Families with fussy bread eaters
If not everyone wants to eat wholemeal bread, you can serve a white option alongside fine wholemeal or wholemeal bread. That way, one person's choice doesn't have to dictate what everyone else eats.
Who is this choice relevant for?
Families keeping an eye on fibre
If you also want to serve wholemeal bread with dinner, compare fine wholemeal and wholemeal options by their ingredients and fibre content per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises replacing white bread with wholemeal or brown bread as much as possible.
Families who need to check allergens
If you're buying bread for someone with an allergy, check the latest allergen information before you buy. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, this information must also be available before purchase for unpackaged bread.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with what everyone at the table wants to eat, then choose a wholemeal option, a white alternative and portions to suit the meal. Check the product information for each loaf separately.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour and texture | Check the type of bread and, if you like, serve a finer-textured wholemeal option alongside white bread. Colour alone doesn't tell you whether bread is wholemeal. | If a coarse texture isn't popular at the table, I also want to serve bread that fussy eaters will happily choose; around 38% of consumers put acceptability first. |
| Fibre | Check the ingredients and compare the fibre content per 100 g on the labels of the breads you're considering. | I don't want to serve only white bread if fibre is my main consideration; around 31% of consumers put this need first. |
| Portions and storage | Check whether a half loaf or rolls will be enough, and follow the product's storage instructions. | When bread is a side dish, I want to be able to offer two types without having lots left over. Portion size is the main concern for around 23% of consumers. |
| Allergens and baker's salt | Check for allergens before buying, including for unpackaged bread. If relevant, check the ingredients list or ask which salt has been used. | If I need to consider an allergy or the type of salt used, I want to know exactly which bread I'm buying; around 8% of consumers put this product information first. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking brown or multigrain bread for wholemeal
A dark colour, seeds or the word ‘multigrain’ don't prove that a loaf is wholemeal. This distinction matters if you're choosing it specifically because it's wholemeal.
Check the product name and ingredients, and compare the fibre content of the specific loaves on the label.
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Buying a whole loaf of each type straight away
It's hard to know in advance how much of each type of bread people will eat at dinner. A less popular option could be left uneaten.
See whether half loaves or smaller packs would work better, and follow the product's storage instructions for any leftovers.
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Not asking about allergens in loose bread
Unpackaged or freshly baked bread may not have a label on the individual product. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information must still be available before purchase.
Check the information by the shelf or ask a member of staff for the latest details before buying bread for someone with an allergy.
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Assuming every loaf contains iodised baker's salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren't required to use iodised baker's salt. So the word ‘salt’ on its own doesn't tell you which type was used in the bread.
If this matters to your choice, check the ingredients list or ask the baker.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn has separate online categories for white bread and wholemeal bread.
- You can browse whole and half loaves, among other options.
- Check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens; product information can change.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists different bread formats and has a separate section for wholemeal bread.
- Its range includes whole and half loaves, among other options.
- Check the item you've chosen and the in-store or delivery options if you're looking for a specific variety.
Lidl
Lidl describes white, brown, multigrain and wholemeal breads in its range.
- According to Lidl, its kids' wholemeal bread is made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour.
- This bread is listed as an in-store product; check the latest information for each item.
ALDI
At ALDI, you can browse white bread, fine wholemeal bread and part-baked rolls, among other options.
- ALDI says its part-baked rolls can be frozen.
- Check which types of bread are available at each store and for each product.
PLUS
PLUS has separate online sections for white bread and wholemeal bread.
- The sections let you browse both types of bread separately.
- PLUS warns that product information may change for one fine wholemeal item; check the latest packaging.
Dirk
Dirk describes a bread range that includes white, wholemeal and multigrain options.
- You can browse different types of bread for the same meal.
- Check the selected item or ask in store to find out which version is available.
Bread options at Joybuy
For a family dinner, these options include separate white and wholemeal choices: white rolls alongside a round wholemeal loaf and Lebanese wholemeal bread. Choose the shape and portion that suit what you'd like to serve at the table; these aren't loaves confirmed to contain a mix of white and wholemeal flour.
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g'woon White Rustic Pistolet, 4 pcs
A white bread option if you'd like to serve individual portions alongside wholemeal bread.
The pack contains four rolls. If you have an allergy, check the latest packaging, and look at the type of salt used if that's relevant to your choice.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
A round wholemeal loaf to serve as a separate option alongside white bread.
The loaf weighs 550 g. When planning dinner, allow time to defrost, bake and cool it according to the product instructions. If you have an allergy, check the latest packaging.
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Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, 6 P
A wholemeal option in the form of Lebanese flatbread, ideal for serving with dips, for example.
The pack states 6 P. This isn't standard sliced bread, so check that the format suits your dinner. If you have an allergy, read the latest packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Can I serve white bread instead of wholemeal at a family dinner?
White bread can be a practical extra if some people at the table prefer it, but it doesn't have to replace the wholemeal option. For everyday bread, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises replacing white bread with wholemeal or brown bread as much as possible.
Does bread in the Netherlands always contain iodised baker's salt?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren't required to use iodised baker's salt. For packaged bread, check the ingredients list, or ask the baker which type of salt has been used.
How can I check allergens in unpackaged or freshly baked bread?
Ask for the latest allergen information before you buy, or check the information by the shelf. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says this information must also be available before purchase for unpackaged products.
Can I freeze leftover dinner rolls?
It depends on the product and its storage instructions. ALDI says its part-baked rolls are suitable for freezing; for other rolls, check the packaging or ask the seller.