Who is this choice relevant to?

Fibre-conscious snack planners

Households looking to swap white bread for a product labelled wholemeal and compare the fibre per 100 g for sandwiches and other holiday snacks.

Families planning several snack breaks

Shoppers choosing between sliced bread, which can be frozen in portions, and part-baked bread, which they can prepare just before eating.

Shoppers who check ingredients carefully

If you need to avoid an ingredient or compare salt content, the information on the current label matters more than the shape of the bread.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check that the bread is labelled wholemeal. Then choose a type to suit your planned snack and check the nutritional information and ingredients for that specific product.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Wholemeal and fibre Look for the wholemeal label and compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutritional information. I want to be sure I’m choosing wholemeal bread for sandwiches and see how much fibre it contains; around 45% of consumers put wholemeal and fibre first.
Portions and preparation Check the storage advice and, for part-baked bread, find out what equipment and preparation time it needs. If snacks are spread over several days, I want to be able to portion the bread or bake it just before eating; around 33% of consumers prioritise this convenience.
Ingredients and salt Read the allergen information and compare the salt per 100 g if it’s relevant to your choice. If I need to avoid an ingredient or watch my salt intake, the label needs to give me a clear answer; around 22% of consumers make this their top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming dark or multigrain bread is wholemeal

    The colour and the term multigrain don’t mean that all the grain in the bread is wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, a product can only be called wholemeal if 100% of its grain content is wholemeal flour.

    Look for the explicit wholemeal label, then compare the fibre per 100 g.

  • Comparing fibre but overlooking allergens

    Bread may contain gluten-containing cereals and, depending on the product, other allergens. Similar fibre content doesn’t mean a product is suitable for someone who needs to avoid an ingredient.

    Check the current label on packaged bread. For unwrapped bread, ask about allergen information before you buy.

  • Buying more fresh bread than you’ll use

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping opened wholemeal bread in a bread bin for 2 to 4 days. Bread left for longer may dry out or go mouldy.

    Buy enough for your planned snack breaks, or freeze the bread in portions soon after buying it. Also follow the instructions on the packaging.

  • Planning part-baked bread as a quick snack

    Part-baked bread needs suitable equipment and time to prepare. For example, PLUS says its wholemeal multigrain baguettes need 8 to 10 minutes in the oven at 220 °C.

    Check the preparation instructions for the product you choose. If you don’t have time to bake it, choose bread that’s ready to eat.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers a range of wholemeal breads, including round loaves, hearth-baked loaves, tiger bread, Zaanse bread and organic varieties.

  • The range of bread types makes it easier to choose one to suit your snack break.
  • Check the packaging for each product and make sure it’s available from your preferred shop.

Jumbo

Jumbo Fijn Volkoren is a sliced wholemeal wheat loaf that’s ready for making sandwiches.

  • Jumbo lists 7,6 g of fibre and 1,00 g of salt per 100 g for this product.
  • These figures apply to Jumbo Fijn Volkoren, not all Jumbo bread. Also check the current ingredients and allergen information.

Lidl

Lidl lists a rustic wholemeal wheat sourdough loaf, among other options.

  • This type of product offers an alternative to a finely sliced whole loaf.
  • Check the label for this bread if fibre, salt or allergens are important to your choice.

ALDI

As well as standard wholemeal bread, ALDI lists a separate variety called Extra high-fibre wholemeal bread.

  • The separate variety gives you a specific product to compare for nutritional values and ingredients.
  • A product name or comparative brand claim doesn’t replace the absolute figures on the current label.

PLUS

PLUS lists both a finely sliced wholemeal loaf and wholemeal multigrain baguettes for baking at home.

  • PLUS publishes ingredients, allergen information and nutritional details for each product, as well as baking instructions for the baguettes.
  • Check the current packaging before buying, especially if allergens or a planned baking time matter to you.

Dirk

Dirk lists fresh wholemeal bâtard and hearth-baked loaves, including bread from Bakker van der Akker.

  • A bâtard or hearth-baked loaf is an option if you’re looking for fresh bread that’s ready to eat.
  • For the specific loaf, check the nutritional values and allergen information on the packaging or in store.

Bread options on Joybuy

Here are two different bread options for snacks: flatbread with Whole Wheat in the product name and wholemeal crispbread. Check the grain content and allergen information for your chosen product on the packaging.

Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, pack of 6 flatbreads

Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, pack of 6

A flatbread option for a snack you want to serve without baking.

If you need to avoid certain ingredients, check the current allergen information on the packaging.

View on Joybuy
Bolletje Whole Grain Crispbread, 265 g pack

Bolletje wholemeal crispbread, 265 g

A crunchy base for a snack if you’re not looking for soft bread.

Before serving it to someone who needs to avoid an ingredient, compare the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is dark or multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, a product can only be called wholemeal if 100% of its grain content is wholemeal flour. So look for the wholemeal label rather than relying on the colour or the word multigrain alone.

How should I store wholemeal bread for several snack breaks?

Freeze it in portions if you won’t use the bread within a few days. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping opened wholemeal bread in a bread bin for 2 to 4 days, or in the freezer for 1 to 3 months. For packaged bread, follow the label too.

How can I check allergens in unwrapped bread?

Before buying, ask the seller for allergen information about the specific bread. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that sellers must provide information about 14 allergens. Be sure to name the ingredient you need clarification about.