If you’re serving wholemeal bread on King’s Day, first check that it’s labelled ‘wholemeal’ and compare the fibre per 100 g; a dark colour or the name ‘multigrain’ is no substitute. If some guests prefer a softer slice, you could then look for a wholemeal loaf described as finely milled or soft. Also check the ingredients, allergens and current packaging of the bread you choose.
You want to be able to tell whether a loaf really is wholemeal, so compare the fibre per 100 g rather than relying on its colour. The Voedingscentrum describes wholemeal bread as bread made from the whole grain; according to the Nederlands Bakcentrum, bread must be labelled as white, brown or wholemeal.
You’re looking for a finer or softer slice for children or other guests, but don’t want to lose sight of the wholemeal label. For example, Lidl describes a kids’ loaf made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour; check the features of the loaf you actually buy.
You want to know before buying which grains and allergens a loaf contains, and whether the ingredients list includes baker’s salt or iodised salt. You’ll need to check the specific product for this information, rather than relying on the type of bread alone.
Start with the type of bread and its nutritional information. Then choose a texture that suits your guests, and finally check that you can buy and store the bread in good time.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label and compare the fibre per 100 g. According to the Nederlands Bakcentrum, bread colour alone doesn’t tell you what type it is. | If I want a wholemeal base for the celebration table, I need to be able to identify it on the label. An estimated 50% of consumers put this check at the top of their shopping priorities. |
| Taste and texture | See whether the bread is described as finely milled or soft, but check the type of bread and nutritional information separately too. | If some guests leave a firm slice uneaten, I’d rather look for a finer or softer option. An estimated 30% of consumers give this preference priority. |
| Buying and storing | Check availability at your shop and the storage instructions for your chosen bread, especially if you’re shopping before King’s Day. | If I’m preparing the bread table in advance, I want to know when I can pick up the bread and how to store it. An estimated 20% of consumers put this kind of planning first. |
A dark crust or the name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you whether the bread is labelled ‘wholemeal’. The Nederlands Bakcentrum points out that the required bread-type label is separate from the bread’s colour.
Check the bread type on the label, then compare the fibre per 100 g if that matters to your choice.
Not every loaf is made with baker’s salt. So a general assumption about iodine won’t tell you anything about the ingredients in the bread you want to serve.
For packaged bread, check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt. If you’re buying unpackaged bread and this matters to your choice, ask which salt has been used.
An earlier product description may not match the packaging you buy later. This is particularly important when checking ingredients or allergens.
Check the current packaging just before you buy, and ask the shop about availability for King’s Day.
These examples can help you compare labels more closely. The features mentioned apply to the breads described, not to a brand’s entire range.
AH Extra lang lekker Zaans volkoren heel is an option if you’re looking for a classic-shaped loaf that Albert Heijn describes as soft and light.
Jumbo Fijn Volkoren is a specific loaf to consider if you’re looking for a fine-textured wholemeal option.
Lidl describes a wholemeal kids’ loaf made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour for anyone who cares about texture.
Aldi describes an Extra vezelrijk volkorenbrood for shoppers who want to compare the nutritional values of specific loaves.
PLUS Boeren volkoren heel is an example with published nutritional values and product-specific storage instructions.
Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Boeren volkoren heel among its specific wholemeal options.
These breads are options to consider for your King’s Day table: a round loaf and a Lebanese bread. For both, check the Dutch bread-type label on the packaging before choosing them as wholemeal bread.
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A round loaf to consider if you’re looking for bread called Whole Wheat for your King’s Day table.
The product name lists 550 g. Check the packaging for the bread-type label, ingredients and nutritional information per 100 g.
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A Lebanese bread to consider if you’d like to serve something different from ordinary sliced bread on your King’s Day table.
The product name lists Whole Wheat and 6 P. Check the packaging for the bread-type label, nutritional information and allergens.
Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label on the bread or its packaging. According to the Nederlands Bakcentrum, bread must be labelled as white, brown or wholemeal; a dark colour, ‘multigrain’ or a fibre claim is no substitute.
No, the texture alone doesn’t tell you what type of bread it is. Lidl describes a kids’ loaf made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour, but check the wholemeal label and nutritional information for each option individually.
No, don’t assume this is the case for a particular loaf. For packaged bread, check the ingredients for baker’s salt or iodised salt; if you’re buying unpackaged bread and this matters to your choice, ask which salt has been used.
That depends on the storage instructions for the bread you choose. PLUS says that PLUS Boeren volkoren heel can be frozen at home on the day of purchase and should be used within one month; don’t assume the same applies to another loaf without checking.
