For everyday use, start by choosing bread clearly labelled as wholemeal, then compare the fibre, salt and allergen information on the packaging. A fine-textured or soft wholemeal loaf may be more enjoyable if you find regular bread less pleasant to eat, but it is not a solution for swallowing difficulties or unintentional weight loss; discuss these signs with a GP.
Wants to pay attention to whether their everyday bread is wholemeal and how much fibre it contains, without overlooking the rest of their diet. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes wholemeal bread as a type of bread that contains fibre, vitamins and minerals.
Buys bread for an older person who may have preferences around texture or appetite, or need a smaller amount. A soft crumb may be preferable, but a different choice of bread alone is not enough if there are swallowing difficulties or unintentional weight loss.
Wants to check the salt content or allergens in a particular loaf. The name and colour of the bread do not provide enough information.
When choosing bread for an older person, first check that it is genuinely wholemeal. Then compare the qualities that matter most to them, such as salt, allergens or a comfortable texture.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal content and fibre | Look for the wholemeal label and compare fibre per 100 g or for an equal-sized portion. | When I buy bread every day, I want to know whether it is genuinely wholemeal and how much fibre it provides. For around 50% of these shoppers, this would be their first priority when buying bread. |
| Salt and allergens | Compare salt per 100 g and read the latest ingredients and allergen information. | If I need to watch my salt intake or avoid an allergen, the label needs to give me a clear answer. Around 30% of these shoppers would put checking the label first. |
| Texture and storage | Consider whether the crumb and crust are pleasant to eat, and whether the bread can be stored in suitable portions. | In a small household, I want to choose bread that is enjoyable to eat and will not be left sitting around for too long. For around 20% of these shoppers, ease of eating or storage would be the main concern. |
A dark colour or visible seeds do not confirm that the bread is wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means that several types of grain have been used; it does not mean the bread is therefore wholemeal.
Look for the wholemeal label and check the ingredients list if you are specifically looking for wholemeal bread.
The wholemeal label alone tells you nothing about how much salt the bread contains. You need to compare products on a like-for-like basis.
Compare salt levels per 100 g; if you use figures per slice, make sure the portion sizes are the same too.
A fine or soft crumb is a matter of texture preference. Swallowing difficulties, consistently eating very little or unintentional weight loss need more attention than simply switching to a different type of bread.
Discuss these signs with a GP. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises contacting your GP if you suspect malnutrition.
For a small household, a whole loaf may be more than you can eat within a few days.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises freezing bread in portions as soon as you buy it, then taking out what you need.
Bread that goes stale or mouldy can lead to unnecessary waste.
These examples can help you compare specific wholemeal options. Always check the latest nutritional and allergen information on the packaging you choose.
Albert Heijn describes AH Rond volkoren heel as a round wholemeal loaf, with product information covering ingredients, nutritional value and allergens.
Jumbo lists Fijn Volkorenbrood and also describes a soft wholemeal option in its own bread range.
Lidl describes Rustiek volkoren desembrood as a wholemeal wheat sourdough bread.
These options include rye bread, wholemeal flatbread and round wholemeal wheat loaves. First choose the type of bread that suits how you plan to use it, then compare the nutritional information on a like-for-like basis. When considering ease of chewing, do not rely on the wholemeal label alone.
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An option if you are looking for rye bread rather than a regular sliced wheat loaf.
Before choosing, check the latest ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the packaging.
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A wholemeal flatbread option if you would like this style of bread instead of a regular loaf.
Check the packaging for ingredients and allergens; the type of bread alone does not indicate whether it is suitable for someone with chewing or swallowing difficulties.
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A good fit if you are looking for rye bread in a 500 g pack.
Check the latest nutritional information and allergens if fibre, salt or ingredients will influence your choice.
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A round wholemeal wheat loaf for anyone looking for this style of bread and able to plan ahead for preparation.
Allow time for defrosting and baking. Before comparing fibre and salt with other bread, check the basis of measurement on the packaging.
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The pack of two round wholemeal wheat loaves is only a good choice if you can use or store the larger quantity.
Make sure you have space to store them, and allow time for defrosting and baking. Check the basis of measurement for fibre and salt on the latest packaging.
No. The colour or use of several types of grain does not confirm that it is wholemeal. Look for the wholemeal label and check the ingredients list; according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain refers to the number of types of grain used.
Where possible, compare the amount of fibre per 100 g, or compare figures per slice using equal-sized portions. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives an average of 3,3 g of fibre per 35 g slice of wholemeal bread; Jumbo lists 7,6 g per 100 g for its Fijn Volkorenbrood.
No. Do not assume that every loaf contains the same amount of iodine. Check the ingredients for the specific product: for example, Albert Heijn lists iodised salt in AH Rond volkoren heel.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises freezing bread in portions as soon as you buy it, then taking out only what you need. That way, you do not have to use the whole loaf at once.
No. Do not treat swallowing difficulties or unintentional weight loss as simply a choice between different types of bread. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises contacting your GP if you suspect malnutrition.
