Households keeping an eye on fibre
If bread is a regular part of your savoury breakfast, you can choose between white, brown and wholemeal bread according to how much fibre you want.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Fans of soft bread
If you’re used to white bread, fine wholemeal bread could be worth considering if a coarse texture makes switching less appealing. Check that the bread is labelled wholemeal, even when choosing a fine-textured variety.
Shoppers who read labels carefully
If you have questions about allergens or iodine, check the ingredients of the specific bread. The type of bread alone won’t tell you which allergens it contains or whether baker’s salt has been used.
What should you look for when choosing?
For a fibre-conscious savoury breakfast, first distinguish between white, brown and wholemeal bread. Then choose your preferred texture and size, and check the packaging for anything that matters to your household.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for an explicit wholemeal label. Compare fibre per 100 g or for equal-sized portions. | If I mainly want to get more fibre from my breakfast toast, I need to know which bread is genuinely wholemeal. This would be the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Soft texture | See if a fine-textured wholemeal variety suits your preference; choose a whole or half loaf according to how much you expect to use. | I’m used to soft white bread and want a finer-textured slice for savoury toppings without giving up on wholemeal. For around 29% of consumers, texture would be the most important factor. |
| Baker’s salt | Check the ingredients for baker’s salt, or ask about it when buying unwrapped bread. | If bread is an important source of iodine for me, I want to confirm whether baker’s salt has been used in this loaf. For around 21% of consumers, this would be their first priority. |
| Allergens and ingredients | Read the current packaging; ask about allergens before buying unwrapped bread. | If I have a food allergy, I need to be able to check the ingredients of the bread I’m buying, even if I’ve bought it before. For around 14% of consumers, this information would be their most important consideration when buying. |
Common mistakes
-
Mistaking dark or multigrain bread for wholemeal
According to Brood.net, multigrain bread can be white, brown or wholemeal. So colour, seeds and the name of a loaf are no substitute for an explicit wholemeal label.
To meet your fibre goal, check the type of bread first, then compare texture and size.
-
Assuming all bread contains baker’s salt
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that using baker’s salt is not compulsory. So you can’t tell whether baker’s salt has been used just by choosing white, brown or wholemeal bread.
Read the ingredients list or, if iodine from bread matters to you, ask which salt has been used when buying unwrapped bread.
-
Relying on out-of-date ingredient information
A recipe can change. If you need to avoid allergens, information from a previous purchase isn’t enough to assess the bread you’re buying now.
Always read the current packaging or ask about allergens before buying unwrapped bread.
-
Choosing a whole loaf without thinking about how you’ll use it
If a household doesn’t eat the bread in time, some of it may go to waste.
Choose a whole or half loaf according to how much you expect to use.
Supermarket brands for reference
These supermarket chains offer a range of wholemeal breads. Check the current packaging of the specific loaf you’re considering; its inclusion in this overview doesn’t say anything about the contents of the retailer’s entire range.
Albert Heijn
Offers wholemeal bread in round, hearth-baked, tiger and other varieties.
- Whole and half sizes are available to compare.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and current availability of each loaf.
Jumbo
Offers its own-brand wholemeal bread, including fine, coarse and tiger varieties.
- A range of textures makes it easier to find the right one for you.
- Don’t assume anything about allergens or the use of baker’s salt from the variety name.
Lidl
Offers fine wholemeal bread among its in-store products.
- Lidl says its packaged loaves feature a fibre scale.
- Check the packaging of your chosen loaf for nutritional information and ingredients.
ALDI
Offers sliced fine wholemeal bread, among other varieties.
- The fine-textured variety is a good option if you’re not looking for a coarse slice.
- Check the product’s current ingredients and availability.
PLUS
Offers wholemeal bread in a range of shapes and sizes, including whole, half, tiger and hearth-baked loaves.
- You can compare loaf sizes and styles side by side.
- Don’t assume a dark colour or the name ‘multigrain’ means the bread is wholemeal.
Dirk
Offers wholemeal bread and varieties labelled as containing extra fibre, among other options.
- The different types of bread give you several ways to compare labels.
- Check availability at your local store and read the packaging of the loaf you choose.
Bread products for a savoury breakfast
These Joybuy products are bread options for savoury toppings or a savoury bread-based meal. Bear in mind the format: flatbread and rye bread aren’t sliced wholemeal loaves. Check the current nutritional information and ingredients for each product before comparing it with your usual bread.
Image unavailable
Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, 6 stuks
An option to consider if you’re looking for flatbread labelled Whole Wheat to serve at a savoury breakfast. This is Lebanese flatbread, not a traditional sliced loaf, so check that the format suits what you have in mind.
If you have allergies, check the current allergen information. Also check whether baker’s salt has been used if that matters to you.
Image unavailable
Bolletje Rye Bread Bun, 500 g
A rye bread option to consider with savoury toppings. If you’re choosing wholemeal bread, don’t rely on the name alone: check the current ingredients and the label on the packaging.
Check the nutrition table before comparing fibre values, and read the current allergen information if you have allergies.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
A round loaf labelled Whole Wheat for anyone who wants to slice their own bread for a savoury breakfast. Allow time for thawing, baking and cooling before slicing.
Check the preparation instructions, nutrition table, allergens and ingredients on the current packaging.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g x 2
A pack of two round loaves could be a good choice if you want to use more bread for savoury meals. Choose an amount that suits how much you expect to use and the freezer space you have available.
Allow time for thawing, baking and cooling, and check the current preparation instructions, nutritional information and ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
Is white bread with seeds or a dark crust wholemeal?
No, those features don’t make white bread wholemeal. According to Brood.net, multigrain bread can also be white, brown or wholemeal, so look for an explicit wholemeal label.
How much fibre is in a slice of wholemeal bread?
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a 50 g slice of wholemeal bread cut at home contains an average of 3,4 g of fibre. Check the nutrition information on the packaging for a specific loaf, and compare equal amounts.
Does Dutch bread always contain iodine?
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says bread made with iodised baker’s salt can be a source of iodine, but using baker’s salt is not compulsory. Check the ingredients or ask about it when buying unwrapped bread.
Where can I find allergen information for unwrapped bread?
Ask the seller before buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information for unwrapped foods must be provided in a way other than on consumer packaging. For prepacked bread, check the current ingredients list.
Does all my breakfast fibre need to come from bread?
No. Alongside wholegrain cereals, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists vegetables, fruit, pulses and nuts as sources of fibre. You can assess your choice of bread separately and also think about what else you eat with your savoury breakfast.