to see which salt is listed.
How should I store an opened pack of rye bread?
Follow the storage instructions on the specific pack. The product information for Bolletje Licht Volkoren Roggebrood says to keep it sealed in the fridge after opening, while the Brood van Soma and Jumbo varieties reviewed give different storage instructions.
Why should I compare salt per 100 g and per slice?
The value per 100 g lets you compare rye breads with one another; the value per slice helps you assess how much you’ll have in your own lunch. Remember to consider the salt in your toppings too, especially if you want to limit your total salt intake.