White-bread eater looking to try something different
Looking for a familiar, soft slice of bread? The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says you can get used to wholemeal bread gradually, so brown or finely milled wholemeal bread could be worth trying.
Who might find this choice useful?
Student planning their weekly food shop
Looking for an amount of bread that suits your eating habits, so you don’t end up throwing away slices unnecessarily.
Student with limited storage space or irregular lunch times
You could consider a half loaf, or follow the storage and freezing instructions on the packaging if you buy a whole loaf.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, compare the types of bread you enjoy eating. Then check the label for the term ‘wholemeal’ and the fibre content per 100 g, and choose a loaf size that suits how many slices you eat.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Taste and texture | Compare white, brown and finely milled wholemeal bread; if you’re unsure, try a smaller amount first. | If I’m used to soft white bread, I want to be able to try another type without immediately opting for a coarse texture. Around 46% of consumers prioritise this change in taste and texture. |
| Fibre and wholemeal content | Look for the term ‘wholemeal’ and compare the fibre content per 100 g. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, the grain content of a wholemeal product must consist entirely of wholemeal flour. | I want to be able to tell which bread is wholemeal, rather than judging by its dark colour. For around 36% of consumers, being able to check that their bread is wholemeal is the top priority. |
| Loaf size and storage | Choose a half or whole loaf to suit how much you eat, and read the storage and freezing instructions for the product you choose. | With irregular lunch times, I don’t want a whole loaf to go stale before I finish it. The right size and storage options matter most to around 18% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking brown or multigrain bread for wholemeal
A dark colour doesn’t tell you whether all the grain content is wholemeal. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that multigrain means several types of grain have been used; it doesn’t mean the bread is made entirely from wholemeal ingredients.
Check for the term ‘wholemeal’ and, if you like, compare the fibre content per 100 g on the label.
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Buying a whole loaf without considering how much you’ll eat
If you eat little bread or only have it occasionally, you could end up with slices you won’t finish.
Choose a loaf size that suits your eating habits. If you buy a whole loaf, check the freezing instructions for that specific product.
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Assuming all bread contains iodised salt
The Dutch Bakery Centre states that using iodine-enriched baker’s salt is not a legal requirement in the Netherlands.
If iodised salt is important to you when buying bread, check the ingredients list on the specific loaf for terms such as ‘baker’s salt’ or ‘iodised table salt’.
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Assuming every shop stocks the same range
Bread ranges can vary from one branch to another; Lidl, for example, says this applies to its freshly baked bread.
Check the current range at the shop where you’re doing your food shopping, and read the packaging of the bread you choose.
Bread brands and shops to consider
Albert Heijn
Its online bread range includes white and wholemeal bread, among other options.
- Offers different types of bread to compare side by side.
- Check what’s available at your chosen shop or for your delivery slot before buying.
Jumbo
Its bread categories include white, brown, wholemeal and multigrain.
- Makes it easy to browse these types of bread in its range.
- An online overview of the range doesn’t tell you which bread is stocked at a particular branch.
Lidl
Its freshly baked range includes different types of bread and rolls.
- Lidl provides an overview of the ingredients and allergens in its freshly baked bread.
- Lidl says its fresh range can vary from branch to branch.
ALDI
Its daily fresh range includes white and finely milled wholemeal bread, among other options.
- Offers types of bread that may suit you if you’re switching from white to wholemeal.
- Check the loaf size and the latest product information for the bread you choose.
PLUS
Its online range includes various wholemeal loaves.
- A PLUS wholemeal loaf comes with specific storage and freezing instructions.
- Follow the information on the packaging of the loaf you actually buy.
Dirk
Its bread range includes white, wholemeal, multigrain and sourdough options.
- Dirk includes a fibre meter on packaging for its Bakker van der Akker bread range.
- For a specific choice, compare the nutritional information for the loaves you’re considering.
Bread options on Joybuy
Matching products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is brown bread always wholemeal?
No, the brown colour alone doesn’t make bread wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, a product can only be called wholemeal if all its grain content consists of wholemeal flour. So check the product name or legal description.
Does bread in the Netherlands always have to contain iodised baker’s salt?
No, according to the Dutch Bakery Centre, using iodine-enriched baker’s salt isn’t a legal requirement. If it matters to you, check the ingredients list on the bread you want to buy.
What should I do with a whole loaf if I only eat a few slices?
You could choose a half loaf, or check whether you can freeze the whole loaf in portions. A PLUS wholemeal loaf says to freeze it on the day of purchase and use it within one month; for other loaves, follow the instructions on their packaging.
How can I check the allergens in bread?
Read the allergen information on the packaging of the specific loaf, as ingredients vary from product to product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says common allergens must be clearly listed on the label.