Fibre-conscious eaters
You want to choose bread for your Asian night that is labelled wholemeal, and compare the fibre content per 100 g in the nutritional information.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Households sharing bread
You’re looking for slices or a loaf that’s easy to serve alongside a shared meal, without losing sight of your preference for wholemeal bread.
Shoppers checking ingredients and allergens
You need to be able to check which grains and allergens the bread you choose contains or may contain. This information can vary between varieties.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, check that it is labelled ‘wholemeal’. Then compare the shape of the bread, the nutritional information and the ingredients of the varieties you’re considering for your meal.
| What to look for | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label and compare fibre per 100 g. If the bread claims to be high in fibre, check what the comparison is based on. | I want genuinely wholemeal bread and let its fibre content guide my choice. This would be the main consideration for around 36% of consumers. |
| Shape and serving | Decide whether sliced bread, a whole loaf or a rustic sourdough loaf best suits the way you’ll serve the meal. | I want bread I can serve or share in the way I prefer during a meal together. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise the shape of the bread. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the latest ingredients and allergen information, including any statements about possible traces. | I need to know which ingredients and allergens are listed on the packaging before making my choice. This would be the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Storage and freezing | Check the storage instructions if you expect to have bread left over. | I might not use the whole loaf in one evening and want to know how to store the rest. This would be the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming brown or multigrain bread is wholemeal
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour. Brown bread can also contain white flour, while ‘multigrain’ on its own doesn’t mean a loaf is wholemeal.
First look for the ‘wholemeal’ label on the bread you’re considering. Then compare its fibre content and shape.
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Relying on the product name when you have an allergy
Ingredients and statements about possible traces vary between breads. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre stresses the importance of checking food labels if you have a food allergy.
Check the latest ingredients and allergen information on the packaging every time you buy, even if you’ve bought that variety before.
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Assuming every loaf contains iodised salt
Albert Heijn and Jumbo list iodised salt for specific bread varieties. That doesn’t tell you which type of salt is used in another loaf.
If this matters to your choice, check the ingredients of the specific product.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
AH Wholemeal Loaf is an example of a wholemeal loaf sold whole.
- The product information lists 6,9 g of fibre per 100 g and iodised salt.
- This specific variety is listed as ‘discontinued’. If you choose an alternative, check its own label.
Jumbo
Jumbo Fine Wholemeal is a fine-textured loaf with nutritional values and ingredients listed in the product information.
- For this variety, Jumbo lists 7,6 g of fibre and 1,00 g of salt per 100 g.
- The product information lists wheat, barley and gluten, and also notes the possible presence of other allergens. Check the latest label.
Lidl
Lidl Rustic Wholemeal Sourdough is an option if you’re specifically looking for a wheat sourdough loaf.
- Lidl describes this variety as wholemeal wheat sourdough bread.
- Check the packaging for nutritional values and allergen information.
ALDI
ALDI sells separate products called Fine Wholemeal and Extra High-Fibre Wholemeal Bread.
- ALDI describes Fine Wholemeal as sliced bread.
- The claim that Extra High-Fibre contains more fibre and less salt is made by ALDI for that specific variety, not for all wholemeal bread.
PLUS
PLUS stocks, among other options, whole farmhouse and tiger loaves, with ingredient and storage information available.
- PLUS says that the whole loaves mentioned can be frozen at home on the day of purchase.
- Ingredients and nutritional values may change or vary locally, so check the packaging of the loaf you choose.
Dirk
Dirk stocks, among other options, a wholemeal bâtard and a wholemeal loaf with extra fibre from Bakker van der Akker.
- These loaf shapes offer different ways to serve a wholemeal loaf.
- Check the nutritional information for each variety. The ‘extra fibre’ label alone doesn’t provide a comparable value per 100 g.
Wholemeal bread on Joybuy
These products include a flatbread to share and two pack sizes of a round loaf. Choose a shape that suits how you’ll serve it, and check the packaging for information on fibre, salt and allergens before comparing products.
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Souq Lebanese wholemeal bread, 6 pieces
The pack of six breads is a good fit for a meal where you want to share the bread. Check the latest packaging for any ingredients and allergens that matter to your guests.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal loaf, 2 × 550 g
This pack contains two round loaves, ideal if you want to serve more than one loaf with your meal. Allow time to defrost, bake and cool them before serving, and check the packaging for allergen information.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal loaf, 550 g
This variety contains one 550 g round loaf if you don’t want a pack of two. Allow time to defrost, bake and cool the bread, and read the latest allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
Is brown or multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour. Brown bread can also contain white flour, while ‘multigrain’ refers to more than one type of grain. If wholemeal is what you’re looking for, check the label.
Is it worth comparing the fibre content of wholemeal bread?
Yes, if fibre is a deciding factor for you. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g: for example, Jumbo lists 7,6 g of fibre per 100 g for Fine Wholemeal. Don’t treat a claim about extra fibre on another variety as a value that applies to all wholemeal bread.
Can I assume every loaf contains iodised salt?
No. Some product pages explicitly list iodised salt, but that doesn’t tell you anything about another bread variety. Check the ingredients of the loaf you want to buy.
What should I do if I have bread left over after my Asian night?
Follow the storage instructions for the bread you’ve chosen. For certain whole wholemeal loaves, PLUS says you can freeze them at home on the day of purchase and use them within one month. Don’t assume the same applies to another product without checking.