For a nursery lunch, choose multigrain bread that is explicitly labelled ‘wholemeal’; a dark colour or the name ‘multigrain’ is not enough. Then compare the nutritional information per 100 g and check the current ingredients and allergens. Before packing the bread, make sure it fits the child’s individual dietary requirements and the nursery’s food policy.
You want to choose bread for nursery lunch that is clearly labelled wholemeal, rather than relying on a dark colour or the name ‘multigrain’. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre distinguishes between multigrain and wholemeal: ‘multigrain’ alone does not tell you which flour has been used.
Before packing the bread, check the allergens on the packaging and the child’s individual requirements at nursery. As well as gluten-containing cereals, multigrain bread may contain other relevant ingredients, such as soya, milk or sesame. This varies by product.
You’re looking for a type of bread that suits the lunch routine, such as sliced bread or rolls that can be packed individually. Even when choosing a convenient portion size, check whether the bread is wholemeal and what the packaging says about storage and allergens.
Start by checking that the bread is labelled wholemeal, then make sure it meets the nursery’s requirements. Only after that should you choose a suitable type of bread and decide how to store it. The points below will help you work out what matters most for each lunch situation.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for an explicit wholemeal claim and compare the fibre content per 100 g on the current packaging. | If I want to pack wholemeal bread, I don’t want to have to guess from its colour. For around 36% of consumers, wholemeal and fibre are the main priorities. |
| Allergens and nursery requirements | Read the full ingredients and allergen information, and check the child’s individual requirements and the nursery’s policy. | If a child has a documented dietary requirement or allergy, the bread must meet the requirements for that child. This check is the most important consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Ease of eating and type of bread | Choose between sliced bread and rolls to suit the mealtime, and check the ingredients of the option you choose. | I want to pack a portion that suits the child and the lunch break. For around 21% of consumers, practicality is the top priority. |
| Storage and up-to-date information | Check the storage or freezing instructions and read the label on the packaging you buy. | If I buy bread for several lunches, I want to know how to store that particular pack. This is the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ tells you which types of grain have been used, not whether the bread is made with wholemeal flour. A dark colour doesn’t confirm that either.
Use an explicit wholemeal claim as your first selection check, then compare the fibre content per 100 g.
Depending on the recipe, bread may also contain soya, milk or sesame, as well as gluten-containing cereals. This means a loaf may not meet a child’s individual allergy requirements, even if the type of bread seems suitable for lunch.
Read the full allergen information and choose bread that meets the requirements for the child and the nursery.
Ingredients, allergens and nutritional values can change when a recipe is updated. Information from an earlier purchase may therefore not match the pack you have now.
Check the label on the bread you’re actually packing, especially if allergens are a concern.
The name ‘multigrain bread’ doesn’t tell you which type of salt has been used. Albert Heijn lists iodised salt in one waldkorn wholemeal variety, but that doesn’t tell you anything about a different loaf.
If baker’s salt is one of your selection criteria, check the current packaging for a mention of baker’s salt or iodised salt.
Compare specific loaves using their current labels: ranges and ingredients can vary, even within the same supermarket chain.
Albert Heijn lists ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for its waldkorn wholemeal bread.
Jumbo offers several wholemeal multigrain breads, including a dark farmhouse variety.
ALDI offers a wholemeal farmhouse multigrain bread with grains and seeds.
PLUS offers both dark multigrain bread and Korenlanders wholemeal multigrain rolls.
Lidl offers freshly baked multigrain bread containing ingredients such as wheat, barley and buckwheat.
Dirk’s search results show multigrain products from various suppliers, including a wholemeal variety and separate gluten-free options.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘multigrain’ means that different types of grain have been used; the bread may be made with wholemeal flour, white flour or a mixture. For a wholemeal lunch, choose a product that is explicitly labelled wholemeal.
Read the current ingredients and allergen information, and follow the child’s individual requirements at nursery. If a child has a documented gluten-free diet, don’t pack regular multigrain bread simply because its name or shape seems suitable.
Yes, provided the type of bread suits the lunch break and the rolls you choose meet the dietary and nursery requirements. Check their own label: their ingredients and allergens may differ from those in sliced wholemeal multigrain bread.
Check the current packaging for a mention of baker’s salt or iodised salt. Don’t assume that every loaf contains the same type of salt just because it is labelled ‘multigrain’ or ‘wholemeal’.
Follow the storage and freezing instructions for the bread you buy. Albert Heijn and PLUS say that their varieties described here can be frozen on the day of purchase; check that the same instruction appears on your packaging.
