When choosing bread for children, start by looking for bread that is actually labelled ‘wholemeal’. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, brown bread is not automatically wholemeal. A finer texture may be a reason to consider a particular wholemeal variety, while you’ll need the nutritional information per 100 g to compare fibre content. If the bread is going to school, also check the label on the product you’ve bought and the school’s rules.
If you’re looking for a wholemeal sandwich for a child’s afternoon snack, start with the type of bread and then compare the fibre content per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that wholemeal bread is made from the whole grain, whereas brown bread can also contain refined flour.
Not every child likes a coarse slice of bread or bread with visible seeds. Lidl describes its specific kids’ bread as being made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour. If you’re considering another fine-textured variety, check separately that it is labelled wholemeal.
If there’s a relevant allergy or school rule, the ingredients and allergens in the bread you’ve bought are what matter. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires allergens to be clearly identifiable in the ingredients list. Also check for any ‘may contain’ statements and the school’s rules.
When choosing bread for a child’s afternoon snack, the type of bread comes first. Texture, nutritional information, school rules and storage then help you decide which variety is practical for you.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the label ‘wholemeal’ and compare fibre content on the same basis, ideally per 100 g. | When I choose bread for an afternoon snack, I want to know whether it’s genuinely wholemeal and be able to compare the fibre content. This may be the main consideration for around 31% of consumers. |
| Texture and taste | Check whether the particular bread has a fine texture, and check that kids’ bread is labelled wholemeal too. | If my child leaves coarse bread uneaten, I look for a finer-textured variety without relying on colour alone. This may be a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Allergens and school rules | Read the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ statements on the packaging. Check the school’s rules too. | If the bread is going to school, I want to be sure the product meets the rules in place. This might be the first thing around 25% of consumers consider. |
| Preparation and storage | Check whether the bread needs to be baked before serving and follow the storage or freezing instructions for that product. | If I buy bread for several meals, its preparation and storage need to fit into my routine. For around 19% of consumers, this practical consideration may be the deciding factor. |
The colour and visible grains don’t tell you whether the bread is made entirely from wholemeal flour. That’s why the Netherlands Nutrition Centre distinguishes wholemeal bread from brown bread, which can also contain refined flour.
Use the ‘wholemeal’ label on the packaging as your starting point, then check the nutritional information if you want to compare fibre content.
Ingredients and allergen information can change. What’s more, a product label alone tells you nothing about the specific rules at a particular school.
Before packing the bread, read the packaging of the product you’ve actually bought and check the school’s current policy.
A comparative claim is based on a particular reference product. It doesn’t automatically mean that the variety suits a child’s texture preferences or allergy requirements.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g for the breads you’re considering, and also check their ingredients and allergen information.
Albert Heijn explains wholemeal bread and features wholemeal varieties in its range.
Jumbo provides details such as ingredients and nutritional information for Jumbo Fijn Volkoren.
Lidl describes a wholemeal kids’ bread made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour.
Alongside regular wholemeal bread, ALDI also lists a product called Extra Fibre Wholemeal Bread.
PLUS provides product and storage information for selected wholemeal breads.
Dirk lists breads from Bakker van der Akker, including Boeren volkoren heel and an extra-fibre variety.
These options are flatbreads and wheat bread for a meal with children. To check whether a product is wholemeal, look for the Dutch label on the packaging. If it’s for school, also check the current allergen information. The two Lekhaven Bakkerij packs are separate varieties.
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This flatbread is an option if you’re looking for something other than a regular sliced sandwich for a child’s afternoon snack. Check the packaging for how this product is labelled, and for its ingredients and allergens. The product name alone doesn’t tell you whether a child will like its taste or texture.
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This pack of two 550 g loaves suits anyone planning several meals and able to allow time for preparation. According to the product information, the bread needs to be defrosted and baked before serving. Check the preparation instructions, nutritional information and allergens on the packaging before packing it for school.
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This 550 g variety is a separate option if one loaf better suits your plans. According to the product information, you’ll need to allow time to defrost and bake it. For a fibre comparison and before packing it for school, check the nutritional information and allergens on the packaging.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from the whole grain, whereas brown bread can also contain refined flour. So when choosing bread for children, look for the ‘wholemeal’ label rather than relying on the colour.
Read the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ statements on the packaging of the bread you’re packing. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires allergens to be clearly identifiable; also check the school’s rules for food brought in from home.
That depends on the bread and its storage instructions. For its Volkoren tijger heel, PLUS says it can be frozen on the day of purchase and should be used within one month. For another product, follow the instructions on its own packaging.
