Who are these choices relevant to?

Shoppers comparing fibre

For households looking for wholegrain rye bread and comparing the wholegrain label and fibre content per 100 g when they shop.

Shoppers checking which grains are included

For anyone carefully checking the ingredients and allergens because they have coeliac disease or need to avoid a particular grain. Rye contains gluten; some rye breads also contain wheat or barley.

Shoppers planning their supplies

For anyone who wants to take the number of slices, storage instructions after opening and availability at their chosen shop into account.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the wholegrain label and the ingredients. Then compare the nutritional information on the same basis and choose a pack size that suits how quickly you’ll use the bread.

What to look for What to check when buying Who it matters to
Wholegrain and fibre Look for the wholegrain label and compare fibre per 100 g; don’t judge by the dark colour alone. If I’m buying rye bread for its fibre, I want to know whether it’s wholegrain and how its nutritional information compares. This is the top priority for around 42% of consumers.
Grains and allergens Read the full ingredients list and check which gluten-containing grains are listed, including any wheat and barley. If you need to avoid a particular grain, the name ‘rye bread’ on its own isn’t enough. An estimated 33% of consumers prioritise clear information about ingredients and allergens.
Portions, salt and storage Compare salt per 100 g and check the pack size, number of slices and storage instructions after opening. When planning my supplies, I want to choose a pack I can finish in time. For around 25% of consumers, practical use is the most important consideration.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming rye bread contains only rye

    The Bolletje Frisian rye bread described by Albert Heijn contains wheat bran and wheat flour as well as wholegrain rye. So the product name doesn’t tell you everything about the grains it contains.

    Read the ingredients list if you need to avoid wheat or want a product made with rye only.

  • Comparing fibre per slice without checking the weight

    Slices can vary in weight, so a figure per slice isn’t the same as one per 100 g.

    Compare fibre and salt per 100 g first, then consider how much you usually eat at a time.

  • Treating rye bread as a gluten-free option

    Rye is a gluten-containing grain. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority points out that the relevant grain must be clearly named in the ingredients list.

    If you need to eat gluten-free, don’t rely on the name of the bread; check that the exact product is labelled gluten-free.

  • Only checking the storage instructions after buying

    The rye breads described by Albert Heijn have storage instructions for after opening. These matter if you won’t get through a pack quickly.

    Check the instructions before buying, choose a suitable pack size and seal the bread after opening as directed.

Brands to compare

Hollandia

Albert Heijn describes Hollandia’s dark sourdough rye bread as a 500 g pack containing 12 thin slices.

  • The product information states that it contains 100% wholegrain rye and 10 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The product also lists barley malt and gluten-containing grains, so it isn’t gluten-free.

Bolletje

The Bolletje Frisian rye bread described by Albert Heijn is sliced and sold in a 500 g pack containing nine slices.

  • The stated nutritional value is 9.1 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • As well as 56% wholegrain cracked rye, the ingredients list includes wheat bran and wheat flour.

Smaakt

Albert Heijn describes Smaakt’s organic wholegrain rye bread as a 500 g pack containing eight pieces and 5% linseed.

  • The product information states that it contains 11 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The ‘wheat-free’ label doesn’t mean it’s gluten-free: this rye bread contains rye. Also check whether it’s available at your shop.

Rye bread on Joybuy

These packs are worth considering if you want to compare different pack sizes of rye bread when planning your shopping. Before choosing, check the current ingredients, nutritional information and storage instructions for each product.

TastyBasics rye bread, 9 pieces

TastyBasics rye bread, 9 pieces

For anyone looking for a pack of 9 pieces and wanting to consider how they’ll use it after opening.

Compare the fibre and salt per 100 g on the current pack, and read the ingredients and allergens before choosing.

View on Joybuy
Bolletje Rye Bread Bun, 500 g

Bolletje Rye Bread Bun, 500 g

For anyone considering a 500 g pack and wanting to take the grain composition into account.

Check the current pack to see which grains and allergens the product contains, and compare the nutritional information per 100 g.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if rye bread is wholegrain?

Check whether the pack says ‘wholegrain’. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, this label means that bread is made with wholemeal flour. Then compare the ingredients and fibre per 100 g, as these can vary between products.

Is rye bread gluten-free?

No, rye is a gluten-containing grain. Some rye breads also contain wheat or barley. Check the ingredients, and if you follow a gluten-free diet, rely only on a valid gluten-free label for the exact product.

Does all rye bread contain iodine?

You can’t tell from the type of bread alone. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, iodine compounds may only be present in bread and other bakery products through bakers’ salt. This doesn’t mean that all rye bread contains iodine. If this matters to you, ask the retailer about the exact product.

How should I store rye bread after opening?

Follow the instructions on the pack you buy. The rye breads described by Albert Heijn advise storing the bread in the fridge and give a limited shelf life after opening, so choose a pack size you can finish in time.