If you’re popping out to top up your bread, first look for bread labelled wholemeal. Then compare fibre and salt per 100 g, check the ingredients and choose a loaf size your household can finish. Colour and the term ‘multigrain’ are no substitute for these checks; the use of iodised baker’s salt also varies from one loaf to another.
You’re looking for clearly labelled wholemeal bread and comparing the nutrition information per 100 g, rather than judging by its dark colour or crusty texture. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes wholemeal bread as a type of bread that is relatively high in fibre.
You need bread for the next few breakfasts or lunches, without buying more than you can use. Loaf size, whether it’s sliced or unsliced, and the storage and freezing instructions can all help you decide.
If salt, the type of salt used or allergens matter to you, check the information for the specific loaf. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using iodised baker’s salt is not compulsory.
Start by checking that it’s labelled wholemeal, then decide which factor matters most for your purchase: nutrition information, a suitable loaf size, ingredients or how you can top up on bread.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who might prioritise this? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the wholemeal label and compare fibre per 100 g. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, the grain ingredient in a wholegrain product must consist entirely of wholemeal flour. | If I’m mainly looking for clearly labelled wholemeal bread, I won’t let the colour decide; around 37% of shoppers put wholemeal and fibre first. |
| Loaf size and storage | Check whether the bread is whole or sliced, how much you need and what the packaging says about storage or freezing. | I’m topping up on bread between shops and want to avoid having some left over. Around 27% of shoppers therefore prioritise a suitable quantity and storage. |
| Salt and ingredients | Compare salt per 100 g and check the ingredients for the type of salt used and any relevant allergens. | I want to know what’s in the bread before I buy it; around 18% of shoppers make this their top priority. |
| Shopping convenience | Check whether you can pick up the bread you want during your shop or through your chosen ordering or collection option. | If I need bread quickly, I want to know in advance how I can get it. Shopping convenience matters most to around 18% of shoppers. |
A dark colour, coarse texture or mix of different grains doesn’t, by itself, mean that all the grain ingredient is wholemeal.
Look for the wholemeal label, then check the ingredients and nutrition information.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt, so the type of salt can vary from one loaf to another.
For packaged bread, check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt. If it matters to you, ask which type of salt is used in unpackaged bread.
A loaf size that doesn’t suit your household could leave you with bread you don’t use. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre notes that bread is often wasted.
Choose a suitable loaf size, or follow the freezing instructions for that specific bread if you want to store portions.
Albert Heijn offers products including AH Vloerbrood volkoren heel.
Jumbo lists Fijn Volkorenbrood as one of its own-brand options.
ALDI lists products including Fijn Volkoren and Extra vezelrijk volkorenbrood.
PLUS lists Boeren volkoren heel as an option if you’re looking for a whole loaf.
Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Boeren volkoren heel as an in-store loaf.
If you’re topping up on bread and would like an alternative in the form of Lebanese wholemeal flatbread, bear in mind that it’s different from a whole or sliced everyday loaf. Choose it for the way you plan to use it, and check the label for anything else that matters to you.
Image unavailable
An option if you’re looking for wholemeal flatbread for a quick meal; it’s a different shape from a whole or sliced loaf.
Check the current packaging if allergens or the type of salt used are important to you.
No. The terms ‘brown’ and ‘multigrain’ don’t mean that all the grain ingredient is wholemeal flour. If you specifically want wholemeal bread, look for the wholemeal label.
No, you can’t assume that. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt isn’t compulsory. For packaged bread, check the ingredients list; for unpackaged bread, ask which type of salt is used.
It depends on the product. PLUS says that Boeren volkoren heel can be frozen on the day of purchase. Follow the current instructions on the packaging of the bread you buy.
No. Wholemeal describes the flour used; it doesn’t mean that the bread is gluten-free. Check the ingredients and allergen information for the specific product.
