Everyday shoppers on a budget
If you buy bread regularly, it helps to compare the weight and pack size of wholemeal loaves. Shops including Albert Heijn, Jumbo, PLUS and Dirk stock them in a range of shapes and sizes.
Who might find these options useful?
Smaller households that don't eat much bread
If coffee and cake are also part of your mealtimes, you might not get through a whole loaf in a few days. A half loaf or frozen portions may suit the way you eat better; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre also offers advice on storing opened wholemeal bread.
Shoppers who read labels carefully
If you're looking specifically for wholemeal bread, don't rely on its dark colour. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends checking the product description. If you have ingredient or allergy requirements, check the current packaging too.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start by checking that the bread is labelled wholemeal, then choose a quantity you'll actually use. Storage and up-to-date product information deserve extra attention if you don't eat much bread or need to avoid specific ingredients.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is it important for? |
|---|---|---|
| A suitable quantity | Compare the weight of whole and half loaves, and think about how many slices you usually eat. | I eat bread regularly, but don't want to buy more than I can get through. Around 42% of consumers prioritise a quantity that suits everyday use. |
| Storing bread without waste | If needed, choose a half loaf or freeze a whole loaf in portions. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping opened wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2–4 days or in the freezer for 1–3 months. | If I don't eat many slices, I want to stop the rest of a whole loaf going stale. Around 33% of consumers say avoiding waste is their top priority. |
| Wholemeal bread and ingredients | For packaged bread, look for the wholemeal label. If you have specific ingredient or allergy requirements, check the label on the current packaging. | I want to know whether the bread is genuinely wholemeal and whether its ingredients meet my requirements. This is the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming dark or multigrain bread is automatically wholemeal
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, brown bread is made from a mixture of wholemeal flour and white flour. Colour, seeds or the word ‘multigrain’ in the name don't, on their own, confirm that a loaf is wholemeal.
For packaged bread, look for the wholemeal label on the packaging. If the bread is sold loose, ask the staff.
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Buying a whole loaf that you won't finish
If you don't eat many slices, part of a whole loaf may go stale before you get to it.
Choose a half loaf or freeze a whole loaf in portions. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping opened wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2–4 days or in the freezer for 1–3 months.
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Relying on out-of-date ingredient information online
Albert Heijn and PLUS point out that the ingredients, nutritional values and allergy information for their products may change. This is especially important if you need to avoid certain ingredients.
Check the packaging of the bread you actually buy.
Brands and shops to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists a range of wholemeal loaves online, including standard, coarse, round and longer-lasting varieties.
- The different shapes make it easier to find a loaf that suits the way you eat.
- Albert Heijn warns that product information may change. Check the current packaging if you have ingredient or allergy requirements.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists its own-brand wholemeal loaves online in a range of varieties, including fine, coarse, half and round loaves.
- Choosing between a whole and half loaf helps you match the quantity to your needs.
- When making your final choice, check the weight and pack size of the specific loaf.
Lidl
Lidl offers freshly baked and packaged bread. The product page for Fine Wholemeal says that this loaf is available in store only.
- In store, you can check both the shape of the loaf and its packaging.
- Check which varieties are available at your local store and read the packaging of the loaf you choose.
ALDI
ALDI Netherlands includes wholemeal bread and multigrain wholemeal bread in its bread range.
- The product names help you tell the different types of bread apart.
- Check claims about ingredients for each specific product; they don't necessarily apply to every wholemeal loaf from ALDI.
PLUS
PLUS lists a range of wholemeal loaves online, including whole, coarse, fine and tiger varieties.
- With PLUS, you can order online for delivery or collection.
- PLUS notes that ingredients, nutritional values and allergy information may change, so check the current packaging.
Dirk
Dirk lists wholemeal loaves from brands including Bakker van der Akker, alongside other wholemeal varieties.
- You can browse a selection of whole loaves and different shapes.
- Dirk says it doesn't offer a delivery service, so bear this in mind if you want your shopping delivered to your home.
Bread options on Joybuy
These products include round wholemeal loaves, a rye bread product and wholemeal flatbreads. Pay close attention to the type of bread, its shape and pack size: not every product serves the same purpose as an everyday sliced wholemeal loaf.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal country loaf 550 g
This round loaf is a good option if you want wholemeal bread and are happy to bake it at home.
The product title lists a weight of 550 g. Remember to defrost and bake it before use.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal country loaves 2 × 550 g
This pack of two loaves is best suited to you if you can use or store that quantity.
The product title states that each round loaf weighs 550 g. These loaves also need to be defrosted and baked at home.
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Bolletje rye bread roll 500 g
Consider this product if you're looking for rye bread rather than a round wheat loaf.
The product title lists a weight of 500 g. Check the shape of the bread on the packaging: the title refers to a roll, while the description also mentions sliced rye bread.
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Souq Lebanese wholemeal flatbreads, 6 pieces
This pack is a good choice if you want flatbreads, rather than a standard sliced wholemeal loaf.
The product title states that the pack contains six pieces. Check the current packaging if the ingredients or allergens matter to your choice.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if a loaf is genuinely wholemeal?
For packaged bread, look for the wholemeal label on the packaging. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, brown bread is made from a mixture of wholemeal flour and white flour, so a dark colour alone doesn't tell you for certain. If the bread is sold loose, ask what type it is.
What can I do if I won't finish a whole loaf quickly?
Choose a half loaf or freeze a whole loaf in portions. For opened wholemeal bread, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping it in a kitchen cupboard for 2–4 days or in the freezer for 1–3 months.
Can I tell from the word ‘wholemeal’ whether baker's salt has been used?
No, the wholemeal label doesn't tell you which salt was used in that particular loaf. Check the ingredients list or ask the retailer if this matters to your choice.