Those who want to stick with a wholemeal base
You might be making toasties or sandwiches and want the bread itself to be labelled wholemeal, whatever you put on top.
Who is this choice for?
Those cooking for fussy eaters
You’re looking for a finer texture because coarse bread isn’t to everyone’s taste at the table, but you don’t want to give up wholemeal altogether.
Those comparing labels
You want to check the fibre, salt, ingredients or allergens in each loaf before choosing a shape for your dish.
What should you look for when choosing?
Fine wholemeal bread
Best for: people who want to try wholemeal bread but prefer to avoid a coarse texture.
Bear in mind: a fine texture doesn’t tell you how the product is labelled; check that the bread is sold as wholemeal.
Coarse wholemeal bread
Best for: a meal where people want a heartier bread texture.
Bear in mind: its coarser bite might not suit someone who’s expecting a soft bread roll.
White, brown or multigrain bread
Best for: a dish where the flavour or texture you want matters most.
Bear in mind: brown and multigrain don’t automatically mean wholemeal, so this choice won’t necessarily meet a specific preference for wholemeal bread.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal labelling | Look for the wholemeal label on the product; when comparing different breads, check the nutritional information per 100 g. | I want the bread to remain my chosen wholemeal base, even with generous toppings. For around 42% of consumers, choosing wholemeal comes first. |
| Fine texture | Check whether the bread is described as fine wholemeal and whether its shape suits the dish. | If someone at the table leaves coarse bread uneaten, I’d rather find a finer option. For around 33% of consumers, an easy-to-enjoy bite is the top priority. |
| Shape and quantity | Decide whether you need slices, rolls or half a loaf; check the ingredients and allergens of the product you choose. | For burgers or sharing bites, I mainly want bread in the right shape and quantity. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this practical choice. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming brown bread is wholemeal
A dark-coloured loaf or a name such as multigrain doesn’t confirm that the bread is wholemeal.
Check how the product is labelled, then look at the ingredients and nutritional information.
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Assuming all bread contains iodine
The use of iodine-enriched baker’s salt doesn’t tell you which salt is in the bread you choose.
If this matters to your purchase, check the packaging or ask the bakery or supermarket for the product specification.
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Applying a claim for one option to all breads
A claim about extra fibre or less salt may apply to one particular bread and a specific comparison.
So compare the nutritional information per 100 g for the products you’re actually considering.
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Overlooking allergens in an unusual bread shape
Bread that’s the right shape for your dish may contain ingredients that matter to someone at the table.
Check the current ingredients and allergen information for that specific product, including breads with kernels or seeds.
Brands with relevant bread options
These supermarket examples show the bread shapes and labels you can compare. Make your final choice by checking the label on the individual product.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers fine, coarse and other wholemeal options, so you can choose the texture as well as the type of bread.
- Albert Heijn explains that the wholemeal label applies to bread made with 100% wholemeal flour.
- A name such as brown or multigrain is no substitute for that label on the bread you choose.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers fine and coarse wholemeal bread, as well as a half loaf of wholemeal toastie bread.
- These different options make it possible to choose bread to suit toasties or sandwiches, for example.
- Check the ingredients and nutritional values for each option.
PLUS
PLUS is an example for anyone who wants to check the nutritional information for a specific packaged wholemeal loaf.
- PLUS lists 6.7 g of fibre and 1.03 g of salt per 100 g for Boeren volkoren heel.
- PLUS says product information can change, so check the current packaging before making your decision.
ALDI
ALDI offers both wholemeal bread and a separate option called Extra vezelrijk volkorenbrood.
- These options give you the opportunity to compare the nutritional information for different loaves.
- A label or claim for the extra-fibre option doesn’t automatically apply to other ALDI bread.
Lidl
Lidl describes a kids’ wholemeal bread made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour as an option for anyone looking for a less coarse texture.
- According to Lidl, this particular bread tastes like brown bread, so it may be worth checking its texture.
- Lidl says its fresh range may vary by branch. Also check the ingredients of the bread you buy.
Dirk
Dirk offers wholemeal options from Bakker van der Akker, including Boeren Extra vezels volkoren heel.
- The product names help distinguish between a standard wholemeal loaf and a separate extra-fibre option.
- Compare the nutritional information for the bread you choose rather than assuming that features of one option apply to another.
Bread for this meal at Joybuy
These options focus on bread shapes for sharing bites or serving alongside your fakeaway meal. If wholemeal is a must for you, check the Dutch product description on the packaging; neither the shape nor an English-language name confirms that it’s wholemeal.
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Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, 6 P
For a meal with dips, this bread may work well for tearing and sharing. Check the Dutch product description on the packaging if you’re specifically looking for wholemeal bread, and read the current ingredients if you have any allergies.
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Bolletje Rye Bread Bun, 500 g
The roll shape may suit a dish where you don’t want slices. If wholemeal is your top priority, don’t rely on the rye name alone: check the Dutch product description and current ingredients. The name also doesn’t tell you whether the texture is soft or fine.
Frequently asked questions
Is brown or multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. Albert Heijn explains that the wholemeal label is used for bread made with 100% wholemeal flour; having brown or multigrain in the name doesn’t guarantee this. Check the product description and ingredients.
Is fine wholemeal bread less wholemeal than coarse wholemeal bread?
No. Fine and coarse describe the texture, not how much wholemeal flour the bread contains. Check the wholemeal label on the product you choose, and compare the nutritional information if you’re deciding between two loaves.
Does all bread contain iodine?
You can’t assume that every loaf does. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority describes the addition of iodine compounds through baker’s salt, but this doesn’t tell you which salt was used in your bread. If necessary, check the packaging or ask the retailer.
How do I compare the nutritional information for two loaves?
Compare the same values per 100 g, such as fibre and salt, rather than comparing portions of different sizes. Then check the ingredients of the specific options you’re considering.
What should I check if someone at the table has a food allergy?
Read the current ingredients and allergen information for the exact bread you want to buy. If you choose a different shape or option, don’t assume it has the same ingredients as the bread you usually buy.