For your coffee break, choose a loaf that is clearly labelled as wholemeal and compare the fibre and salt content per 100 g on the label. If you only eat bread occasionally, check the loaf size and storage instructions too. If you have allergies, always check the information for the exact product.
You want a slice of wholemeal bread with your coffee and compare the fibre content of different loaves. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives an average of 3.4 g of fibre for a 50 g slice of freshly cut wholemeal bread; the amount in the bread you buy may differ.
You’re looking for wholemeal bread but want to factor in its salt content too. Compare the salt content per 100 g of similar products, and check whether a ‘reduced salt’ claim applies to the variant you’re choosing.
You only have bread with your coffee now and then and don’t want a whole loaf to go stale. A half loaf may suit your needs; if you buy a whole loaf, check whether and when it can be frozen.
First, check that you’re choosing wholemeal bread. Then compare the nutritional information and decide which loaf size suits how much bread you eat.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check the product description and compare the fibre content per 100 g of similar loaves. | I mainly want a slice of wholemeal bread with my coffee, so fibre content will guide my choice. For around 50% of consumers with this purchasing priority, fibre would be the main consideration. |
| Salt | Compare the salt content per 100 g and check whether a salt claim applies to this exact variant. | If I’m watching my salt intake, I want to take it into account without losing sight of choosing wholemeal bread. Around 30% of consumers would consider salt their main priority. |
| Loaf size and storage | Check the pack size and follow the storage instructions for your chosen loaf if you freeze it. | I only have bread with my coffee occasionally and don’t want the rest to go to waste. A suitable loaf size or the option to freeze it would be the main consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
The colour or appearance of bread doesn’t tell you whether it’s sold as wholemeal.
Check the product description, then compare the nutritional information per 100 g.
‘Reduced salt’ refers to salt; it doesn’t tell you how much fibre that variant contains.
Check the fibre content, ingredients and allergen information for the exact loaf too.
If you only eat a slice now and then, you may have some left over before you’ve had a chance to use it.
Consider buying a half loaf, or check whether the product information says you can freeze your chosen whole loaf.
The name doesn’t tell you which allergens are listed for a specific variant.
For packaged bread, read the allergen information. For unpackaged bread, ask for the information for that product before you buy it.
These product examples can help you compare wholemeal bread. The features mentioned apply to the products listed, not to a brand’s entire range.
AH Rond volkoren heel is an example for anyone who wants to check the nutritional values of a specific wholemeal loaf.
Jumbo offers a range of wholemeal loaves, so you can choose the texture and size you prefer.
Lidl lists both a fine wholemeal loaf and a smaller wholemeal option.
ALDI offers an Extra fibre-rich wholemeal loaf for anyone who wants to compare a specific variant with standard wholemeal bread.
PLUS offers whole and half-size wholemeal loaves to suit different levels of bread consumption.
Dirk lists a range of bread, including wholemeal bread and Batard wholemeal bread.
These products offer different ways to choose something with a wholemeal label for your coffee break: flatbread, rye bread, crispbread and round bake-at-home loaves. They’re not interchangeable if you’re specifically looking for a soft, sliced loaf, so check the nutritional information on the exact pack too.
Image unavailable
For anyone who’d like flatbread with their coffee instead of a slice of bread.
The product name indicates a pack of six. If these details affect your choice, check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for this variant.
Image unavailable
For anyone who’d like rye bread with their coffee rather than a standard slice of wholemeal bread.
The product name indicates nine pieces. Check the packaging for the wholemeal description, fibre and salt per 100 g, and allergen information.
Image unavailable
For anyone who’d like to top crispbread for their coffee break instead of having soft bread.
The product name states that the pack contains 375 g. Compare fibre and salt per 100 g, and read the allergen information for this variant.
Image unavailable
For anyone who wants to bake wholemeal bread at home and can allow time to prepare it before their coffee break.
The product name states 550 g × 2. According to the product information, this bake-at-home bread needs to be defrosted, baked and cooled. Follow the preparation instructions on the pack you choose.
Image unavailable
For anyone who wants to bake a round wholemeal loaf to enjoy with their coffee.
The product name states 550 g. Allow time for defrosting, baking and cooling, and follow the preparation instructions for this variant.
For similar loaves, compare the fibre and salt content per 100 g in the nutritional information. This accounts for differences in portion size. Also check the ingredients and allergen information if they’re important to your choice.
No, you can’t tell from the name of the bread. Check the ingredients list for the product you’ve chosen: for example, Albert Heijn lists iodised salt for AH Rond volkoren heel, but that doesn’t tell you anything about other loaves.
For packaged bread, read the allergen information on the label. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for unpackaged bread must be provided to consumers in another way. Ask for it before buying if you need this information.
Check the storage instructions for the exact loaf. For Boeren volkoren heel, PLUS says you can freeze it at home on the day of purchase and should use it within one month. These instructions don’t automatically apply to other products.
