Choose wholemeal bread if you want to make a clearly wholemeal choice for your Mother’s Day breakfast; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends replacing white bread with wholemeal or brown bread as much as possible. White bread can also be a thoughtful addition for guests who prefer a white option. Check the label on both types: a dark colour doesn’t prove that bread is wholemeal, and according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, not all bread is made with baker’s salt.
You’re looking specifically for wholemeal bread for breakfast or brunch, and want to identify it by its product name and ingredients, not just its colour. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends replacing white bread with wholemeal or brown bread as much as possible.
You want to serve wholemeal and white bread side by side, so guests can choose. Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl, ALDI, PLUS and Dirk list both white and wholemeal breads online; check the format and quantity of each product to see what suits your table.
You want to check the ingredients, allergens or baker’s salt information for the exact bread before buying. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt isn’t compulsory, so don’t rely on the type of bread alone.
First decide whether you mainly want clearly labelled wholemeal bread or a variety of breads on the table. Then choose the format and check the labels of the products you plan to serve.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre and wholemeal content | Look for “wholemeal” in the product name and ingredients; compare the fibre listed per 100 g. | If I mainly want wholemeal bread, the ingredients need to confirm that; a dark colour shouldn’t be the deciding factor. This preference for wholemeal comes first for around 50% of consumers. |
| Variety on the table | Choose between a whole or half loaf and bread rolls, and decide whether you want to serve white bread alongside wholemeal. | For breakfast with several guests, I want to offer different types of bread without having too much left over. Around 30% of consumers prioritise having a variety of breads on the table. |
| Ingredients and labels | Read the allergen information for the exact product and check whether baker’s salt is listed in the ingredients. | If ingredients matter to my household, I don’t want to assume that white or wholemeal tells me anything about allergens or baker’s salt. Checking the label is the main concern for around 20% of consumers. |
A dark colour or name doesn’t tell you what the bread is made from. According to Albert Heijn, Waldkorn bread can be made with wholemeal flour, refined flour or a mixture of the two.
If you specifically want wholemeal bread, look for “wholemeal” in the product name and ingredients. You can also compare the fibre listed per 100 g.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt isn’t compulsory. So if it’s important to you, you can’t tell whether it’s included from the type of bread alone.
Check the ingredients for baker’s salt, and ask if you’re buying unpackaged bread.
These words describe the type of bread, not its allergens. Ingredients and allergens can vary from one product to another.
Read the information on the packaging of the exact bread. If you need a gluten-free product, look for an explicit gluten-free label.
Several whole loaves can leave you with leftovers after a small brunch, while a half loaf or a carefully chosen mix with bread rolls may suit the number of guests better.
Work out how many people will be eating beforehand, choose suitable pack sizes and follow the storage advice on the packaging.
If you want to reduce waste, make a plan for storing any leftover bread.
These supermarkets list different types of bread online. Always check the information for the individual product before choosing.
Lists white bread, wholemeal bread and gluten-free bread options, among other products.
Lists fine wholemeal bread, white rolls and white-and-wholemeal bread, among other products.
Its bread range distinguishes between white, brown, multigrain and wholemeal bread.
Its freshly baked bread range includes both white and wholemeal options.
Has a separate online category for wholemeal bread, alongside other types of bread.
Its online range includes white, wholemeal and multigrain bread, sourdough and bread rolls, among other options.
For a Mother’s Day breakfast, you’ll find wholemeal breads, a rye product, crispbread and a brunch product that could be served as a white option. These come in different formats, so first decide what you’d like on the table, then check the packaging of the exact product.
Image unavailable
A round wholemeal wheat option if you’d rather serve a loaf than individual rolls at brunch.
Allow time for defrosting, baking and cooling. Check the packaging for preparation instructions, as the stated baking times vary. Also check the allergens and ingredients if baker’s salt is relevant to your choice.
Image unavailable
A rye option for anyone looking for something different from white or wholemeal wheat bread at brunch.
Check the format before buying: the product name refers to a bread roll, while the description says sliced rye bread. Check the packaging to see whether baker’s salt has been used if that matters to you.
Image unavailable
A wholemeal flatbread to share at brunch, for example with dips.
This isn’t a traditional sliced loaf. The ingredients list wheat and gluten; check the label if you have allergies, and look for baker’s salt if that’s important to you.
Image unavailable
A possible addition if you’d like to serve white bread alongside wholemeal bread.
Check the packaging to see which types and quantities are included in the range. Check the allergen information for any guests who need to be aware of it.
Image unavailable
A crunchy breakfast option, but not a loaf-shaped alternative to a standard sliced wholemeal loaf.
The ingredients list refined wheat flour as well as wholemeal flours. Check the exact label for allergens and to see whether baker’s salt is listed.
No. According to Albert Heijn, Waldkorn bread can be made with wholemeal flour, refined flour or a mixture of the two. Check the product name and ingredients if you specifically want wholemeal bread.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt isn’t compulsory. Read the ingredients on packaged bread, or ask which salt has been used if you’re buying unpackaged bread.
No. “White” and “wholemeal” don’t mean that a product is gluten-free. If you need gluten-free bread, choose a product that’s explicitly labelled gluten-free and check the packaging of the exact product.
Follow the storage advice on the packaging of the bread you’ve bought. Jumbo Fine Wholemeal, for example, should be stored in a cool, dry place; the instructions may differ for other breads.
