Who is this useful for?

Households comparing fibre content

You’re looking for clearly labelled wholemeal bread for breakfast or lunch and want to check how much fibre it contains per 100 g.

Readers of ingredient and allergen information

You check which ingredients and allergens are listed for the bread. You may also want to find out whether baker’s salt or iodised salt has been used.

Smaller households

You don’t get through a whole loaf quickly and are looking for a suitable loaf size or a product you can freeze in portions, according to the packaging.

What should you look for when buying?

First, check that the bread is labelled as wholemeal. Then compare the labels of the loaves you’re considering and choose an amount that suits how much you eat.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Wholemeal and fibre Look for the wholemeal label and compare the fibre per 100 g. For my first breakfast and lunch shop, I want clearly labelled wholemeal bread and to be able to compare the fibre content. This would be the main consideration for around 33% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information; if relevant, check whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed. I want to find out which ingredients and allergens are in my bread and whether iodised salt has been used. This would be the top priority for around 27% of consumers.
Salt and nutritional information Compare the salt per 100 g and assess any high-fibre or reduced-salt claim for the specific product. When choosing between wholemeal loaves, I want to compare their salt content and other nutritional information. Around 20% of consumers would pay closest attention to this.
Quantity and storage Choose between a half and a whole loaf based on how much you eat; read the storage and freezing instructions. I want to avoid leaving some of my first bread shop uneaten. The right quantity would be the main consideration for around 20% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming dark or multigrain bread is automatically wholemeal

    The colour or a name such as multigrain doesn’t tell you whether the bread is labelled as wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, all the grain ingredient in a product must be wholemeal flour for it to be called wholemeal.

    Look for the explicit wholemeal product description, then read the label.

  • Assuming every loaf contains baker’s salt

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread does not have to be made with baker’s salt. So the wholemeal label won’t tell you which salt has been used.

    Check the ingredients for baker’s salt or iodised salt if this matters to your choice.

  • Comparing only the fibre content

    Wholemeal loaves can also differ in salt content, ingredients and listed allergens. The fibre content alone won’t answer those questions.

    Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and the latest allergen information for the products you’re considering.

  • Choosing a whole loaf without considering how much you eat

    You may have some left over if your household doesn’t eat much bread. Storage instructions can also vary by product.

    Consider a half loaf or check whether you can freeze the bread in portions, as stated on the packaging.

Brands to compare

Albert Heijn

The AH Rond volkoren heel reviewed is described as a whole wholemeal wheat loaf.

  • The product information includes ingredients, fibre, salt, allergens and iodised salt.
  • Albert Heijn notes that ingredients and nutritional information can change, so check the packaging when you buy it.

Jumbo

Jumbo offers products including fine wholemeal bread and wholemeal multigrain bread.

  • Jumbo Fijn Volkoren lists 7,6 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • Don’t use the values and ingredients for this product as a guide to other Jumbo loaves.

Lidl

Lidl offers freshly baked bread and publishes ingredients and allergen information for this range.

  • This information helps you check the ingredients and allergens in the bread you’re considering.
  • In store, check the current product description and information for the specific loaf.

ALDI

ALDI offers products including freshly baked fine wholemeal bread and an extra-high-fibre wholemeal option.

  • ALDI describes its specific Extra vezelrijk volkorenbrood as made with 100% wholemeal flour.
  • Compare the nutritional information for each option; a product description doesn’t apply to the whole range.

PLUS

PLUS offers packaged and fresh wholemeal bread, including PLUS Boeren volkoren heel.

  • For this loaf, PLUS lists 6,7 g of fibre and 1,03 g of salt per 100 g, along with allergen and freezing information.
  • Check the packaging for information that applies to the loaf you’re buying.

Dirk

Dirk’s bread range includes wholemeal loaves and options with extra fibre.

  • The range overview helps you see which types you’d like to compare in more detail.
  • For exact ingredients, allergens and nutritional values, read the information for the loaf you choose.

Wholemeal flatbread at Joybuy

If you’re considering wholemeal flatbread for your first food shop, this is one option to explore. Bear the type of bread in mind when making your choice: flatbread is different from a regular sliced loaf for breakfast or lunch.

Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P

Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P

This Lebanese flatbread is a good option if you’re looking for wholemeal bread in this form, for example to serve with a meal. If you’re after sliced bread for breakfast or lunch, bear in mind that it’s a different type of bread.

Check the latest packaging for nutritional information, ingredients, allergens and whether baker’s salt is listed, if this matters to your choice.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if bread is genuinely wholemeal?

Look for the explicit wholemeal label. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, a product can only be called wholemeal when all its grain ingredient is wholemeal flour. A dark colour or the name multigrain is not a substitute.

Is wholemeal bread always made with baker’s salt?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt is not required when baking bread. Check the ingredients list for the loaf you choose to see whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed.

Where can I find the allergen information for wholemeal bread?

Read the latest ingredients and allergen information for the specific loaf. The gluten-containing cereals and other allergens listed can vary from one product to another; check for any warnings about traces, too.

Can I freeze wholemeal bread if I don’t eat much bread?

First, check the freezing instructions for the product you’ve chosen. Albert Heijn states that AH Rond volkoren heel can be frozen on the day of purchase, as does PLUS for PLUS Boeren volkoren heel. A half loaf may also be a suitable amount for a smaller household.