Parents looking for wholemeal bread and fibre
You’re looking for recognisable wholemeal bread for your child to snack on. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists a slice of wholemeal bread as one possible choice for children aged 4 to 12.
Who is this relevant for?
Parents of children who leave coarse bread uneaten
You want to choose wholemeal bread, but are looking for a finer or softer texture that your child will enjoy more.
Parents packing bread for school
You need to be able to check which allergens the bread contains and what arrangements the school or childcare setting has for food brought from home.
What should you look for when choosing?
If allergens are a concern for your child, check those before considering other preferences. Then look at the wholemeal label, texture and nutritional information of the breads you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the explicit ‘wholemeal’ label and compare fibre on the same basis, for example per 100 g. | I want to choose bread for a snack that really is wholemeal, not just dark in colour. Around 36% of consumers prioritise wholemeal bread and fibre when choosing. |
| Texture | Check whether the bread is described as fine or soft; consider this separately from its nutritional value. | My child often leaves coarse slices uneaten, so the texture helps determine what I buy. For around 29% of consumers, whether their child will accept the bread is their main concern. |
| Allergens and school arrangements | Read the current ingredients and allergen information, including any warnings about possible traces, and ask about the arrangements at the school or childcare setting. | If I’m sending bread to school, I need to know whether the ingredients and local arrangements are suitable for my child. Allergens or school arrangements are the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Nutritional information and storage | Compare fibre and salt per 100 g on the labels of the products you’re considering; also read the storage advice if you’ll be using small portions. | I only use some of the loaf for snacks and want to compare products based on their nutritional information and storage options. For around 14% of consumers, this product-specific assessment is the deciding factor. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking dark or multigrain bread for wholemeal
The colour or a description such as ‘multigrain’ doesn’t confirm that the bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour.
Look for the explicit wholemeal label in the product name or on the packaging.
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Overlooking allergens in soft bread
Fine or soft wholemeal bread can still contain wheat and other relevant allergens. A child-friendly texture doesn’t mean it’s suitable for someone with an allergy.
Check the current allergen information before buying and again before packing the bread, as well as the arrangements at the school or childcare setting.
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Assuming a nutritional claim applies to all wholemeal breads
A claim about extra fibre or less salt applies to that specific product, not every variety from a brand or wholemeal bread in general.
Compare the nutritional information for the specific breads and use the same basis each time when comparing fibre and salt.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
The AH Zaans wholemeal variety is an option if you’re looking for a soft sandwich-style loaf.
- Albert Heijn describes this variety as soft and light, and lists 6,9 g of fibre per 100 g.
- This variety contains cereals containing gluten and may also contain milk, sesame and soya; check the current label.
Jumbo
Jumbo Fijn Volkorenbrood is an example of a fine-textured wholemeal loaf.
- Jumbo lists 7,6 g of fibre and 1,0 g of salt per 100 g for this bread.
- The product contains wheat and barley; also read the other allergen information on the packaging.
Lidl
Lidl offers a Kidsbrood for anyone interested in trying a finer-textured bread.
- According to Lidl, this bread is made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour.
- Check the current ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for the bread you choose.
ALDI
ALDI offers both Fijn Volkoren and a separate extra-high-fibre wholemeal variety.
- The two product names give you different options to compare if you’re considering texture or nutritional information.
- Only apply claims about extra fibre or less salt to the specific variety, and compare the labels.
PLUS
PLUS Rond fijn volkoren heel is a fine-textured wholemeal loaf with product information about its nutritional value and allergens.
- PLUS lists 6,7 g of fibre and 1,03 g of salt per 100 g for this variety.
- Wheat and barley are listed as allergens; also check the current label for the possible presence of other allergens.
Dirk
Dirk lists Bakker van der Akker Boeren volkoren heel as a standard wholemeal bread.
- The explicit wholemeal label makes this bread worth considering as a snack for your child.
- Before buying, read the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the packaging.
Joybuy products for this snack
This flatbread is a different type of bread from a sliced sandwich loaf. Check the packaging to see whether it meets your wholemeal requirements before choosing it as a snack for your child.
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Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P
Flatbread may suit you if you’d rather pack pieces of bread than a traditional sandwich for your child’s snack. Check the wholemeal label on the packaging: the product name alone doesn’t confirm what proportion of the flour is wholemeal.
The bread contains wheat and gluten, and may contain soya and milk. Before packing it, read the current allergen information and check the arrangements at the school or childcare setting.
Frequently asked questions
Can wholemeal bread be a snack for children?
Yes. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists a slice of wholemeal bread as one possible snack for children aged 4 to 12. Fruit and vegetables are also options.
How can I tell whether bread is really wholemeal?
Look for the explicit ‘wholemeal’ label. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour; a brown colour alone doesn’t confirm this.
Does wholemeal bread always contain gluten?
Don’t rely on the word ‘wholemeal’ alone to find out which allergens a bread contains. Many common wheat-based wholemeal breads contain cereals containing gluten; check the grains listed and any warnings on the label for the specific product.
Does every Dutch loaf contain iodine because of baker’s salt?
No, don’t assume this for every loaf without checking the label. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that iodine compounds may be present in bread through baker’s salt; check whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed for the product you choose.
Can I store bread in portions for snacks later?
Follow the storage advice for the bread you choose. Albert Heijn says that AH Extra lang lekker Zaans volkoren heel can be frozen at home on the day of purchase; don’t apply this advice to another product without checking first.