The regular weekday breakfast eater
Enjoys bread for breakfast regularly and wants to know which loaf size suits the number of slices eaten at home.
Who is this for?
The fibre-conscious shopper
Compares the fibre content per 100 g of different wholemeal breads and checks the ingredients too.
The careful label reader
Checks the ingredients, allergens and salt in each type of bread, and may want to know whether iodised salt has been used.
What should you look for?
Start with the product description and pack size. Then use the nutritional information and storage advice to compare options for your breakfast.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Loaf size | Check the weight and work out how many slices you usually have for breakfast. | If I eat bread every weekday, I want a size that suits how much we get through at home. This is the first thing around 36% of consumers consider. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Read the product description and compare fibre on a like-for-like basis, preferably per 100 g. | For my everyday breakfast, I want to be sure which wholemeal bread I’m choosing and how its fibre content compares. This is a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Specific ingredients | Compare salt and fibre per 100 g, and read the ingredients and allergen information for the option you choose. | If an ingredient or a particular nutritional value influences my choice, I look beyond the name on the pack. Around 21% of consumers put this first. |
| Storage | Check the storage advice and whether the packaging says the bread can be frozen. | If I don’t use the same amount of bread every morning, I want to avoid leaving some uneaten. Storage is the first priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming every loaf contains iodised salt
Using iodised baker’s salt is not a requirement for every loaf of bread in the Netherlands. The information may vary between products.
Read the ingredients list for the bread you choose. If you’re buying unpackaged bread and this matters to you, ask which salt has been used.
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Choosing a whole loaf without a storage plan
A whole loaf may not be the best fit if you only use a few slices.
Consider a smaller size or follow the freezing advice on the packaging. Albert Heijn and PLUS advise freezing their specified wholemeal loaves on the day of purchase.
Bread left uneaten increases the risk of waste.
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Treating a high-fibre or reduced-salt claim as the deciding factor
Such a claim applies to a specific product and comparison; it doesn’t tell every shopper what should matter most to them.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and check the ingredients of the standard option you’re considering too.
Brands with relevant wholemeal breads
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn describes AH Volkoren heel as a whole wholemeal wheat loaf.
- The product information lists 6,9 g of fibre and 0,9 g of salt per 100 g, iodised salt as an ingredient, and advice on freezing.
- Check the packaging of the product you choose; these details apply to AH Volkoren heel.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s own-brand range includes Fijn Volkoren wholemeal bread.
- According to Jumbo, Fijn Volkoren contains 7,6 g of fibre and 1,00 g of salt per 100 g.
- For other Jumbo varieties, check the nutritional information and allergen details again.
Lidl
Lidl lists Fijn volkoren as an 800 g loaf.
- The stated weight helps you decide whether the size suits how much bread you use at home.
- Check the nutritional information and storage advice for the specific pack separately.
Aldi
Alongside wholemeal bread, Aldi lists a variety called Extra vezelrijk volkorenbrood heel.
- For this specific variety, Aldi provides a comparison of its fibre and salt content with regular wholemeal bread.
- Don’t use that comparison to judge other loaves; check the nutritional values of the varieties you’re actually considering.
Plus
PLUS Boeren volkoren heel is an 800 g own-brand loaf.
- According to PLUS, this variety contains 6,7 g of fibre and 1,03 g of salt per 100 g; the product information also includes storage advice.
- These nutritional values and instructions apply to this variety, not necessarily to every PLUS loaf.
Dirk
Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Boeren volkoren heel as a loaf for breakfast or lunch.
- A whole loaf is an option if that size suits how much you use at home.
- Check the label for this variety if fibre, salt or allergens influence your choice.
Wholemeal bread on Joybuy
These round wholemeal bake-at-home loaves suit a breakfast where you can defrost and bake the bread in advance. Bear the preparation time and the amount of bread you use in mind when choosing.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal country loaf, 2 × 550 g
A good choice if you can prepare the bread before breakfast. The product information advises allowing 4 hours to defrost and 11–13 minutes to bake; this may not suit a breakfast with no time for preparation.
To compare fibre and salt, check the nutritional information per 100 g on the packaging.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal country loaf, 550 g
An option if you can fit defrosting and baking in before your weekday breakfast. The product information advises allowing 4 hours to defrost and 11–13 minutes to bake; check the pack size too when choosing this variety.
Before comparing fibre and salt with other loaves, check the values per 100 g on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Is iodised baker’s salt required in all Dutch bread?
No, not all bread in the Netherlands has to contain iodised baker’s salt. The 2008 agreement on the use of baker’s salt, set out by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, encourages its use. If this matters to you, read the ingredients list for the variety you choose.
How do I compare wholemeal breads for my weekday breakfast?
First check that the product description says wholemeal bread, then choose a size that suits how much you use. Next, compare fibre and salt per 100 g, and read the ingredients and allergen information for the varieties you’re considering.
Can I freeze a whole wholemeal loaf?
You can if the storage advice for the variety you choose says it’s suitable for freezing. Albert Heijn and PLUS say that their specified wholemeal loaves can be frozen at home on the day of purchase and should be used within one month. Follow the instructions on your packaging.
Do I need to check the allergens in wholemeal bread?
Yes, especially if you need to avoid a particular ingredient. The wholemeal breads mentioned may contain cereals containing gluten and, depending on the variety, other allergens. Always check the allergen information for the bread you choose.