If you want to replace white bread with bread that is entirely wholemeal, look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour. For a quick top-up, choose an amount you can use in time, or check whether the bread you choose is suitable for freezing. Then compare the texture, nutritional information and ingredients on the specific pack.
If you’re specifically looking for wholemeal bread, the wording on the packaging matters more than the colour of the loaf. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour.
If you only need bread for a few days, you could compare a half loaf with a whole loaf whose packaging says it can be frozen at home.
If you’re used to soft white slices, you could try fine wholemeal bread. ‘Fine’ describes the texture, so also check that the packaging says ‘wholemeal’.
When topping up your bread, first decide whether you want bread that is entirely wholemeal. Then choose a suitable amount and compare the texture and the information on the packaging.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal wording | Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging; don’t rely on a dark colour or the term ‘multigrain’ alone. | I want to replace white bread and be sure that the new bread is entirely wholemeal. For around 38% of consumers, that certainty is the deciding factor. |
| Quantity and storage | Compare a half loaf with a whole loaf, and read the storage instructions before planning to freeze slices. | If I’m only topping up for a few days, I want a pack I can finish in time. For around 23% of consumers, choosing the right amount is the first consideration. |
| Texture | See whether there’s a fine wholemeal option; check that it is labelled wholemeal too. | Soft slices are familiar at home, so I want to try a finer texture without giving up on wholemeal. For around 23% of consumers, texture comes first. |
| Nutritional information and ingredients | Compare fibre and salt per 100 g, and read the allergen information on the pack you choose. | I want to compare nutritional values or need to check the ingredients carefully. For around 16% of consumers, this product information matters most. |
The colour and the number of grains listed don’t tell you whether a loaf is made from 100% wholemeal flour. Brown bread may also contain refined flour.
Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging first, then choose the texture and size that suit your household.
A large pack can be impractical if you won’t use all the slices before the bread goes stale.
Consider a half loaf. If you choose a whole loaf to store in portions, follow the freezing instructions for that specific product.
Recipes vary. The word ‘wholemeal’ doesn’t tell you how much fibre or salt per 100 g is listed on the pack you choose.
Compare the nutritional information for the breads you’re actually considering, especially if a particular product feature matters to you.
Ingredients can vary from one loaf to another, including between standard and special wholemeal varieties.
Check the current ingredients and allergen information on every new pack rather than relying on the name of the bread.
Albert Heijn offers whole and half wholemeal loaves. It’s a useful place to look if you want to match the pack size to a quick top-up.
Jumbo offers fine, coarse, round and half wholemeal loaves, among other options. Compare the type you’re looking for with the information for the individual product.
Lidl is an option if you want to compare different types of bread on the shelf during a quick shop.
ALDI offers fine wholemeal bread in a half-size pack, as well as separate extra-high-fibre wholemeal varieties.
PLUS offers whole wholemeal loaves that you can include in your comparison if you’re looking for bread to use more than once.
Dirk offers a wholemeal bâtard, among other options—a different bread shape to consider if you’re quickly picking up bread in store.
These options include flatbread in a pack of six and 550 g round loaves, available individually or in packs of two. If you’re replacing white bread, don’t rely on ‘whole wheat’ in the name alone: check that the pack you choose describes the bread as wholemeal and that the quantity suits your top-up.
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An option if you’re looking for flatbread rather than standard sandwich slices for your top-up. Check whether the packaging describes this bread as entirely wholemeal, and read the ingredients and allergen information.
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A round loaf for anyone who can set aside time to defrost and bake it. The pack weighs 550 g; check that the bread is described as wholemeal before choosing it as a replacement for white bread.
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This pack is only suitable for a quick top-up if you can use two loaves and have time to defrost and bake them. Also check that the packaging describes the bread as wholemeal.
Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour; the colour or a product name containing ‘whole wheat’ is not enough on its own.
No. Brown bread may contain refined flour as well as wholemeal flour, and ‘multigrain’ doesn’t mean that all the grains used are wholegrain. Check the wording on the specific loaf if you want to replace white bread with wholemeal bread.
A half loaf can be more practical if you only need bread for a few days. A whole loaf may also work if you can use it or store it according to the instructions on the packaging; Albert Heijn and PLUS say their specified wholemeal loaves can be frozen on the day of purchase.
Read the ingredients list for the loaf you choose; you can’t tell what type of salt has been used from its colour. Albert Heijn lists iodised salt for AH Rond volkoren heel, but check separately for any other product.
No, recipes can vary. For each loaf, compare fibre and salt per 100 g and read the current allergen information, especially if you’re considering a special variety.
