Wholemeal Bread with Seeds for Sinterklaas: Label Checks

Who is this relevant to?

People attending the parade who are looking for wholemeal bread

If you’re bringing a packed lunch, you’ll want to know whether the bread is genuinely sold as wholemeal, rather than relying on its brown colour or the name ‘multigrain’.

Fans of seeds and a firm texture

You’re looking for bread for sandwiches that clearly lists seeds, such as sunflower seeds, linseed, sesame or pumpkin seeds.

Shoppers comparing allergens or nutritional values

You want to check the allergen information before buying, or compare the fibre, protein and salt in specific loaves per 100 g.

What should you look for?

First decide whether a wholemeal base is your top priority. Then compare the seeds, the information on the label and the practical format of the loaf.

What to consider	What to check when buying	Who it matters to
Wholemeal base	Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ and read the ingredients list; ‘multiseed’ alone does not confirm that the bread has a wholemeal base.	If I mainly want to take wholemeal bread with me, I don’t want to judge it by its colour or visible seeds. For around 33% of consumers, a wholemeal base comes first.
Seeds and texture	Check which seeds are actually listed in the ingredients, such as linseed, sunflower seeds or sesame.	For sandwiches, I care more about the texture of the seeds than a particular nutritional value; around 27% of consumers put texture first.
Allergens and nutritional values	Check the allergen information for the specific loaf and compare fibre, protein and salt on the same basis: per 100 g.	If I need to take allergens or nutritional values into account, I want to be able to check the information before buying. This is the main consideration for around 20% of consumers.
Practical for taking with you	Check whether a whole or half loaf will suit your group, and confirm current availability at your chosen shop.	If I’m planning lunch for the parade, I want to be able to buy a suitable size of loaf without relying on an old product listing; this takes priority for roughly 20% of consumers.

Common mistakes

Confusing ‘multiseed’ with ‘wholemeal’

Seeds don’t tell you what flour the bread is made from. For Korenlanders Rond licht meerzaden, PLUS lists both 30% wholemeal wheat flour and 22% wheat flour.

If wholemeal is your main priority, first look for bread labelled wholemeal. Only then compare the seed mix.
Guessing which allergens are present from the appearance

Multiseed bread may contain allergens such as sesame, cereals containing gluten or soya. The allergens vary from product to product.

Read the allergen information and any warnings on the packaging. For unpackaged bread, ask for the allergen information before buying.
Assuming a product page means it’s currently available

Product information may remain visible even when a loaf is no longer available online; Jumbo noted this for its Volkoren Meergranen Brood.

Check the current listing at the shop where you plan to buy your food, and choose an alternative type of bread in advance if necessary.
Assuming all bread contains baker’s salt

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, not all bread is made with baker’s salt. You can’t tell whether it has been used from the ‘wholemeal’ label or the presence of seeds.

If you want to know whether a specific loaf contains baker’s salt, check the label or ask the baker.

Brands to compare

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers products including AH ELL Eiwitrijk volkoren meerzaden half, for anyone who wants to check the ingredients of a specific wholemeal multiseed loaf.

The product information lists 17 g of protein and 11 g of fibre per 100 g.
The loaf lists sesame, cereals containing gluten and soya as allergens. Albert Heijn recommends checking the current packaging, as product information can change.

Jumbo

Jumbo has a wholemeal and multigrain bread category where you can compare product ingredients.

The page for Jumbo Volkoren Meergranen Brood listed ingredients including pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and linseed.
The same product page stated that the loaf was no longer available online; check the current product listing if you choose another loaf.

Lidl

Lidl offers freshly baked bread and publishes an ingredients and allergen list for its range.

The range list gives you a place to check the ingredients and allergens in freshly baked bread.
For a specific loaf, check in store which wholemeal or multiseed variety you’re buying.

ALDI

ALDI describes Boeren volkoren meergranen as a loaf made with grains and seeds.

The product name makes it easy to find the wholemeal multigrain variety you’re looking for.
Before buying, read the ingredients and allergens on the packaging or ask in store.

PLUS

PLUS Korenlanders Rond licht meerzaden half is a multiseed loaf with individually listed ingredients.

The ingredients list includes sunflower seeds, linseed and sesame seeds.
As well as 30% wholemeal wheat flour, this variety contains 22% wheat flour. Don’t choose it solely because it contains seeds if you’re looking for a wholemeal base.

Dirk

Dirk’s bread range includes wholemeal, multiseed and multigrain loaves.

Product names such as Boeren meerzaden and Bakkers Multikorn volkoren help you compare different types of bread more easily.
Check the current ingredients and allergens for the loaf you choose; the category name alone doesn’t tell you what it contains.

Joybuy products

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread with seeds always wholemeal?

No. ‘Multigrain’ and the presence of seeds don’t mean that the bread is made entirely with wholemeal flour. For example, PLUS lists both 30% wholemeal wheat flour and 22% wheat flour for Korenlanders Rond licht meerzaden. So check the product description and ingredients list.

Is bread in the Netherlands always made with baker’s salt?

No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bread does not have to be made with baker’s salt. Check the label for a specific loaf or ask the baker.

Where can I find allergen information for bread with seeds?

For pre-packed bread, allergen information is on the label. For unpackaged bread, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says this information must be available in another way. Ask before buying, and check the chosen loaf for any warnings about traces of allergens too.

How should I store bread I buy before the parade?

Follow the storage instructions for the specific loaf. PLUS says to store Korenlanders Rond licht meerzaden ‘in a cool, dry place, away from light’; for AH ELL Eiwitrijk volkoren meerzaden half, Albert Heijn says you can freeze the bread at home on the day you buy it.