Households looking to replace white bread
If you’re looking for a wholemeal loaf for breakfast and lunch that fits your grocery budget, it’s worth comparing loaf sizes and weights.
Who might benefit from switching?
Shoppers keeping an eye on fibre
For these shoppers, the wholemeal label and the stated fibre per 100 g matter more than the bread’s colour or style.
Households with other label requirements
If you’re keeping a close eye on salt, baker’s salt or allergens, check the current packaging for the specific loaf you choose.
What to look for when choosing
Start with the wholemeal label. Then compare the loaf’s weight and the nutritional information that matters to your household.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fits your grocery budget | Compare loaves of the same size and weight; note the difference between a half loaf and a whole loaf. | If I often buy bread for breakfast and lunch, I don’t want a smaller loaf to skew my comparison without me realising. Affordability is the main consideration for around 40% of consumers making this switch. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the wholemeal label and, where stated, compare fibre per 100 g. | I’m switching from white bread specifically to get more fibre, so I want to know what my chosen option contains. Around 40% of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Other nutritional information | Check salt per 100 g, the ingredients for baker’s salt, and the allergen information if relevant to you. | A wholemeal label alone doesn’t answer my questions about salt, baker’s salt or allergens. For around 20% of consumers, an additional label requirement like this is the top priority. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Assuming dark or multigrain bread is wholemeal
Colour, seeds and bread style don’t, on their own, tell you whether a loaf is wholemeal or how much fibre it contains.
Check the wholemeal label and compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutritional information.
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Treating loaves of different weights as equivalent
A half loaf, a whole loaf and a pack of flatbreads won’t meet your daily bread needs in the same way.
Check the weight and type of bread before comparing products for the same meals.
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Assuming every loaf contains baker’s salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt when baking is not compulsory. So you can’t tell whether it has been used just from the type of bread.
For packaged bread, read the ingredients list. For unpackaged bread, ask which type of salt has been used if it matters to your choice.
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Guessing allergens from the name of the bread
The name or colour of a wholemeal loaf doesn’t give you the full picture of its ingredients and allergens.
Check the latest allergen information on the packaging or ask the retailer.
Supermarkets and their wholemeal ranges
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s wholemeal range includes AH Extra lang lekker volkoren heel, among other options.
- There are several wholemeal options to compare.
- Check the weight and nutritional information for each option individually.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s range includes fine wholemeal bread and wholemeal multigrain bread.
- Jumbo states that its Volkoren Meergranen Brood contains 7,8 g of fibre per 100 g.
- Don’t assume these figures apply to other loaves in the range.
Lidl
Lidl’s Dutch range includes wholemeal bread and wholemeal rolls.
- Both loaves and rolls are options to consider.
- Check the specific option and its packaging in store.
ALDI
ALDI stocks Fijn Volkoren heel and Extra vezelrijk volkorenbrood heel, among other options.
- These two options offer a straightforward choice between fine wholemeal bread and a variety with additional nutritional features.
- Compare the latest nutritional information for both loaves if those features are important to you.
PLUS
PLUS’s range includes PLUS Boeren volkoren heel, weighing 800 g.
- The stated weight helps you assess the loaf’s size.
- Check the latest product information and storage instructions for each option.
Dirk
Dirk stocks Bakker van der Akker Boeren volkoren heel, among other options.
- This gives you a specific wholemeal loaf to compare.
- Check the weight of the option you choose; loaf sizes aren’t necessarily the same.
Bread options on Joybuy
These products offer different types of bread for anyone looking to replace white bread: wholemeal flatbread, round multigrain bread and a rye option. Check each product’s wholemeal labelling, preparation instructions and packaging to make sure it suits the way you plan to use it.
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Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P
A wholemeal wheat flatbread for anyone who isn’t looking for a traditional whole loaf. Check the nutritional information per 100 g and the ingredients if fibre, baker’s salt or allergens are important to your choice.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Country Bread Round 550 g
A round 550 g multigrain loaf for anyone looking for a whole loaf. Check the wholemeal labelling and nutritional information per 100 g, and whether it needs to be defrosted and baked.
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Bolletje Rye Bread Bun 500 g
A 500 g rye option for anyone considering a different type of bread. Check the packaging to see whether it’s rolls or sliced bread, and compare fibre only on the same nutritional basis.
Frequently asked questions
Is wholemeal bread a good fibre-conscious alternative to white bread?
Yes. If you’re switching to get more fibre, the wholemeal label is a useful starting point. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholegrain products contain more fibre than white grain products. For specific loaves, also compare the stated fibre per 100 g.
How do I compare a whole loaf with a smaller one?
First, check the type of bread and the pack weight so you know whether both products meet the same need. To compare fibre or salt, use the nutritional information per 100 g.
Does all bread in the Netherlands contain baker’s salt?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt in bread is not compulsory. For packaged bread, check the ingredients list. For unpackaged bread, ask which type of salt has been used if it matters to your choice.
Does the wholemeal label tell me anything about allergens?
No. The wholemeal label doesn’t replace the allergen information. Check the latest ingredients list and allergen statement for the specific loaf.
Can I freeze a wholemeal loaf?
Follow the storage instructions for the bread you choose. PLUS says its Boeren volkoren heel can be frozen at home on the day you buy it and should be used within one month. Don’t assume the same instructions apply to other loaves.