Who is this choice for?

Parents who prioritise wholemeal bread

You’re looking for bread for a small snack and don’t want to assume that all sourdough is wholemeal. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends wholemeal and brown bread as options for children.

Parents checking allergens and school rules

You’re packing bread for school or an after-school club and want to know which gluten-containing cereals and other allergens are listed for that particular loaf. You’ll also check what the school or club allows.

Families looking for the right size

For a single tea-time snack, you might compare a smaller loaf with a larger one that can be frozen according to the packaging. If you’re buying freshly baked bread, check whether it’s available at your local branch.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by choosing the type of bread and checking the allergens. Then compare the size and buying options to find what suits the occasion.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is this important for?
Wholemeal and fibre Look for ‘wholemeal’ in the product description. Compare the fibre content per 100 g if you’re checking the nutritional value of different loaves. If I want to choose bread with fibre for a child, I first check that it really is wholemeal. This is the top priority for around 42% of consumers.
Allergens and school rules Read the latest ingredients and allergen information for that particular loaf, and check the school or after-school club’s rules. If the bread is going to school, I want to know which ingredients are listed and what’s allowed there. This check matters most to around 33% of consumers.
Size and availability Compare the loaf weight and storage instructions. For freshly baked bread, check the range at your local branch. For a small snack, I don’t want to be left with too much bread or make a wasted trip to the shops. The right size and availability come first for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘sourdough’ means ‘wholemeal’

    Sourdough describes how bread is leavened, not whether it’s wholemeal. If you’re looking for wholemeal bread, you could end up choosing a different type by mistake.

    Use ‘wholemeal’ as your main selection criterion, then see whether the sourdough’s flavour and texture suit your child.

  • Relying on the bread’s name to check allergens

    A product name doesn’t tell you which gluten-containing cereals or other allergens are listed for that particular loaf. The school or after-school club may also have its own rules about food brought in from home.

    Before packing the bread, check the latest allergen information on the packaging, or ask in store if it’s sold loose. Also check the school or after-school club’s rules.

  • Assuming fresh in-store bread will be available

    Jumbo says its sourdough breads are baked in store and can’t be ordered online. Lidl says its fresh bread range can vary by branch, while ALDI’s freshly baked range is available at stores with an in-store bakery.

    Check what your local branch has in stock before making a special trip, and consider which wholemeal or brown bread would also work for you.

    An extra trip to the shops takes time if the bread you want isn’t available.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists a 600 g Dutch wholemeal wheat sourdough loaf in its AH Liefde & Passie range.

  • The product information includes the type of bread, ingredients, allergens and whether it can be frozen.
  • This loaf is listed as available in store only. Check the current label when you buy it, as product information can change.

Jumbo

Jumbo describes a range of rustic sourdough breads in different varieties, with various added ingredients.

  • According to Jumbo, the range includes wholemeal pumpkin, multiseed, white spelt and brown multigrain varieties.
  • Jumbo says these loaves are baked in store and can’t be ordered online. Check the latest ingredients for each loaf.

Lidl

Lidl lists a Rustiek wholemeal sourdough loaf as a wholemeal wheat sourdough bread.

  • The product description makes it clear that this particular sourdough loaf is wholemeal.
  • Lidl directs customers to in-store information for ingredients and allergens. The fresh bread range can vary by branch.

Aldi

ALDI lists wholemeal bread in its daily fresh and freshly baked bread range.

  • This range includes breads to consider if wholemeal matters more to you than a particular type of sourdough leavening.
  • According to ALDI, the freshly baked range is available at stores with an in-store bakery. Check the label to see whether your chosen loaf actually contains sourdough.

PLUS

PLUS lists Korenlanders Kleintje wholemeal poppy seed sourdough as a smaller wholemeal sourdough loaf.

  • The product information includes ingredients, allergens and nutritional details. The ingredients list includes wholemeal wheat flour and sourdough with rye and wheat.
  • Check the current packaging and storage instructions when you buy it, especially if you plan to freeze the loaf.

Dirk

Dirk lists wholemeal, multigrain and sourdough breads in its range.

  • These separate bread categories give you a starting point when looking for a suitable option in store.
  • For a specific loaf, check the product description, ingredients and allergens. The category label doesn’t tell you whether the sourdough is also wholemeal.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is sourdough bread always wholemeal?

No. Sourdough doesn’t mean that a loaf is wholemeal. Look for ‘wholemeal’ in the product description if that’s the type of bread you want. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends wholemeal and brown bread as options for children.

Can children take sourdough bread to school if allergens are a concern?

First, check the ingredients of the particular loaf and the school or after-school club’s rules. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergens must be listed on the label. If the bread is sold loose, ask for the allergen information in store. Don’t rely on the name ‘sourdough’ to tell you which cereals it contains.

Does all sourdough bread contain iodised baker’s salt?

Don’t assume it does. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights the importance of bread made with baker’s salt for iodine intake, so check the ingredients of the loaf you choose or ask the baker which salt was used.

What size is handy for a small tea-time snack?

Choose a size that suits what you plan to use, or check whether you can freeze the rest according to the product instructions. PLUS lists a 300 g Kleintje wholemeal sourdough loaf with freezer storage instructions. Albert Heijn says its 600 g wholemeal sourdough loaf can be frozen at home on the day of purchase.

Is freshly baked sourdough available at every branch?

Don’t expect every branch to stock the same range. Lidl says its fresh bread range can vary by store, while ALDI offers its freshly baked range at stores with an in-store bakery. Check what’s available locally before setting off for a particular loaf.