Who is each type of bread suitable for?

Parents of children who enjoy wholemeal bread

Seeded bread could work well in their lunchbox, provided their child also likes the texture of seeds and kernels.

Parents who need to check for allergens

If there is a known allergy or a school rule to follow, the latest allergen information and the arrangements with the school matter more than choosing a particular type of bread.

Parents of children who prefer to avoid seeds

If visible seeds, a firm crust or a coarse texture are an issue, a more finely textured wholemeal bread may be a practical choice.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check that the bread is wholemeal and that your child is happy to eat it. If there is an allergy or a school rule to follow, always check the latest packaging before putting it in the lunchbox.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Wholemeal base Read the product description and ingredients list; always compare nutritional information, such as fibre, per 100 g. When I choose bread for a lunchbox, I want to know that it really is wholemeal; seeds alone don’t tell me that. For around 40% of consumers, the wholemeal base would be the top priority.
Allergens and school rules Read the allergen information on the latest packaging, including any warnings about possible traces, and check with the school. If there’s a known allergy or a school rule to follow, I don’t want to overlook a relevant ingredient. For around 30% of consumers, checking for allergens would be the main concern.
Texture and whether your child will eat it Check whether the bread contains visible seeds and kernels; if necessary, try a smaller amount first. My child leaves bread with visible seeds or a firm crust, so I look for a wholemeal option they’ll eat. For around 20% of consumers, whether their child will eat it would be the top priority.
Salt and iodine Look for baker’s salt or iodised salt in the ingredients list; don’t assume every loaf has a set iodine content. If bread is a source of iodine in our diet, I want to know which salt it contains. For around 10% of consumers, information about iodine would be the main consideration.

Common mistakes when choosing bread for school

  • Assuming seeded bread is always wholemeal

    Seeds and kernels describe what has been added, not whether the bread is wholemeal.

    First check the product description and ingredients list to make sure it’s wholemeal; then choose based on the flavour and texture you’re looking for.

  • Only checking for gluten

    Other allergens may also be relevant in seeded bread. For example, the Albert Heijn and Jumbo breads reviewed list sesame and soya as well as cereals containing gluten.

    Read the full, up-to-date allergen information every time you buy, and take the school’s rules into account.

  • Assuming all bread contains baker’s salt

    Using baker’s salt is not compulsory. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread made with iodised baker’s salt is an important source of iodine in the Netherlands.

    Check the label if the iodine content of bread is relevant to your choice; don’t assess a loaf in isolation from the rest of your diet.

  • Buying a large loaf of seeded bread before your child has tried it

    If your child doesn’t like the texture, they may leave the bread uneaten.

    Try a smaller amount first. If you want to store the bread, follow the storage instructions for the product you’ve chosen.

Brands and product ranges compared

Albert Heijn

AH Les Pains Boulogne heel is a packaged wholemeal seeded loaf whose ingredients and nutritional information you can compare.

  • Albert Heijn lists ingredients including pumpkin seeds, linseed, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds, and 8.3 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The product lists allergens including wheat, barley, oats, sesame and soya. Check the packaging, as product information can change.

Jumbo

Jumbo describes Rond Korn Volkoren as a wholemeal multigrain loaf with seeds and kernels.

  • The product information lists 8.3 g of fibre per 100 g. Jumbo says you can freeze this bread at home on the day you buy it and use it within one month.
  • The listed allergens include sesame, soya and cereals containing gluten; milk and lupin may also be present. Check the latest packaging.

Lidl

Lidl describes a kids’ bread made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour as an alternative for anyone who prefers to avoid visible seeds or a coarser texture.

  • The finer milling is a specific difference to look out for when texture is important to your child.
  • A fine texture doesn’t tell you which allergens a particular loaf contains. Check the label of the product you choose.

PLUS

PLUS Boeren volkoren heel is a standard wholemeal loaf you can compare with a seeded loaf.

  • The product information lists wholemeal wheat flour as the first ingredient, baker’s salt and 6.7 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The loaf lists wheat, barley and soya, and may also contain other allergens, including sesame and nuts. Check the latest packaging.

Joybuy products to help you choose

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is seeded bread automatically wholemeal?

No. Seeds and kernels don’t tell you whether the bread is wholemeal. Check the product description and ingredients list before comparing the texture of different breads.

What should I check if someone has a gluten or sesame allergy?

Read the full allergen information on the latest packaging of the bread you want to put in the lunchbox. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are listed on labels; the seeded breads reviewed from Albert Heijn and Jumbo list cereals containing gluten and sesame, among other allergens. Also take the school’s rules into account.

Why should I check for baker’s salt in bread?

Baker’s salt contains iodine, but not all bread is made with it. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes bread made with iodised baker’s salt as an important source of iodine in the Netherlands. Check the latest ingredients list if this is relevant to your choice.

Can I freeze wholemeal bread for school lunches?

Follow the storage instructions for the bread you buy. For the breads discussed here, Jumbo and PLUS say you can freeze them at home on the day you buy them and use them within one month; instructions may differ for other breads.