Who is this choice relevant for?

Parents of fussy eaters

If your child leaves a coarser sandwich uneaten, it may be worth trying a finer wholemeal bread. Just check that the packaging actually describes it as wholemeal.

Parents who want to be sure it’s wholemeal

A brown colour or the words ‘multigrain’ aren’t enough. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour.

Parents who need to check allergens and school rules

When choosing bread for school, it’s important to check the allergen information for the product and the rules at your child’s school or childcare setting. Read the latest label on pre-packed bread; for unpackaged bread, ask for the allergen information.

What should you look for when buying?

If you’re looking for bread made entirely from wholemeal flour, start by checking that it’s labelled wholemeal. Then consider the texture your child will eat, and check the allergens and school rules before packing it.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is this most important for?
Texture and taste If needed, look for a finer option and check that it’s labelled wholemeal. If my child leaves a coarser sandwich uneaten, I look for a texture they’ll enjoy. Around 36% of consumers put acceptance first.
Genuine wholemeal Read the product description and ingredients; don’t rely on the colour or the word ‘multigrain’ alone. I want to know whether the sandwich is made entirely from wholemeal flour, rather than judging by how brown it looks. Around 29% of consumers put this reassurance first.
Allergens and school rules Check the latest label for wheat, cereals containing gluten and any other relevant allergens, and ask about the rules at your child’s school or childcare setting. Before I pack bread for my child, I need to know it’s suitable for the allergens we need to avoid and complies with the school rules. Around 21% of consumers put this check first.
Storage and freezing Check whether this option can be frozen and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. I want to have bread ready for regular snack times without buying more than we can use. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this practical approach to stocking up.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming brown or multigrain bread is wholemeal

    A dark crust or several types of grain doesn’t mean that all the flour used is wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour.

    If you want bread made entirely from wholemeal flour, look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging and read the ingredients.

  • Assuming all wholemeal bread contains the same allergens

    As well as wheat and cereals containing gluten, other ingredients or warnings about possible traces can vary between products. And bread your child can eat isn’t necessarily allowed under the school rules.

    Check the label and the rules at your child’s school or childcare setting every time you buy bread. Don’t choose wholemeal wheat bread if a gluten-free diet is essential.

  • Assuming all bread contains iodised baker’s salt

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, iodised baker’s salt is often used, but bakers aren’t required to use it.

    Read the ingredients list on pre-packed bread, or ask which salt has been used for unpackaged bread.

  • Relying on product information you checked previously

    Ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change. Freezing instructions also apply to the specific bread variety.

    Read the packaging again when you buy it, and follow the storage and freezing instructions for the bread you’re taking.

Brands to consider

These examples show the information you can compare for specific breads. The details don’t necessarily apply to other breads from the same brand.

Albert Heijn

AH Rond volkoren heel is a specific example to consider if you want to check the ingredients, fibre content and storage advice.

  • For this variety, Albert Heijn lists 6,9 g of fibre per 100 g and iodised salt in the ingredients.
  • Albert Heijn warns that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change, so check the packaging.

Jumbo

Jumbo Fijn Volkoren is worth considering if a finer bread texture is important.

  • For this variety, Jumbo lists wholemeal wheat flour and 7,6 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The product information lists barley, gluten and wheat, as well as possible traces of other allergens. Check the latest label.

Lidl

Lidl’s kidsvolkorenbrood is an example to consider if you’re looking for a finely milled wholemeal option.

  • According to Lidl’s own information, this bread contains extra-finely milled wholemeal flour.
  • Check the product description, ingredients and allergens on the packaging for the variety you choose.

ALDI

ALDI Extra vezelrijk volkorenbrood heel is a specific variety to consider if you want to compare product-specific claims too.

  • According to ALDI’s product information, this variety is described as 100% wholemeal bread.
  • ALDI’s claims about less salt and more fibre apply to this variety compared with standard wholemeal bread, not to all its breads. Compare the latest nutritional information for the products you’re considering.

PLUS

PLUS Boeren volkoren heel provides product information about ingredients, fibre, allergens and freezing.

  • PLUS lists 6,7 g of fibre per 100 g. According to the product information, this variety can be frozen on the day of purchase and should then be used within one month.
  • PLUS says that product information can change. Check the label and storage instructions when you buy it.

Bread for an after-school snack at Joybuy

If you’re considering something other than sliced bread for an after-school snack, you could take a look at this Lebanese bread. If it’s essential that the bread is made entirely from wholemeal flour, check that the packaging describes it as wholemeal.

Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P

Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P

This Lebanese bread offers an alternative to sliced bread. Check whether the packaging describes it as wholemeal in Dutch; before taking it to school, also check the listed wheat and gluten, and any warnings about soya and milk.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is brown bread or multigrain bread always wholemeal?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour, while brown bread contains a mix of wholemeal flour and white flour. Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ rather than relying on the colour or the word ‘multigrain’ alone.

Can I pack wholemeal bread as an after-school snack?

Yes, provided your child will eat it and the bread is suitable for any relevant allergens and complies with the school rules. If you want bread made entirely from wholemeal flour, also check the product description on the packaging; a finer texture doesn’t change that check.

Which allergens should I check before packing bread for school?

Check the allergens that are relevant to your child or the school. For pre-packed bread, read the latest label. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed foods. For unpackaged bread, ask for this information and also check the rules at your child’s school or childcare setting.

Does bread always contain iodised baker’s salt?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, iodised baker’s salt is often used, but bakers don’t have to use it. Check the ingredients list or ask which salt has been used for unpackaged bread.

Can I freeze a whole loaf of wholemeal bread for future snacks?

It depends on the storage instructions for the variety you choose. Albert Heijn says that AH Rond volkoren heel, and PLUS says that PLUS Boeren volkoren heel, should be frozen on the day of purchase and used within one month. For other breads, follow the instructions on the packaging.