If you want white bread with seeds and organic is a must, only choose a loaf when its organic status is clearly stated for that specific product. Seeds alone tell you nothing about whether it is organic or wholemeal. Then check the types of seeds and the allergens. If fibre matters more to you than a white bread base, compare seeded wholemeal bread too, and check the nutritional information per 100 g.
You want a white bread base with seeds, but you also want to be sure that this particular loaf is organic. Check the organic status in the product information and, for pre-packed bread from the EU, look for the EU organic logo on the packaging.
You like to choose a particular combination of kernels and seeds, but want to know which ingredients and allergens the bread contains before you buy it. So check the information for the specific loaf. For example, the white multiseed roll described by PLUS contains sesame and wheat.
You’re looking for seeds, but wondering whether white bread fits with your preference for fibre. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g, and check separately whether a loaf is labelled wholemeal. The Voedingscentrum recommends replacing white bread with wholemeal or brown bread as much as possible.
First decide whether organic is a must for you. Then compare the bread base, the seeds and the packaging information for the loaves you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Organic status | Check the organic status of the bread and, for pre-packed bread produced in the EU, look for the EU organic logo. | I don’t just want seeds in my white bread; I also want to be sure that this product is organic. For around 33% of consumers, organic status is the most important requirement. |
| Seeds and allergens | Check which seeds have been used, along with the ingredients list and allergen information for this loaf. | I’m looking for specific kernels or seeds to get the texture I want, while also needing to know before buying whether it contains ingredients such as sesame or wheat. Around 27% of consumers give this combination the highest priority. |
| White or wholemeal | Check whether the bread is labelled wholemeal and compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutritional information. | If fibre is my main reason for buying seeded bread, I also want to be able to compare white bread with wholemeal bread. This is the main consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
| Baker’s salt | Look for baker’s salt or iodised salt on the label; ask about it if the bread is unwrapped. | I want to know which salt has been used in my bread, rather than assuming that all organic bread contains baker’s salt. For around 20% of consumers, this information comes first. |
Seeds describe the ingredients, not the bread’s organic status. According to Skal Biocontrole, the EU organic logo is compulsory for pre-packed foods produced in the EU and sold as organic.
Check the organic status of the bread and, for pre-packed products like this, look for the EU organic logo on the packaging.
White bread can contain seeds without being wholemeal. So the presence of seeds doesn’t tell you which type of bread you’re buying.
If wholemeal is important to you, check the product name and ingredients list. To compare fibre, also check the nutritional information per 100 g.
Ingredients vary from one loaf to another. For example, PLUS lists wheat and sesame in its white multiseed roll; you can’t assume those ingredients are in other seeded breads too.
Read the allergen information for the bread you want to buy. If it’s unwrapped, ask what allergen information is available.
According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. The organic status doesn’t tell you which salt is in the bread.
Check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt, or ask the baker which salt has been used.
These supermarkets offer ways to compare organic bread and bread with seeds. Always check the organic status, ingredients and availability for each individual loaf.
Albert Heijn has its own AH Biologisch range and provides product information online.
Jumbo lists different types of bread online, including white, multigrain and wholemeal.
Lidl has a page for its organic range as well as information about white bread.
Aldi lists freshly baked bread each day and also has a separate page for organic products.
PLUS describes both organic bread and a white multiseed roll.
Dirk lists types of bread such as white and multigrain, alongside a category for organic bread and related products.
Check that the organic status is stated for the bread itself. According to Skal Biocontrole, the EU organic logo is compulsory for pre-packed foods produced in the EU and sold as organic. Words such as ‘multiseed’ or ‘natural’ don’t replace this check.
No, having several types of seed doesn’t automatically make white bread wholemeal. Check whether the specific loaf is labelled wholemeal, and compare the nutritional information if fibre is an important factor in your choice.
Check the allergen information for the bread you want to buy, paying particular attention to the grains and seeds used. For example, PLUS lists wheat and sesame in its white multiseed roll; another loaf may have different ingredients. If the bread is unwrapped, ask what allergen information is available.
No, you can’t assume that baker’s salt has been used, even in organic bread. According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use it. Check the label for baker’s salt or iodised salt, or ask the baker which salt is in the bread.
