Brunch hosts who keep an eye on fibre
You’re looking for bread labelled as wholemeal and want to compare the nutritional information for different products. The Dutch Nutrition Centre recommends comparing values per 100 g.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Hosts planning a varied table
You want bread to suit the number of guests and the way you’ll serve it: a whole or half loaf to slice, a round loaf for the table or individual rolls. Albert Heijn, Jumbo, PLUS and Dirk stock several of these options in their wholemeal ranges.
Households that need to check ingredients
Before buying, you check the ingredients and allergens in the specific bread. The Dutch Nutrition Centre says that common allergens, including cereals containing gluten, nuts and eggs, must be clearly declared. The product name isn’t a substitute for checking the label.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide which bread meets your requirements, then choose the shape and quantity for your brunch. If ingredients or allergens are a deciding factor for anyone at the table, check the packaging of every loaf you plan to serve.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ and compare fibre and salt per 100 g. | If I’m choosing wholemeal bread, I want to see what the label says rather than judge by its colour. For roughly 45% of consumers, this choice of wholemeal bread and fibre matters most. |
| Shape and quantity | Choose between a whole loaf, half a loaf and individual rolls. Also consider whether you can freeze any leftovers. | For a small brunch, I don’t want to be left with a large loaf, while for more guests I’m looking for something that’s easy to share. Around 33% of consumers prioritise serving options and portion size. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients list and allergen declaration. Check the product information separately if iodine is relevant to your choice. | If someone at the table needs to avoid certain ingredients, I need to know exactly which bread I’m serving. For around 22% of consumers, checking the specific product comes first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming dark or rustic bread is wholemeal
The colour, crust and words such as ‘multigrain’ don’t tell you on their own whether a loaf is wholemeal. They’re no substitute for checking the product description.
Check that the bread is labelled ‘wholemeal’ and use the nutritional information per 100 g to compare products.
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Looking only at the fibre content
Even if fibre is your main consideration, salt levels and ingredients can vary between loaves. One figure can’t tell you whether a bread meets everyone’s needs.
Compare the full nutritional information on the same basis, and if you have a specific dietary requirement, check the ingredients and allergens too.
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Guessing allergens from the product name
A name such as ‘wholemeal’ or ‘with seeds’ doesn’t give you the full picture of the recipe. The Dutch Nutrition Centre points out that allergens such as cereals containing gluten, nuts and eggs must be declared on the label.
Check the current allergen information on the exact pack you’re buying.
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Buying too much bread for one brunch
Combining several large loaves can leave you with a lot of leftovers if you’re catering for a small group.
Match the quantity to the other dishes and choose half a loaf if needed. The Dutch Nutrition Centre lists freezing as a way to store leftover wholemeal bread.
Brands to compare
These brands offer a range of bread shapes. When choosing, compare the information for the specific product rather than relying on the range category alone.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers whole and half wholemeal loaves, hearth-baked bread and round loaves, among other options. These give you a range of shapes to compare for a brunch where everyone shares.
- A choice of different bread shapes and sizes.
- Check the ingredients for each product and whether it’s available at your local store.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers finely and coarsely milled wholemeal bread, round loaves and wholemeal rolls. Rolls are an option if you want to serve individual portions.
- The range includes both loaves to slice and individual rolls.
- Compare the nutritional information and allergens for your chosen variety separately.
Lidl
Lidl offers finely milled wholemeal bread and rustic wholemeal sourdough, among other options. If you have a particular shape in mind, check which loaves are available at your local branch.
- Fine and rustic wholemeal options to consider.
- The range can vary by branch. For freshly baked bread, check the ingredients and allergen information.
ALDI
ALDI offers finely milled wholemeal bread, wholemeal rolls and a product called Extra High Fibre Wholemeal Bread, among other options.
- Different shapes for a whole loaf or individual portions.
- A product name or claim doesn’t tell you about the ingredients in other ALDI loaves. Compare the labels for each variety.
PLUS
PLUS offers round finely milled wholemeal bread, tiger wholemeal bread and wholemeal hearth-baked bread. A round or hearth-baked loaf is a good choice if you want to slice it at the table.
- A choice of round and hearth-baked loaves.
- A dark colour or the name of a bread range is no substitute for checking the product description and label.
Dirk
Dirk offers boeren wholemeal bread, round wholemeal bread, casino wholemeal bread and a wholemeal batard from Bakker van der Akker, among other options.
- Several options if you’re looking for a loaf to slice.
- Check the latest product information for the bread you want to buy.
Bread options on Joybuy
These options show different ways to serve bread: individual flatbreads, a round loaf to slice and a rye bread product. For the last two in particular, check the packaging before choosing them as wholemeal bread for brunch.
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Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, 6 pieces
Individual pieces are handy for a brunch where guests can help themselves. Check the current ingredients and allergens on the packaging, especially if anyone needs to avoid wheat, milk or soya.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
The round shape is ideal for a loaf you want to slice at the table. Check that the packaging actually describes the bread as wholemeal: the product description also mentions multigrain. Follow the defrosting and baking instructions, and read the allergen information.
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Bolletje Rye Bread Bun, 500 g
This rye bread product is another option for brunch. The title refers to a bun, while the description says sliced rye bread, so check the packaging to see what shape it comes in. Only compare its fibre and salt with other breads if the nutritional values are shown on the same basis, per 100 g.
Frequently asked questions
How can I identify wholemeal bread for Easter brunch?
Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the bread you choose. A dark colour, seeds or a rustic name aren’t enough. Then, as the Dutch Nutrition Centre recommends, compare the nutritional information for each loaf per 100 g.
Is ordinary wholemeal bread gluten-free?
No. Wholemeal bread made with cereals containing gluten isn’t gluten-free. If you need a gluten-free option, check the specific product information and allergen declaration; don’t rely on the word ‘wholemeal’.
What does iodised baker’s salt tell me about a particular loaf?
The use of iodised baker’s salt in the Netherlands doesn’t tell you how much iodine is in an individual loaf. The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) describes bread as an important use of iodised salt in the Netherlands. If iodine is relevant to your choice, check the information for the specific product.
What should I do with leftover wholemeal bread after brunch?
Freeze any bread you won’t use soon in portions. According to the Dutch Nutrition Centre’s storage guide, opened wholemeal bread can be kept for 2–4 days in a kitchen cupboard or 1–3 months in the freezer.