White or Wholemeal Bread for Coffee: Fibre and Texture Checks

Who is this choice relevant to?

Fussy eaters at coffee time

You’re looking for a slice of bread with an appealing flavour or texture, but don’t want to assume it’s wholemeal based on its colour.

People keeping an eye on their fibre intake

You’d like to alternate white bread with wholemeal bread more often, or replace it altogether, without overlooking the texture you prefer. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholegrain products contain more fibre than products made with white flour.

Shoppers comparing options in the supermarket

You want to compare white, wholemeal and possible in-between options by product description, ingredients and nutritional information. Check the current packaging of the option you choose.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether flavour and texture matter most, or whether you specifically want wholemeal bread with your coffee. Then check the packaging of the option you’re planning to buy.

What to consider	What to check when buying	Who it matters most to
Flavour and texture	Compare the type of bread and ingredients of options with a texture you’d like to try; don’t judge whether it’s wholemeal by its colour.	If a fussy eater leaves a coarser slice uneaten, I’d prioritise an appealing texture without assuming it’s wholemeal. Around 46% of consumers would put flavour and texture first when buying.
Wholemeal and fibre	Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ and compare fibre values on the same basis, such as per 100 g.	If I want to make a conscious choice to have wholemeal bread with my coffee, the product description needs to match that aim. For around 36% of consumers, confirmed wholemeal content would be the main reason for their choice.
Availability	Check which option you can buy and whether the information relates to that exact product packaging.	I want to be able to choose a loaf at my usual shop without confusing it with another option that has the same name. For around 18% of consumers, practical availability would come first.

Common mistakes

Assuming brown, multigrain or ‘mix’ means wholemeal

The colour and a general bread name don’t tell you whether the grain ingredient is wholemeal. For products sold as wholemeal, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority assesses whether the grain ingredient is wholegrain.

Check the description on the packaging and compare the fibre values of the breads you’re considering on the same basis.
Taking iodised baker’s salt for granted

Choosing white or wholemeal bread doesn’t tell you which type of salt was used to make it.

If the type of salt used matters to you, read the product information or ask the retailer.
Relying on an old product description for allergen information

Ingredients and allergen information can change. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for prepacked foods appears on the label; for unpackaged products, it must be made available in another way.

For prepacked bread, read the current label. For unpackaged bread, ask for the allergen information.

Brands to compare

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn displays a range of wholemeal bread online.

The different types of bread give you a starting point for comparing product descriptions.
Check the ingredients and nutritional information for each bread you choose; a category doesn’t tell you about every option.

Jumbo

Jumbo displays, among other options, a product listed as Fijn Volkorenbrood.

This product description may be useful if you want to explore different textures within the wholemeal range.
A description of this option doesn’t automatically apply to other Jumbo breads.

Lidl

Lidl’s bread range includes white, brown, multigrain and wholemeal options.

The separate names make it easier to compare different types of bread.
Check the information for the option you choose and what’s available in your shop.

ALDI

ALDI describes both white and wholemeal bread in its range.

Specific wholemeal options are also listed separately.
You can’t assume that the features of one wholemeal option apply to the entire range.

PLUS

PLUS provides separate information online about white and wholemeal bread.

You can view the product information for individual types of bread.
PLUS notes that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change, so check the current packaging.

Dirk

Dirk’s bread range includes white and wholemeal options.

The separate product names make it possible to search for specific options.
A name such as brown or multigrain doesn’t confirm how much wholemeal flour a bread contains.

Bread options on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is brown or multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. The colour and the description ‘multigrain’ don’t in themselves confirm that the grain ingredient is wholegrain. Check the packaging to see whether the bread is labelled as wholemeal.

How do I compare the fibre content of different breads?

Compare the fibre value on the same basis, such as per 100 g, so different portion sizes don’t distort the comparison. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 3,4 g of fibre for a 50 g slice of wholemeal bread cut at home; you can find the value for another bread in its nutritional information.

Can I assume that bread contains iodised baker’s salt?

No, the type of bread doesn’t tell you which type of salt was used. If this matters to you, check the product information or ask the retailer.

Where can I find allergen information for bread?

For prepacked bread, check the current allergen information on the label. For unpackaged bread, the retailer must make this information available in another way, according to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority.

Should I check the label again when buying the same bread?

Yes, especially if you’re choosing based on ingredients, fibre or allergens. PLUS notes that product details like these can change, so check the packaging of the bread you’re actually buying.