Parents looking out for wholegrains and fibre
When choosing bread for regular school lunches, they compare the wholemeal label and the fibre content per 100 g, rather than relying on the crust or the word sourdough.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Families checking allergens and school rules
They need up-to-date allergen information before buying and packing bread, and check the school’s rules for lunch.
Pupils who prefer sourdough or a tiger-crust
For them, it matters whether the bread really has the preparation method or crust they want. Sourdough, wholemeal and a tiger-crust are separate qualities.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide which quality matters most for lunch. Wholemeal tiger bread keeps its tiger-crust; if sourdough is your priority, you can also look for wholemeal sourdough without that crust.
Wholemeal tiger bread
Choose this if: the pupil wants a tiger-crust and you’re looking for bread explicitly labelled wholemeal.
Bear in mind: a tiger-crust doesn’t mean the bread was made with sourdough.
Wholemeal sourdough
Choose this if: a preference for sourdough matters more than having a tiger-crust.
Bear in mind: wholemeal sourdough doesn’t necessarily have a tiger-crust.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the wholemeal label and compare the fibre content per 100 g on the label. | If bread goes to school regularly, I want to know what I’m choosing as a regular lunch staple. For around 36% of consumers, wholemeal and fibre are the top priorities in this choice. |
| Allergens | Read the up-to-date allergen information and check the school’s rules; ask for product information if buying unpackaged bread. | When allergens or school rules are a deciding factor, I want to know whether this particular bread is suitable before packing it. Around 29% of consumers make this their first priority. |
| Sourdough and tiger-crust | Check the product description, ingredients and preferred crust separately. | I want the sandwich to match my preference for sourdough or a tiger-crust. An estimated 21% of consumers put this choice of flavour and texture first. |
| Storage and portioning | Choose a loaf size to suit how much you use and check the storage instructions. | If bread isn’t eaten every school day, I want to take only what’s needed and store the rest properly. For around 14% of consumers, this is the most important consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming sourdough means wholemeal
The word sourdough doesn’t tell you whether bread is wholemeal. As a result, you might choose something different from what you intended for everyday lunches.
Check the wholemeal label separately, then treat sourdough as a preference for flavour or texture.
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Assuming tiger bread or sourdough is gluten-free
The tiger breads mentioned contain cereals with gluten, including wheat. With unpackaged bread, you can’t rely on the name alone either.
For packaged bread, read the up-to-date allergen information. If buying from a bakery or shop, ask for it before you buy. Also check the school’s rules.
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Assuming every loaf contains baker’s salt
According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. The type of bread alone won’t tell you which salt it contains.
Check the label for baker’s salt or iodised salt, or ask the baker if this matters to your choice.
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Buying a whole loaf without a storage plan
A whole loaf may last longer than the school lunches you can make from it. For opened wholemeal sourdough, the Voedingscentrum recommends 2–4 days in a kitchen cupboard and 1–3 months in the freezer.
Choose a loaf size to suit how much you use and freeze portions if needed. Follow the storage instructions on the packaging of the bread you buy.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn provides ingredients and nutritional information for its individual white and wholemeal tiger breads.
- According to Albert Heijn, AH Tijger volkoren half contains 6,7 g of fibre per 100 g; AH Tijger wit half lists 1,6 g per 100 g.
- These figures apply to the products listed. Neither product description on its own confirms that the bread is sourdough; check the current label.
Jumbo
Jumbo provides product information for Boeren Tijgerbrood Bruin.
- Jumbo lists 5,3 g of fibre per 100 g for this bread; the ingredients include both wholemeal wheat flour and wheat flour.
- The word ‘brown’ in the name doesn’t confirm that a loaf is entirely wholemeal or made with sourdough.
Lidl
Lidl lists Rustiek volkoren desembrood as a separate type of bread.
- The product name can help you find a combination of wholemeal and sourdough.
- The description doesn’t confirm a tiger-crust; check the current ingredients and allergen information before buying.
ALDI
ALDI lists Boeren tijger volkoren as a whole, pre-sliced loaf.
- The description identifies it as a wholemeal option and confirms that it comes pre-sliced.
- Check the packaging for the ingredients, allergen information and nutritional details of the loaf you buy.
PLUS
PLUS lists Volkoren tijger heel and separate Korenlanders sourdough breads.
- If you’re deciding between a tiger-crust and sourdough, you can compare the separate types of bread.
- The range listings don’t confirm that one loaf has both qualities; check the exact product.
Dirk
Dirk’s bread range includes both sourdough and tiger bread.
- These types of bread give you a starting point for finding the crust or preparation method you want.
- Check the ingredients, allergen information and nutritional details for each loaf before choosing it for school lunch.
Sourdough options on Joybuy
This product suits anyone looking for wholemeal sourdough when a tiger-crust isn’t needed. When preparing it for school lunch, allow time to get the bread ready and check the latest information on the packaging.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g
For anyone looking for wholemeal sourdough without a tiger-crust. Allow time to defrost, bake and cool the bread before packing it for school lunch. Check the latest allergen information and the school’s rules before packing it. Check the label to see which salt it contains if this matters to your choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is sourdough automatically wholemeal?
No. Sourdough and wholemeal describe different qualities. Choose wholemeal sourdough only if the product description or ingredients confirm that it is made with wholemeal flour.
Can you take tiger bread or sourdough to school if you have a gluten or wheat allergy?
Don’t rely on the name of the bread: check the specific product first and follow individual medical advice and the school’s rules. The tiger breads mentioned here contain cereals with gluten. For packaged bread, read the current label; if buying unpackaged bread, ask for allergen information before you buy.
Does bread always contain iodised baker’s salt?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the label for baker’s salt or iodised salt, or ask the baker.
How should I store wholemeal sourdough for school days?
For opened wholemeal sourdough, the Voedingscentrum recommends 2–4 days in a kitchen cupboard and 1–3 months in the freezer. Freeze lunch portions if you like and follow the instructions on the packaging of the bread you buy; its quality may deteriorate if it’s frozen for longer.