Who is this choice relevant to?

Lunch shoppers looking for wholemeal bread

You’re looking for wholemeal bread for lunch. Whether it’s made with sourdough or another raising agent is less important to you.

Sourdough fans

You like choosing bread for its flavour, crust and texture, but don’t want to confuse sourdough with the wholemeal label.

Label readers

You check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for the exact variety of bread before buying it for lunch.

What should you look for when buying?

Start by checking whether it’s labelled wholemeal. Then use the label and your lunch plans to decide whether the specific variety is right for you.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Wholemeal and fibre Check the product description and ingredients; compare the fibre per 100 g of the varieties you’re considering. If I want wholemeal bread as the basis for my lunch, I give more importance to the type of grain than to the raising agent. Around 36% of consumers prioritise wholemeal bread and fibre.
Ingredients, allergens and salt Read the current allergen information and compare the salt per 100 g. If you have an allergy, also check for any stated possibility of cross-contamination. If I have a food allergy, I need to know what’s in this specific bread. The salt content may also influence my choice. For around 29% of consumers, checking the label comes before other considerations.
Sourdough flavour and texture Choose the flavour and type of bread you prefer, but don’t use ‘sourdough’ as a substitute for checking the nutritional information. I’m mainly looking for the flavour and texture of sourdough with my lunch, even if another bread is also wholemeal. This preference is the deciding factor for around 21% of consumers.
Availability and storage Check where the variety is sold and whether the size and storage instructions suit your lunch routine. If I don’t buy bread every day, I want to choose an amount I can use or store. Around 14% of consumers put this practical planning first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming sourdough means wholemeal

    Sourdough describes how the bread rises; white and brown bread can also be made with sourdough. So the name alone doesn’t tell you whether the bread is wholemeal.

    Check the product description and ingredients first. Then choose based on flavour, crust and size.

  • Judging bread by how it looks

    A rustic appearance is no substitute for the nutrition table. Fibre and salt can vary from one variety of bread to another.

    Compare the values for the exact products on the same basis, such as per 100 g.

  • Skipping the allergen information

    An artisan look or the sourdough label doesn’t mean the bread is free from gluten-containing grains or other allergens.

    Read the current packaging and check for any stated possibility of cross-contamination, especially if a particular allergen is a concern for you.

  • Buying more fresh bread than you’ll use

    You may have some bread left over after a few lunches. The Voedingscentrum recommends storing opened wholemeal sourdough bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2 to 4 days.

    Choose a suitable size or freeze portions according to the product instructions.

Brands to compare

Albert Heijn

A useful reference if you want to compare a clearly labelled wholemeal sourdough bread.

  • For AH Liefde & Passie Nederlands desem volkoren, Albert Heijn lists ingredients including wholemeal wheat flour, wholemeal wheat sourdough and iodised salt.
  • These ingredients apply to that variety. Check the packaging for the current ingredients and allergen information.

Jumbo

A useful reference if you want to choose sourdough bread in store.

  • According to Jumbo, the sourdough breads in the range described are left to rise for more than 24 hours using fresh sourdough starter.
  • Check whether each variety is wholemeal and available in your store.

Lidl

A useful reference if you’re specifically looking for wholemeal wheat sourdough bread.

  • Lidl describes its Rustiek volkoren desembrood as wholemeal wheat sourdough bread.
  • Check the label of the variety you choose for the latest nutritional information and allergen details.

ALDI

A useful reference if wholemeal bread matters more to you than sourdough.

  • ALDI describes its wholemeal breads as being made with 100% wholemeal flour.
  • If you specifically want sourdough, check the range and the ingredients for each individual variety.

PLUS

A useful reference if you want to compare the ingredients and nutritional values of a named sourdough variety.

  • For Korenlanders Kleintje desembrood volkoren maanzaad, PLUS lists 51% wholemeal wheat flour, 8% sourdough, 7,3 g fibre and 1,02 g salt per 100 g.
  • The listed ingredients include wheat, rye and barley. When buying, also read the current allergen information on the packaging.

Dirk

A useful reference for comparing wholemeal, multigrain and sourdough varieties.

  • Dirk lists these types of bread in its range overview.
  • Multigrain or sourdough doesn’t automatically mean wholemeal; check the product description for the bread you choose.

Bread options on Joybuy

This selection includes a round wholemeal loaf and two other wholemeal breads for lunch. If sourdough is a must for you, check whether it’s listed as an ingredient for the exact variety.

Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g

Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g

For anyone looking for a round wholemeal loaf for lunch. The product name states 550 g; check the current packaging for sourdough ingredients and preparation instructions.

View at Joybuy
Bolletje Rye Bread Bun 500 g

Bolletje Rye Bread Bun 500 g

An option to consider if sourdough isn’t essential and you’re looking for rye bread for lunch. The product name states 500 g; check the packaging to see whether the bread format suits your needs.

View at Joybuy
Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P

Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P

For anyone who wants wholemeal Lebanese bread for lunch without specifically looking for sourdough. The product name states 6 P; check the current packaging for the ingredients and allergen information.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is sourdough bread automatically a better choice for lunch than regular bread?

No. Sourdough tells you how the bread rises, not whether it’s wholemeal. Check the product description and ingredients to find out, and compare the nutritional information for the breads you’re considering.

How can I identify wholemeal sourdough bread?

Check both the wholemeal label and the ingredients for the exact variety. For example, Albert Heijn lists wholemeal wheat flour in AH Liefde & Passie Nederlands desem volkoren; PLUS lists 51% wholemeal wheat flour in Korenlanders Kleintje desembrood volkoren maanzaad.

Is sourdough bread gluten-free?

Not just because it’s made with sourdough. The Albert Heijn variety mentioned contains wheat, while the PLUS variety contains wheat, rye and barley. If you need to check for allergens, always read the current packaging for the specific bread.

Does Dutch sourdough bread always contain iodised salt?

Don’t assume it does. Check the ingredients list for the variety you choose. For example, Albert Heijn lists iodised salt in AH Liefde & Passie Nederlands desem volkoren, but that doesn’t automatically apply to other breads.

How should I store wholemeal sourdough bread for several lunches?

Choose an amount that suits when you plan to use the bread, and follow the product’s storage instructions. The Voedingscentrum recommends keeping opened wholemeal sourdough bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2 to 4 days, or in the freezer for 1 to 3 months.