When choosing packaged bread, first check that the label says ‘wholemeal’. Then compare the fibre and salt content of the option you’re considering, and choose a size that suits the Christmas meals you’re planning. If you’re buying ahead, smaller portions or freezing some in good time can help you avoid having bread left over.
You’re looking for clearly labelled wholemeal bread and want to compare the fibre content per 100 g or per slice. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the first thing to check on packaged bread is whether the label says ‘wholemeal’; the colour of the bread alone isn’t enough.
You’re planning breakfasts, brunches or visits on different days. Choosing the right loaf size and planning how to store portions will help you work out how much you need for each meal.
For example, you may need to avoid wheat or gluten, so you check the label on the specific loaf. Standard wholemeal bread isn’t automatically gluten-free.
Start by checking that the label says ‘wholemeal’. Then compare the nutritional information and choose a size that suits the number of meals you have planned.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check that the label says ‘wholemeal’ and compare the fibre content per 100 g on the packaging. | I want to know that the bread is wholemeal and how much fibre the option I’ve chosen contains. This is the top priority for around 50% of consumers. |
| Size and storage | Compare whole and half loaves, and read the storage instructions for the option you’ve chosen. | If I’m buying for several Christmas meals, I don’t want to open more bread than we’ll use. This planning is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Where to shop and availability | Check whether the option is available through the shop, delivery or collection service you plan to use. | I want to be able to pick up or order the bread with the rest of my shopping. Convenience and availability matter most to around 20% of consumers. |
The colour and a name such as ‘multigrain’ don’t tell you whether bread is wholemeal. The Dutch Bakery Centre points out that bread colour isn’t a reliable way to tell the difference between white flour, brown flour and wholemeal flour.
For packaged bread, look for ‘wholemeal’ on the label, then check the nutritional information.
The amount of fibre doesn’t tell you how much salt the bread contains or which ingredients and allergens it includes. A fibre claim also doesn’t mean the bread is gluten-free.
Compare fibre and salt on the same basis, such as per 100 g, and check the ingredients and allergen information for the option you’ve chosen.
A whole loaf won’t suit every number of meals. Bread left for too long can dry out or go stale.
Plan how many portions you’ll need, and consider buying half a loaf or freezing portions on the day you buy it. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s Storage Guide, opened wholemeal bread can be kept for 2 to 4 days in a kitchen cupboard or for 1 to 3 months in the freezer.
An option shown online may not be available through every shop or ordering service. For example, Lidl lists its Fijn volkoren as an in-store product.
Before buying, check availability through your chosen route and read the label on the loaf you pick up for its nutritional information.
These examples can help you find places to compare different options. Ultimately, choose based on the information for the specific loaf.
The online range includes several types of wholemeal bread, including Bakkersbrood volkoren.
Jumbo provides product information for options including Fijn Volkorenbrood.
Lidl lists Fijn volkoren as an 800 g in-store product.
ALDI lists standard wholemeal loaves and an option it calls ‘extra vezelrijk volkorenbrood’.
The PLUS online range includes several wholemeal breads, including Boeren volkoren.
Dirk’s search results include a range of products related to wholemeal bread.
For packaged bread, check whether the label says ‘wholemeal’; a dark colour doesn’t prove it. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also says that ‘multigrain’ isn’t a substitute for a wholemeal label.
Compare the values for the loaves you’re considering on the same basis, preferably per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives average figures of 3,4 g of fibre and 0,48 g of salt for a 50 g slice of wholemeal bread cut from a loaf; the values for a specific option may differ.
No. Standard wholemeal bread isn’t automatically gluten-free. If you need to avoid gluten, check the gluten-free label and the ingredients and allergen information for the specific product.
Buy bread according to when you plan to eat it, and freeze portions on the day you buy it if needed. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s Storage Guide, opened wholemeal bread can be kept for 2 to 4 days in a kitchen cupboard or for 1 to 3 months in the freezer; it may become drier if frozen for longer.
