Who is this choice relevant to?

Fibre-conscious fakeaway cooks

You’re looking for bread labelled wholemeal and want to compare the fibre content per 100 g before choosing a type.

Households planning portions

You’re choosing bread for the number of people you’re serving and want to be able to store any leftover slices. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, you can freeze bread in portions on the day you buy it.

Shoppers with questions about ingredients

You want to check which salt and allergens are listed for the specific bread before buying, including any warnings about the possible presence of other allergens.

What should you look for when choosing?

Decide what type of bread your dish needs and how much you’ll use. Then compare the product names and labels of the breads you’re considering.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is this most important for?
Wholemeal and fibre Look for the word wholemeal in the product name and compare fibre per 100 g across similar breads. I mainly want to know whether my bread base is genuinely wholemeal and how much fibre it contains. This is the top priority for around 42% of consumers.
Shape and portions Choose a shape that suits the dish and decide whether a whole loaf, half loaf or flatbread is right for the number of people you’re serving. For my toasties, sandwiches or filled breads, I want a suitable shape without too much left over. This is the main consideration for around 33% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Check the salt content per 100 g, ingredients list and allergen information for the exact product. If I need to watch my salt intake or check for iodised salt or allergens, I want to review the packaging first. Around 25% of consumers give this check the highest priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming dark or rustic bread is wholemeal

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour. A dark colour, the word multigrain or a rustic shape doesn’t prove that it is.

    Look for wholemeal in the product name, then use the ingredients list and nutrition information to compare products further.

  • Assuming every loaf contains iodised salt

    Ingredients vary from one loaf to another. For example, Albert Heijn lists iodised salt in AH Volkoren heel; that tells you nothing about the ingredients in another product.

    If this matters to you, read the ingredients list on the packaging of the bread you’re buying.

  • Comparing nutrition values on different bases

    Comparing values per portion can be misleading when bread shapes and portion sizes vary. Albert Heijn lists 6,9 g of fibre and 0,9 g of salt per 100 g for AH Volkoren heel; PLUS lists 6,4 g of fibre and 0,99 g of salt per 100 g for PLUS Volkoren tijger heel.

    Where possible, compare similar breads per 100 g and check the values on the current packaging.

  • Buying a whole loaf without a plan for storing it

    If you only need part of the loaf, you may be left with unused slices.

    Choose a half loaf if that’s a better fit for the number of people you’re serving, or, following the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s advice, freeze a whole loaf in portions on the day you buy it.

    Without a plan for leftovers, bread can dry out or go to waste.

Brands to consider

These examples show the types of bread and label information you may find at different supermarkets. Check the packaging of the bread you actually choose.

Albert Heijn

AH Volkoren heel is an example of sliced wholemeal bread for sandwiches or toasties.

  • For this product, Albert Heijn lists 6,9 g of fibre and 0,9 g of salt per 100 g, and iodised salt in the ingredients list.
  • Use these values only for this variety; check the packaging of any alternative bread separately.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists several types of wholemeal bread, including fine, coarse and half loaves, as well as varieties for toasties.

  • The range of shapes gives you a starting point for finding bread that suits your dish and the number of people you’re serving.
  • Compare the ingredients and nutrition values of the variety you choose; its name doesn’t tell you this information.

Lidl

Lidl lists, among other options, a half loaf of extra wholemeal bread and rustic wholemeal wheat sourdough bread.

  • A half loaf could suit a meal where you need fewer slices.
  • Lidl states that the half loaf mentioned is only available in store; check the label of the variety you choose to compare its nutrition.

ALDI

ALDI lists an extra high-fibre wholemeal variety alongside its other wholemeal breads.

  • ALDI compares the fibre and salt content of Extra vezelrijk volkorenbrood heel with regular wholemeal bread, using NEVO-Online 2021 7.0.
  • This comparison applies to these specific products, not to every other bread; use the current nutrition information per 100 g to make your choice.

PLUS

PLUS Volkoren tijger heel is a wholemeal tiger loaf for anyone who wants this type of bread with their dish.

  • PLUS lists 6,4 g of fibre and 0,99 g of salt per 100 g for this product.
  • The product information lists wheat and barley, and also includes warnings about the possible presence of other allergens. Check the current label.

Dirk

Dirk lists, among other options, a wholemeal batard and a wholemeal loaf from Bakker van der Akker with extra fibre in the product name.

  • The batard shape could be an alternative if you’re looking for something other than a standard sandwich loaf.
  • Don’t infer the fibre content from the product name; check the nutrition information for the specific bread instead.

Wholemeal flatbread on Joybuy

This Lebanese wholemeal flatbread is a good fit for a fakeaway where you’re serving bread with fillings or dips. If you’re mainly looking for slices for toasties or sandwiches, start by choosing a type of bread that suits them.

Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P, Lebanese wholemeal flatbread

Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P

A flatbread for a fakeaway with fillings or dips. If you have an allergy, check the current packaging, including any warnings about the possible presence of soya or milk. Read the ingredients list if the type of salt matters to you.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if bread is wholemeal for my fakeaway?

Look for the word wholemeal in the product name. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour; a brown colour or the word multigrain isn’t a substitute.

How can I check whether bread contains iodised salt?

Read the ingredients list for the specific bread. Albert Heijn lists iodised salt in AH Volkoren heel, but you’ll need to check the label of any other bread separately.

What should I check for gluten or other allergens?

Read the allergen information and any warnings about possible presence on the current packaging. PLUS lists wheat and barley, among other ingredients, for PLUS Volkoren tijger heel; don’t assume the same information applies to other wholemeal breads.

What should I do with bread left over after one fakeaway?

Ideally, freeze any unused portions on the day you buy the bread. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing bread in portions as soon as you buy it, so you can take out only what you need later. A half loaf may also be a better fit for a smaller group.