Parents keeping an eye on fibre
If you regularly choose bread for your child, check the packaging to see whether it is wholemeal and how much fibre is listed in the nutritional information.
Who is this choice for?
Families with fussy bread eaters
If your child leaves coarser bread uneaten, texture may influence your choice. Lidl, for example, describes a child-friendly bread made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour; check the details of the variety you buy.
Families who need to check allergens
For bread taken to school or childcare, the ingredients and any local requirements matter. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires allergens to be listed on the label; check the packaging of the bread you choose.
What should you look for when choosing?
Wholemeal bread
When: Choose this for a regular bread snack if your child likes the taste and texture. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights fibre, vitamins and minerals as features of wholemeal bread.
Consider: If your child is reluctant to eat bread with a coarse texture, you could also try a finer wholemeal variety.
White bread
When: White bread can be a temporary choice if your child does not want to eat wholemeal bread.
Consider: If you want to make fibre a priority, the name ‘white bread’ does not provide the same information as an explicit wholemeal label. Compare the nutritional information for specific breads.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre and nutritional information | Check whether the bread is labelled as wholemeal and compare the fibre per 100 g on the label. | If I prepare bread for my child often, I want to be able to compare the fibre content of specific varieties. Around 36% of consumers put this nutritional information first. |
| Taste and texture | Compare fine and coarser wholemeal varieties, and read the ingredients of the bread you choose. | My child sometimes leaves bread with a coarse texture uneaten, so a finer variety may be worth trying. For around 29% of consumers, whether their child will accept the bread is the deciding factor. |
| Allergens and requirements | Read the allergen information and check the requirements that apply to your child at school or childcare. | When I pack bread for my child, it needs to meet their allergen restrictions and any requirements that apply. Around 21% of consumers put these checks first. |
| Availability and storage | Check your chosen shop or delivery option, and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. | I want to be able to buy bread when I need it, without bringing home more than we can use. For around 14% of consumers, storage and convenience when buying are the main concern. |
Common mistakes
-
Judging by colour
A dark colour does not automatically tell you what ingredients or nutritional values a bread has. The Dutch Bakery Centre points out that bread colour is not always a reliable indicator.
Look for a clear wholemeal label, then compare the ingredients and fibre per 100 g on the packaging.
-
Assuming wholemeal bread is suitable for every allergy restriction
A wholemeal label says nothing about whether a bread is suitable for a child who needs to avoid gluten or another allergen. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that people with coeliac disease cannot tolerate gluten.
Check the full allergen information for your child and follow the arrangements with their school or childcare provider.
-
Assuming the online range matches your local shop
Bread listed in an online range may not be available at your chosen shop every time you visit.
Check the specific product page or store before planning to buy a particular bread for your child.
-
Buying more bread than you can use in time
If your child eats small portions, a whole loaf may be left uneaten for longer than intended.
Consider buying half a loaf or freezing portions if the instructions for your chosen product allow it.
Brands with suitable bread options
These shops offer ways to compare wholemeal options. The right bread for you depends on the latest packaging and what is available when you shop.
Albert Heijn
For families who want to browse different types of wholemeal bread at one supermarket.
- The range includes whole, half and round wholemeal loaves.
- Check the product page or your chosen store for the variety you want.
Jumbo
For anyone looking to compare fine, coarse, round, half and whole wholemeal loaves.
- Jumbo offers a range of wholemeal breads to buy in store or order online.
- Check which varieties are available at your store or for your delivery slot.
Lidl
For parents looking for a finer wholemeal texture for their child.
- Lidl describes a child-friendly bread made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour.
- A child-friendly name does not replace checking the ingredients and allergen information for the specific bread.
Aldi
For anyone who wants to compare white bread with different wholemeal options in the same range.
- The bread range includes white bread and finely milled wholemeal bread.
- Compare the nutritional information for each product; a difference in product name does not tell you everything about its ingredients.
PLUS
For anyone who wants to check the details of a specific wholemeal bread online.
- The product page for PLUS Boeren volkoren heel lists ingredients and nutritional information.
- PLUS warns that product and allergen information can change, so check the latest packaging too.
Dirk
For households looking to pick up a wholemeal loaf in store.
- Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Boeren volkoren heel in its bread range.
- Check whether this bread is available at the store you shop at.
Wholemeal bread products on Joybuy
These two products are wholemeal options for your child, but they differ in shape and preparation. As well as checking the pack size, look at the latest ingredients and allergen information, and read the instructions for use.
Image unavailable
Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, 6 pieces
This pack of six wholemeal flatbreads may suit you if you want to serve bread in individual portions. If your child has allergen restrictions, check the latest ingredients and read the packaging for storage instructions after opening.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 2 × 550 g
This round wholemeal loaf may suit you if you want to portion bread for several occasions and have time for the preparation required. Before use, check the instructions for defrosting, baking and cooling. Only compare fibre values once the nutritional information makes clear whether they are given per 100 g or per portion. If your child has allergen restrictions, check the latest packaging too.
Frequently asked questions
For a regular snack, should I choose white or wholemeal bread for my child?
Wholemeal bread is a sensible choice if your child will eat it: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights the fibre, vitamins and minerals in wholemeal bread. If the texture is the main issue, you could try a finer wholemeal variety and compare the nutritional information for specific breads.
Can I tell whether bread is wholemeal by its colour?
No, colour is not a reliable guide. The Dutch Bakery Centre points out that colour does not always indicate the ingredients or nutritional value; check for a wholemeal label and read the packaging.
Is ordinary wholemeal bread suitable for a child with coeliac disease?
Do not assume so. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that people with coeliac disease cannot tolerate gluten; check the full ingredients and allergen information before choosing a product for your child.
What should I check if the bread is going to school or childcare?
Read the latest packaging and follow the requirements that apply to your child at school or childcare. The allergen information on the label helps you check the product, but it does not replace those individual requirements.
How should I store bread for a later snack?
Follow the instructions on the packaging of the bread you choose. For example, PLUS says to store PLUS Boeren volkoren heel in a cool, dry and dark place and notes that it can be frozen on the day of purchase. Do not assume the same instructions apply to other breads.