Families looking for fibre
They want to be able to tell whether bread really is wholemeal for their picnic in the park, rather than relying on a brown colour or the name ‘multigrain’.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Practical picnic planners
For them, the right size, easy sharing and safe transport for fillings all matter when choosing bread.
People who prefer a soft texture
They’re used to white bread, but may want to try a wholemeal option without going straight for a coarse texture.
What should you look for when choosing?
Wholemeal bread
Choose this if: you specifically want to take wholemeal bread and compare the fibre content of different products.
Bear in mind: fine and coarse varieties can feel different, so consider the texture of the bread you’re buying.
White bread
Choose this if: a soft bite and familiar taste are the deciding factors for the people eating it.
Bear in mind: white bread isn’t a substitute if you specifically want to choose wholemeal bread.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | For packaged bread, look for ‘wholemeal’ on the label. Compare the fibre per 100 g if you’re weighing up different products; colour and the word ‘multigrain’ don’t confirm that bread is wholemeal. | When I’m looking for wholemeal bread for a picnic, I want to be able to confirm it on the label rather than judge by colour. For around 50% of consumers, choosing wholemeal comes first. |
| Transport and chilling | Choose a size that suits your group, and pack any fillings that need to be kept chilled in a cool bag. | If I’ve got chilled fillings in my bag, I want them to stay cold on the way and the bread to be easy to share. Around 30% of consumers prioritise safe and practical transport. |
| Taste and texture | Consider the difference between fine and coarse varieties, and choose an amount the group is likely to finish. | If not everyone enjoys coarse bread, I look for a texture that suits the group without taking more than we need. For around 20% of consumers, taste and texture matter most. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming brown or multigrain means wholemeal
A dark colour or the name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t confirm that packaged bread is wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the label on packaged wholemeal bread must say ‘wholemeal’.
Check the wording on the packaging and, if you like, compare the fibre per 100 g.
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Choosing bread but forgetting the chilled fillings
For a picnic, fillings that would normally be kept in the fridge need particular care during transport. The colour of the bread makes no difference to this.
Pack food hygienically in sealed containers. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends using a cool bag for chilled products and throwing away perishable food that has been out of the fridge for more than two hours.
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Assuming all bread contains iodised salt
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds may be present in bread through baker’s salt. This doesn’t mean that all bread is made with iodised salt.
If this matters to your choice, read the ingredients list for the specific bread. Check the nutrition table for information about salt, too.
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Taking a whole loaf for a small group
If you’re offering several types of bread or having a picnic with just a few people, you may end up with a lot left over.
Choose a size to suit the group, and follow the storage or freezing instructions on the packaging for any leftovers.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
The product information for AH Vloerbrood volkoren heel can help if you want to check the ingredients, nutrition information and storage advice in advance.
- Albert Heijn states that this specific bread contains more than 6 g of fibre per 100 g and provides freezing advice.
- Albert Heijn warns that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information may change. Check the packaging of the bread you buy.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers a range of wholemeal breads, including fine and coarse varieties and loaves in different sizes.
- The choice of varieties and sizes makes it easier to find something to suit the group and the amount you want to take.
- When ordering, check which variety is available at the time you choose.
ALDI
ALDI describes a specific wholemeal variety with its own fibre profile. Assess it using its product information rather than treating it as representative of all the brand’s bread.
- The product description makes it clear which bread it refers to, which is useful when comparing labels on wholemeal varieties.
- A description of one product doesn’t automatically apply to other ALDI breads. Check the ingredients and nutrition information on each pack.
Lidl
Lidl lists a fine wholemeal loaf weighing 800 g, which is worth considering if you’re looking for a fine texture.
- The product information gives both the type of bread and the pack weight.
- Lidl says this product is only available in store. Check the packaging there for ingredients and nutritional values.
Bread options for a picnic on Joybuy
These products offer different ways to take bread on a picnic, from flatbread and rye bread to crispbread and round wheat bread. They aren’t white bread options for the other side of the choice. If you specifically want to buy wholemeal bread, check the wording on the Dutch packaging. Crispbread and rye bread also have a different form from an ordinary wheat loaf.
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Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, 6 stuks
Flatbread may be a good fit if you don’t want to slice a whole loaf at your picnic spot. The product name lists six pieces; check the packaging for the Dutch wholemeal label and the ingredients.
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TastyBasics Rye Bread, 9 stuks
This rye bread is worth considering if you want to take individual pieces with you; it isn’t ordinary white or wheat bread. The product name lists nine pieces. Check the packaging if the precise wholemeal wording or ingredients matter to your choice.
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g'woon Wholemeal Crispbread, 375 g
Crispbread may suit you if you’d rather take individual, dry pieces than a loaf that needs slicing. The product name states that the pack contains 375 g. It isn’t directly comparable with soft bread, so check the ingredients and wholemeal wording on the packaging.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
This 550 g round wheat loaf could work for a picnic if you can prepare it at home. Allow time for it to defrost, bake and cool before slicing. Check the preparation instructions and wholemeal wording on the packaging, too.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 2 × 550 g
This pack of two round loaves, each weighing 550 g, may suit you if you need bread for a larger group. Allow time to prepare them at home: according to the product information, the loaves need to defrost, bake and cool before slicing. Check the preparation instructions and wholemeal wording on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if packaged bread is really wholemeal?
Check whether the label says ‘wholemeal’. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, packaged wholemeal bread must be labelled as such; ‘brown’, ‘dark’ or ‘multigrain’ on its own isn’t enough to confirm it.
Do I need a cool bag for bread on a picnic?
Not for dry bread on its own, but you will need one for fillings and other products that are normally kept chilled. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends taking chilled products out of the fridge shortly before you leave and throwing away perishable food that has been out of the fridge for more than two hours.
Does all Dutch bread contain iodised baker’s salt?
No, you can’t assume that this is the case for every loaf. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds may be present in bread through baker’s salt. If this matters to your choice, check the ingredients list for the bread you’re buying.
Can I freeze wholemeal bread in advance for a picnic?
Follow the storage advice for the specific bread. For example, Albert Heijn says that AH Vloerbrood volkoren heel can be frozen at home on the day of purchase and should be used within one month. Don’t automatically apply that time limit to other products.