For a large family, start by choosing bread whose wholemeal description matches its ingredients, then compare the fibre, salt and allergens in the exact product. A whole loaf can suit a household with plenty of daily bread eaters if it gets used in time or can be frozen according to the pack instructions. Fine wholemeal is another option if texture matters to family members. Check which type of salt is used, too: not all bread contains iodised baker’s salt.
If bread is served at several breakfasts and lunches, how much you use and how much freezer space you have will determine whether whole or half loaves are more practical. Albert Heijn and PLUS say that certain wholemeal loaves can be frozen at home on the day of purchase.
If you choose wholemeal bread and want to compare products, the product description, ingredients and nutrition information per 100 g are more useful than the colour of the bread. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority warns that a wholemeal description is not always justified.
A finer slice may suit family members who don’t enjoy a coarse texture. If anyone has an allergy, the allergen information for the bread you choose is also essential, as the grains and other ingredients vary from product to product.
Start with the wholemeal description and nutrition information for the bread you want to buy. Then work out how much bread your family gets through and which textures and ingredients suit everyone.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Read the product description and ingredients list, and compare fibre per 100 g. | If you choose bread mainly because it’s wholemeal, don’t rely on a dark colour or seeds. An estimated 37% of consumers prioritise being able to identify genuine wholemeal bread and its fibre content. |
| Stocking up and storage | Choose whole or half loaves to suit how much you use, and read the storage instructions before freezing bread. | If you bring home a lot of bread at once, you’ll want to avoid the last few slices going stale. Around 27% of consumers prioritise having enough in stock and reducing waste. |
| Texture and allergens | Compare fine and coarser breads for texture, and read the allergen information for each variety. | Bread should suit what your family wants to eat as well as any ingredients they need to avoid. An estimated 18% of consumers consider texture or allergens their most important factor. |
| Salt and iodine | Compare salt per 100 g and check whether the ingredients mention iodised salt or baker’s salt. | If you want to check which type of salt is used, don’t assume based on the type of bread. Around 18% of consumers prioritise checking salt or iodine. |
A dark colour, seeds or several types of grain don’t prove that all the flour used is wholemeal. In 2024, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority found misleading wholemeal descriptions on some of the wholemeal products it investigated.
Check the bread’s wholemeal description and ingredients list instead of judging it by its appearance.
A whole loaf is only practical if your family eats it in time or it can be frozen according to the instructions. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists bread among the foods that are often wasted.
Base your choice on how many slices your household actually eats. If necessary, choose a half loaf or freeze suitable whole loaves in portions, following the pack instructions.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes bread as an important source of iodine in the Netherlands, but bakers aren’t required to use iodised baker’s salt. The type of salt can therefore vary from loaf to loaf.
For packaged bread, read the ingredients list. For unpackaged bread, ask which type of salt has been used.
A claim about fibre or salt applies to a specific product and, when making a comparison, to the stated basis of comparison. Fine and coarse wholemeal breads can also have different nutritional values.
Compare the nutrition information per 100 g for the breads you’re actually considering, and check what any comparative claim refers to.
Offers, among other products, AH Rond volkoren heel, a whole loaf for families to compare.
Offers wholemeal breads with different textures, including fine and firmer varieties.
Offers fine wholemeal bread and a variety made with extra finely milled wholemeal flour.
Offers, among other products, fine, tiger and extra high-fibre wholemeal bread.
Offers fine, farmhouse and other wholemeal varieties for those who also want to weigh up shape and flavour.
Offers, among other products, Bakker van der Akker Boeren volkoren heel as a whole-loaf option.
This Joybuy product is a pack of Lebanese flatbreads for a meal, not a whole sliced loaf for everyday sandwiches. Compare it on its own ingredients, nutrition information and storage instructions.
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For anyone who wants to serve flatbreads instead of sandwiches with a family meal; the pack contains six. Check the current pack for the wholemeal description, ingredients and allergens, and follow the storage instructions after opening.
Check the bread’s wholemeal description and ingredients, not just its brown colour or seeds. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, a product can only be called wholemeal if all the flour used is made from whole grains.
Yes, as long as the storage instructions allow you to freeze the bread and you have enough freezer space. Albert Heijn says AH Rond volkoren heel can be frozen on the day of purchase, as does PLUS for Boeren volkoren heel. For other loaves, follow the instructions on their packaging.
No, bakers aren’t required to use iodised baker’s salt. For packaged bread, check the ingredients list; for unpackaged bread, ask which type of salt has been used. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre does, however, describe bread as an important source of iodine in the Netherlands.
Read the allergen information for the exact loaf, as the grains and other ingredients vary between varieties. Jumbo lists wheat and barley in Fijn Volkorenbrood; PLUS also lists soya in Boeren volkoren heel and notes that other allergens may be present.
