Wholemeal newcomers who like to take things slowly
You enjoy white bread with your coffee, but would also like to try wholemeal. Fine wholemeal or alternating between white and wholemeal gives you the chance to get used to the different texture.
Who might these bread choices suit?
Shoppers keeping an eye on fibre
You choose bread mainly by whether it is labelled wholemeal and how much fibre it contains. If portion sizes vary, the nutritional information per 100 g makes it easier to compare products.
Shoppers who don’t eat much bread
You don’t have bread with your coffee every day and want to choose an amount you can finish or freeze in portions.
What should you look for when choosing?
Wholemeal bread
Choose this if: whole grains and fibre matter more to you than a white colour or the familiar texture of white bread.
Bear in mind: the taste and texture may take some getting used to if you usually eat white bread.
Fine wholemeal bread
Choose this if: you want to try wholemeal bread but prefer a more even texture.
Bear in mind: ‘fine’ describes how the flour is milled, not every other characteristic of the bread.
White bread with extra fibre
Consider this if: the white colour is a priority for you and you want to compare the fibre content of specific products.
Bear in mind: ingredients vary from product to product, so don’t rely on the name alone.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the wholemeal label and compare the fibre per 100 g on the packaging. | When choosing bread to have with my coffee, I mainly want to focus on whole grains and fibre. Around 42% of shoppers put this first. |
| Taste and texture | Compare fine wholemeal with the type of bread you usually eat; you could also try alternating between white and wholemeal. | I’m not keen on a coarse slice, so I’m looking for a texture I can get used to more easily. For around 33% of shoppers, this is the top priority. |
| Quantity and freshness | Choose a whole or half loaf to suit how much bread you eat, and check the storage instructions. | If I only have bread with my coffee now and then, I want to avoid leaving a whole loaf uneaten. Around 25% of shoppers prioritise a suitable amount and freshness. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming dark or multigrain bread is wholemeal
The colour, seeds or the word ‘multigrain’ don’t, by themselves, tell you whether the bread is made from the whole grain.
Look for the wholemeal label on the packaging, then read the ingredients and nutritional information for that product.
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Relying on a familiar white bread with extra fibre
A previous example from Jumbo is no longer available in its online range. What’s more, a similar product name doesn’t tell you how much fibre another loaf contains.
Compare the current packaging of the bread you want to buy with that of a wholemeal option.
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Judging allergens from the product title
A short title doesn’t give you all the information about ingredients and allergens. Online product information can also change.
For packaged bread, check the current allergen information on the packaging. For unpackaged bread, ask for this information before you buy.
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Buying a whole loaf without a storage plan
If you only have bread with your coffee once a week, you may have some left over before you finish it.
Consider buying half a loaf or freezing portions shortly after purchase so you can use them individually.
Without a plan for the rest of the loaf, you may end up throwing more away.
Brands to compare
These brands offer types of bread that may be relevant when choosing between white and wholemeal. Check the packaging for details of each individual loaf.
Albert Heijn
At Albert Heijn, you can look for wholemeal bread within a particular category.
- Albert Heijn lists options including artisan-style loaves and smaller wholemeal varieties.
- Check where each product is available and read the current packaging.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers several types of bread, including fine wholemeal and white bread.
- You can compare different types of bread with different labels side by side.
- For white bread with extra fibre, check the current product: a previous Jumbo example is no longer available in its online range.
Lidl
Lidl describes both freshly baked bread and a wholemeal option made with extra-finely milled flour.
- The description of finely milled wholemeal flour may be useful if texture matters to you.
- Check which variety you’re buying in store and read the ingredients.
ALDI
ALDI offers fine wholemeal bread as well as a separate extra-high-fibre wholemeal option.
- The different product labels help you find a wholemeal option to suit your needs.
- The features of the extra-high-fibre variety don’t necessarily apply to other ALDI bread.
PLUS
PLUS offers options including farmhouse wholemeal and round fine wholemeal loaves.
- These two varieties give you a starting point for comparing texture and nutritional information.
- PLUS says ingredients and allergen information may change, so check the packaging.
Dirk
Dirk describes a range of bread that includes white, wholemeal, multigrain and sourdough varieties.
- Dirk also lists a wholemeal artisan-style loaf as a separate option.
- Don’t assume multigrain bread is wholemeal without checking the product label.
Wholemeal bread options at Joybuy
These products fit the wholemeal route. Pay particular attention to the type of bread: flatbread, rye bread and a round loaf don’t all work in the same way for a filled slice to enjoy with your coffee.
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Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, 6 pieces
An option for anyone who’d like wholemeal flatbread with their coffee instead of sliced bread. Check the current ingredients, allergen information and storage instructions on the packaging.
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Bolletje Rye Bread Bun, 500 g
A rye bread option if you’re mainly looking for a wholemeal variety. Before buying, check the type of bread on the packaging: the product title says ‘bun’, while the description refers to sliced rye bread.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
A round wholemeal wheat loaf for anyone who can prepare their bread before coffee time. Allow time for thawing and baking; only compare its fibre with other bread after checking the nutritional information per 100 g on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Is brown or multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. If you’re looking for bread made from the whole grain, check for the wholemeal label on the packaging rather than relying on the colour, seeds or name alone.
How do I check allergens in packaged and unpackaged bread?
For packaged bread, read the allergen information on the label. For unpackaged bread, this information must be available before purchase; ask if you can’t find it straight away. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains this requirement for allergen information.
How long can I keep opened wholemeal bread?
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s storage guide, you can keep opened wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2–4 days or in the freezer for 1–3 months. If you don’t eat much bread with your coffee, freeze portions shortly after purchase and follow the instructions on the packaging too.
Can I assume all bread contains iodine?
No, don’t assume that. Check the ingredients on the packaging of the bread you choose, including whether it lists baker’s salt.