Parents who serve bread every day
They want a reliable breakfast for their toddler and choose a half or whole loaf to suit how much the family eats, so there is less left over.
Who is this choice important for?
Parents of fussy breakfast eaters
They are looking for wholemeal bread with a texture their toddler will accept, even when they do not eat much in the morning.
Parents who need to check allergens
For home, nursery or school, they read the label on the bread they have chosen and check which cereals containing gluten and other relevant allergens are listed.
What should you look for?
First, choose a loaf that suits breakfast and how much your family eats. Then compare the packaging and check the information that matters for your child.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Most relevant for |
|---|---|---|
| How much you use and food waste | Choose a half or whole loaf to suit how much your family eats; if stocking up, read the storage instructions. | If we often have bread left over, I want a size we can finish without making my breakfast stock too large. Around 36% of consumers put this first. |
| A breakfast your toddler will manage | See whether the texture is familiar to your child and whether you can offer a small portion. | When my toddler does not eat much in the morning, I want to offer bread they will actually accept. Around 29% of consumers put this first. |
| Wholemeal and nutritional information | Check that it is labelled wholemeal and compare fibre and salt on the same basis, for example per 100 g. | I want to know what bread I am serving every day, so I pay particular attention to the product description and nutritional information. This is the main consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Allergens and baker’s salt | Read the current ingredients and allergen information; check for baker’s salt if iodine in bread matters to you. | If there is an allergy or an arrangement with nursery, I need to be able to check the exact loaf. Around 14% of consumers give this information the highest priority. |
Common mistakes
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Treating half and whole loaves as equivalent packs
If the size or weight differs, the packaging alone does not tell you whether it suits your family’s needs.
Compare the weight and choose an amount you can finish or store according to the packaging.
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Assuming dark or multigrain bread is wholemeal
The colour or a name such as multigrain does not, by itself, confirm that a loaf is wholemeal.
Check the product description, and for speciality varieties, read the ingredients and nutritional information too.
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Relying on an allergen label you read before
Ingredients can vary between loaves or change when a product is updated.
Read the packaging of the loaf you are actually buying, and take account of medical advice and nursery or school policies.
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Assuming every loaf contains baker’s salt
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes iodised baker’s salt as a source of iodine in Dutch bread; the word wholemeal does not confirm that a particular loaf contains it.
For packaged bread, check the ingredients list. For unpackaged bread, ask which ingredients have been used.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
One option for browsing wholemeal loaves and pack sizes online.
- Albert Heijn’s bread range includes AH Tijger volkoren heel, among other options.
- When buying, check the size and current product information for the variety you have chosen.
Jumbo
Worth considering if you want to choose between a whole and half wholemeal loaf within one range.
- Jumbo lists fine wholemeal bread in both whole and half sizes.
- Compare the pack weight before choosing a size for everyday use.
PLUS
PLUS Volkoren tijger heel provides product information to help you check the ingredients, allergens and storage guidance.
- PLUS says this loaf can be frozen at home.
- Follow the instructions on the packaging you buy; product information can change.
Dirk
A shop option if you are looking for a whole wholemeal loaf.
- Dirk’s range includes Bakker van der Akker Boeren volkoren heel.
- Dirk does not list a delivery service, so you may need to visit a shop.
ALDI
Offers a specific extra-high-fibre wholemeal variety that you can assess separately.
- ALDI provides fibre and salt information for this variety.
- Check such product claims on the label of the exact variety, rather than assuming they apply to all ALDI bread.
Lidl
An option for browsing fine wholemeal bread in store.
- Lidl lists 800 g fine wholemeal bread as an in-store product.
- Check the packaging and allergen information on the loaf you take home.
Wholemeal bread at Joybuy
These two varieties from Lekhaven Bakkerij are suited to anyone who wants to keep wholemeal bread for a toddler’s breakfast and bake it at home. Allow time for defrosting, baking and cooling for both.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round 550 g × 2
An option for families who want to keep bread for several breakfasts. The product name states that the pack contains two 550 g loaves; allow time for defrosting, baking and cooling before serving.
Before choosing this bread for your toddler, check the current packaging for ingredients, allergens, storage instructions and nutritional information.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round 550 g
An option to consider if one loaf better suits how much your family eats. The product name states 550 g; this loaf also needs time to defrost, bake and cool.
Before serving it to your toddler, read the current label for ingredients, allergens, storage instructions and nutritional information.
Frequently asked questions
How much bread does a child aged 1 to 3 typically eat?
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends around two to three slices of bread a day, usually split between breakfast and lunch. This is general information; also consider what your child eats and, if necessary, discuss individual dietary questions with a professional.
What should I look for in wholemeal bread for a toddler?
Choose bread labelled wholemeal that your toddler will accept and that comes in a pack size suited to how much your family eats. Also read the ingredients, nutritional information and allergen information for the variety you choose.
Do I need to consider gluten when choosing wholemeal bread?
Yes. If your child has an allergy or coeliac disease, or you have an arrangement with nursery or school, always check the exact loaf. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergens must be clearly identified in the ingredients list; also read any information about cross-contamination on the packaging.
Does all Dutch wholemeal bread contain iodine?
Do not assume so based on the word wholemeal alone. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that iodine is added to baker’s salt; for packaged bread, check the ingredients list, or ask which ingredients have been used for unpackaged bread.
Can I freeze a whole wholemeal loaf?
Yes, if the instructions for the loaf you choose allow it. PLUS says its Volkoren tijger heel can be frozen on the day of purchase and used within one month; for other loaves, follow the instructions on their own packaging.