Who is this choice relevant to?

Fussy wholemeal eaters

If you find a coarse crumb less appealing, fine wholemeal is worth considering. Texture varies from loaf to loaf; Lidl also describes a kids’ bread made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour.

Organisers handing out sandwiches

When people are eating while standing, portions that are easy to hand out are practical. For filled sandwiches, you’ll also need to manage allergen information and keep perishable fillings chilled.

Shoppers comparing labels

If you’re specifically looking for wholemeal bread, you’ll want to distinguish it from bread that also contains white flour. The product name and ingredients are a better guide than the colour.

What should you look for when choosing?

Fine wholemeal

Choose this when: you want to offer wholemeal bread to people who prefer to avoid a coarse crumb.

Bear in mind: finely milled flour alone doesn’t tell you how soft the crust is or what the bread tastes like.

Bread mix with white and wholemeal flour

Choose this when: a lighter type of bread matters more than having a fully wholemeal flour base.

Bear in mind: according to Albert Heijn, brown and multigrain bread can also contain white flour; don’t automatically treat a mix like this as wholemeal bread.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Type and texture of bread Check for the wholemeal label, read the ingredients and see whether the specific loaf is fine wholemeal. If a coarse crumb puts people off, I want to try a finer texture without mistaking a bread mix for wholemeal. Around 42% of consumers put this combination first.
Portions and serving Compare a whole or half loaf with sliced bread, rolls or individual portions; plan how you’ll keep perishable fillings chilled. When visitors are eating while standing, I want to be able to hand out bread without doing lots of slicing on the spot. For around 33% of consumers, ease of serving matters most.
Labels and allergens For packaged bread, read the ingredients and allergen information; for unpackaged bread, ask for the information. Check whether baker’s salt has been used if that’s relevant to your choice. Before serving, I want to know which ingredients and allergens are in the bread I’ve chosen, so guests can be given the right information. This check is a priority for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking dark or multigrain bread for wholemeal

    The colour and visible seeds don’t tell you whether the bread is made entirely with wholemeal flour. According to Albert Heijn, brown and multigrain bread can also contain white flour.

    If wholemeal is a must, look for the wholemeal label and read the ingredients of the bread you’re buying.

  • Assuming all fine wholemeal bread has the same texture

    A finely milled flour base alone doesn’t determine a loaf’s crust, seeds or softness.

    If possible, try a small amount first and check the latest product information before buying larger quantities.

  • Leaving perishable fillings unrefrigerated

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises not leaving food that spoils quickly out of the fridge for more than two hours.

    Arrange chilled storage for perishable fillings and keep track of how long they’ve been out of the fridge while serving.

    This means making room for chilled storage and taking care when handing out food during the festival.

  • Assuming bread always contains iodine

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre states that bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt.

    For packaged bread, check the ingredients or ask the baker which salt was used for that particular loaf.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn describes a range of breads, including fine wholemeal and other wholemeal varieties.

  • Albert Heijn’s guidance distinguishes wholemeal bread from brown and multigrain bread, which can also contain white flour.
  • For the bread you choose, check the ingredients, allergens and availability in store.

Jumbo

Jumbo describes Fijn Volkoren as wholemeal wheat bread.

  • This product description gives you a specific fine wholemeal option to look at.
  • Check the label on the specific loaf for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.

Lidl

Lidl describes a kids’ bread made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour.

  • According to Lidl’s own product description, the fine milling is intended to offer a different eating experience from coarser bread.
  • The description of this kids’ bread doesn’t automatically apply to other loaves; check the product you choose and its availability.

ALDI

ALDI includes fine wholemeal bread in its daily fresh bread range.

  • This gives you another type of fine wholemeal bread to consider.
  • Check the packaging and in-store availability for each loaf.

PLUS

PLUS offers fine wholemeal bread in half loaves, as well as other wholemeal formats.

  • A half loaf or rolls may suit different plans for handing out food.
  • Check the exact size, product information and availability at your chosen store.

Dirk

Dirk’s range overview features a selection of wholemeal breads, rolls and individual portions.

  • The different formats give you options, from whole loaves to individual portions.
  • Choose your bread or rolls carefully and check the information for the exact product.

Wholemeal flatbread for the festival

For individual festival portions, you could consider this Lebanese wholemeal flatbread. It’s a different type of bread from sliced fine wholemeal or a mix of white and wholemeal flour, so assess separately whether its shape and texture will suit your guests.

Souq Lebanese wholemeal flatbread, 6 pieces

Souq Lebanese wholemeal flatbread, 6 pieces

The pack of six flatbreads is an option if you want to hand out individual portions. The type of bread doesn’t tell you whether it has a finely milled crumb or contains white flour, so check that the texture will suit your guests.

If you’re serving guests with allergies, check the latest packaging: the product information lists wheat and gluten, and states that it may contain soya and milk. Keep perishable fillings chilled separately.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is bread made with white and wholemeal flour automatically wholemeal bread?

No. According to Albert Heijn, brown and multigrain bread can contain white flour as well as wholemeal flour. If you specifically want to buy wholemeal bread, check the product description and ingredients rather than relying on the colour alone.

What bread could I try if guests don’t like a coarse crumb?

Fine wholemeal is a sensible first option to consider if you want to serve wholemeal bread. Jumbo describes Fijn Volkoren as wholemeal wheat bread, while Lidl mentions a kids’ bread made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour. The taste and crust will depend on the specific product.

Does all bread in the Netherlands contain iodised baker’s salt?

No, you can’t assume that: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. For packaged bread, check the ingredients list; for unpackaged bread, ask the baker.

Where can I find allergen information for bread I’m serving at the festival?

Check the information for the exact bread. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergens must be listed on the label of prepacked products; for unpackaged products, the seller must make this information available in another way.

How long can perishable fillings be left out of the fridge?

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises not leaving perishable fillings out of the fridge for more than two hours. Plan for chilled storage and only serve as much filling at a time as you can use within that period.