Fibre-conscious households
For anyone who wants to make a conscious choice of wholemeal bread for a regular weekend breakfast and compare the fibre content on the packaging.
Who is this choice important for?
Households looking for soft slices
For anyone who prefers a light, soft texture and wants to take the difference between white and wholemeal bread into account when choosing.
Shoppers who check labels and allergens
For anyone who wants to check the ingredients and allergens in the specific bread they’ve chosen before serving it at breakfast.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether wholemeal grains or a soft texture matters more to you. Then compare the details of the breads that match your preference.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Especially for |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre and wholemeal bread | Check the product name and compare fibre per 100 g; don’t rely on colour alone. | I want to make a considered choice of wholemeal bread for breakfast and see how much fibre it contains. This is said to be the main consideration for around 50% of consumers. |
| Texture and loaf shape | Choose the type and shape of bread you prefer, and decide whether a whole or half loaf suits how much you use. | A soft slice or a particular loaf shape makes weekend breakfast more appealing to me than choosing based on fibre content. This preference is said to come first for around 30% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information; check separately whether baker’s salt is listed. | Before choosing bread, I need to know which ingredients and allergens it contains, or I want to check which salt has been used. This label check is said to be the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking multigrain or dark bread for wholemeal
Multigrain refers to several types of grain; a dark colour alone doesn’t tell you whether a bread is wholemeal.
If you’re looking for wholemeal bread, check the product name and then compare the nutritional information on the label.
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Assuming every loaf contains baker’s salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. The type of bread alone won’t tell you whether it’s been used.
Check the ingredients on the packaging or ask the baker which salt was used in the bread you’ve chosen.
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Relying on the bread’s name to check for allergens
A bread’s name is no substitute for its ingredients and allergen information. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that pre-packed foods must include allergen information.
Read the information for the specific bread you’re buying, even if you’ve chosen a similar loaf before.
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Buying more bread than you’ll eat over the weekend
A whole loaf may be left over if you’re having breakfast with a small group. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists bread as one of the foods that is often wasted.
Consider buying half a loaf or smaller rolls, and follow the advice on the product for storing or freezing it.
Bread that isn’t eaten or stored can go to waste.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s online range includes various wholemeal breads, including rustic and round loaves.
- Whole and half loaves are available, making it easy to compare loaf shapes and quantities.
- Check the current packaging for the ingredients and nutritional information of the bread you’ve chosen.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s online range includes different types of wholemeal bread, including fine-textured and round loaves.
- The loaf shape can help you choose a texture that suits your breakfast.
- Compare fibre, salt and ingredients for each product; the values for one loaf won’t apply to the entire range.
ALDI
ALDI lists different types of wholemeal bread in its fresh daily bread range.
- According to ALDI, its wholemeal breads are made with 100% wholemeal flour.
- Check the current packaging and nutrition table for the bread you’ve chosen.
PLUS
PLUS’s online wholemeal bread range includes fine-textured, tiger and round loaves.
- The different loaf shapes can help you choose a texture for breakfast.
- Check the fibre, salt, ingredients and allergens for each individual product.
Dirk
Dirk’s bread range includes separate categories for wholemeal and white bread.
- You can look at both types of bread as separate options.
- Check the packaging of the bread you’ve chosen for its exact ingredients and nutritional information.
Bread options on Joybuy
These bread products are suited to a weekend breakfast where loaf shape, quantity and preparation all matter. Check the current packaging for each product if you’re specifically looking for wholemeal bread or want to compare fibre content.
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Bolletje Rye Bread Bun 500 g
An option for weekend breakfast if you’re considering rye bread. The title and description suggest different bread shapes, so check the packaging if you’re specifically looking for rolls or sliced bread. Also read the ingredients and allergen information, including the details for wheat and rye.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g
A round loaf for a breakfast where you have time to defrost and bake it. Check the preparation time on the packaging. Only compare fibre with other breads once the unit and reference basis on the label are clear.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 2 × 550 g
This pack of two round loaves is handy if you need more bread for breakfast or want to save one for later. Allow time to defrost and bake them, and check the preparation time on the packaging. Only compare fibre once the reference basis on the label is clear.
Frequently asked questions
Is white bread also wholemeal bread?
No, white bread and wholemeal bread are different types of bread. Check the product name and ingredients if you specifically want wholemeal bread for weekend breakfast.
How do I compare wholemeal breads if fibre matters?
Compare the fibre content per 100 g in the nutrition tables of the breads you’re considering. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread in particular is high in fibre. The information on each individual pack lets you compare products.
Does every loaf contain baker’s salt?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the ingredients of the bread you’ve chosen, or ask the baker if this matters to you.
Where can I check for wheat and other allergens?
Read the ingredients and allergen information for the specific bread you want to buy. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly listed on pre-packed foods, so don’t rely on the bread’s name alone.