Serve white bread if some of your guests prefer a familiar white loaf, and offer wholemeal bread alongside it for anyone who prefers wholemeal. Brown bread is another option, but check the label if you specifically want wholemeal: a brown colour or the name ‘multigrain’ isn’t enough to tell you that. Choose the amount of bread to suit your group, and check the allergen information for each product.
If everyone wants something different, you can serve a white option and a wholemeal option side by side. For a smaller group, consider whether half loaves or individual rolls would be a better fit for the amount you need.
If wholemeal is the main reason for your choice, look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out the difference in fibre between wholemeal and white bread; check the nutrition information on the packaging for the specific loaf.
If you’d rather choose a familiar white loaf, you could try white bread or white tiger bread. A tiger crust alone doesn’t tell you whether the bread is white, brown or wholemeal.
For your Asian-themed dinner, first decide whether wholemeal, white bread or a choice for different diners matters most. Then check the type of bread and the amount you need for each product.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ and compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutrition information. | If I mainly want to serve wholemeal bread, a brown colour alone isn’t convincing. For around 42% of consumers, choosing wholemeal is the priority. |
| A familiar white loaf | Check that the bread is white and whether you’re choosing a plain loaf or a tiger-crust variety. | For diners who prefer white bread, I want to be able to serve a familiar option. Around 33% of consumers give this preference top priority. |
| Choice for your group | Check whether white and wholemeal options are available in quantities that suit the number of diners. | If people at the table have different preferences, I want to offer two types without having lots of bread left over. Around 25% of consumers put this practical consideration first. |
Tiger crusts are found on white, brown and wholemeal bread. So the crust doesn’t tell you whether the bread is wholemeal.
Read the full bread description on the label, and compare the nutrition information if fibre is important to your choice.
Multigrain refers to the types of grain used; it doesn’t automatically mean the bread is wholemeal.
If wholemeal is what you’re looking for, check that the packaging specifically says ‘wholemeal’.
The RIVM reports that not all bread is made with iodised salt. According to NBC / Brood.net Professionals, using iodine-enriched baker’s salt is not a legal requirement in the Netherlands.
If the type of salt used matters to you, check the bread’s current ingredients list.
The words white, brown or wholemeal don’t give you a full list of the ingredients and allergens. Information may not be shown on an individual package for unwrapped bread.
Check the current allergen information. If it isn’t clearly displayed, ask the bakery counter before buying.
These supermarkets offer bread types you can compare when choosing a white and a wholemeal option. Check the latest product information and availability at the shop where you’re buying.
Offers products including AH Tiger White and AH Tiger Wholemeal.
Offers products including Boeren Tiger Bread White and Boeren Tiger Wholemeal.
Its bread selection includes categories such as white, brown, multigrain and wholemeal.
Offers products including tiger bread in white, brown and wholemeal varieties.
Offers products including wholemeal tiger bread and Korenlanders loaves.
Its online bread selection includes white, wholemeal and other types of bread.
For diners with different bread preferences, this selection includes white bread options as well as separate rye and wholemeal choices. Choose based on the type of bread and the amount you want to serve; always check the latest product information for ingredients, allergens and nutritional values.
Image unavailableYou can serve this rye bread alongside white bread as another option. The product name states that it contains 9 pieces; check the packaging for ingredients, allergens and nutrition information.
Image unavailableThis rye bread is another option for diners who want something different alongside the white bread. The product name states that the pack weighs 500 g; check the latest ingredients and allergen information before buying.
Image unavailableThese white rolls are a good fit for a meal where you want to serve individual bread rolls. The pack contains 4; you’ll need a separate loaf for a wholemeal option.
Image unavailableThis white baguette is an option if you want to serve white bread with your meal. The product name states that it weighs 220 g; check the latest ingredients list if the type of salt used or any allergens matter to your choice.
Image unavailableYou can serve this round wholemeal loaf alongside a white bread option. It weighs 550 g; check the preparation instructions and latest ingredients information before serving.
No, you can’t assume that every loaf is made with iodised salt. The RIVM reports that not all bread contains iodised salt, and according to NBC / Brood.net Professionals, using iodine-enriched baker’s salt is not a legal requirement. Check the ingredients list if the type of salt matters to your purchase.
Not necessarily: multigrain and wholemeal describe different characteristics of bread. If you specifically want to buy wholemeal bread, look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging and, if needed, compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutrition information.
Ask for the allergen information before buying if it isn’t displayed alongside the bread. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information must also be available for unwrapped products; don’t rely on the bread’s name or appearance alone.
