Who is this choice relevant to?

Breakfast lovers who want seeds with savoury toppings

You’re looking for a wholemeal slice with a different texture to enjoy with toppings such as cheese, egg or hummus. Check both the wholemeal description and the seeds listed: one doesn’t automatically tell you anything about the other.

Shoppers comparing nutritional information

You want to compare fibre and salt levels across different breads. Use the same basis, such as per 100 g; figures per slice are only directly comparable if the slices weigh the same.

Shoppers checking salt types and allergens

You want to know whether a bread contains iodised salt or baker’s salt, or need to check whether it contains sesame, for example. Check the ingredients and allergen information for the specific variety you’re buying.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the wholemeal base and the type of bread you want. Then compare the seeds, nutritional information and labels of the varieties that suit your breakfast.

What to consider What to check before buying Most relevant to
Wholemeal base Look for the wholemeal label and read the ingredients; don’t judge by colour, seeds or the name ‘multigrain’ alone. I want to know what the bread is made from before choosing based on toppings or texture. For around 36% of shoppers, the wholemeal base comes first.
Seeds and texture Check which seeds are listed in the ingredients and choose a type of bread with the bite you’re looking for. With savoury toppings, I’m looking for a slice with noticeable seeds. That texture is the main priority for around 29% of shoppers.
Salt and allergens Compare salt levels on the same weight basis and check the allergens and whether iodised salt or baker’s salt is listed. If I need to watch out for sesame or want to know which salt has been used, I read the label for the exact variety. Around 21% of shoppers prioritise these kinds of label checks.
Type of bread and availability Choose the type of bread you want and check whether it’s available at your shop or through your preferred way of ordering. I want a type of bread that suits my household and is available as part of my usual shop. For around 14% of shoppers, this is the most important factor.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming seeds or a dark colour mean the bread is wholemeal

    Bread can contain seeds without having a wholemeal base. The name ‘multigrain’ on its own doesn’t tell you whether bread is wholemeal either.

    First look for the wholemeal label, then check which seeds have been added to that particular variety.

  • Assuming every bread contains iodised salt

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that bakers don’t always use baker’s salt. So if the type of salt matters to you, don’t assume based on the type of bread alone.

    For packaged bread, check the ingredients for iodised salt or baker’s salt; for unpackaged bread, ask which salt has been used.

  • Skipping the allergen information for a variety you know

    Seeded breads can contain ingredients such as sesame, and recipes and allergen information can vary or change between varieties.

    Check the current packaging or product information every time you buy the bread you’ve chosen.

  • Expecting to find the same bread in every branch

    Lidl says that its oven-fresh range can vary from branch to branch. So a variety you’ve seen may not be available at your local shop.

    Check availability at your chosen branch before planning your breakfast around that particular bread.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists various wholemeal breads and, for its Extra lang lekker Zaans volkoren heel, provides information including ingredients and allergens.

  • Product information can help you compare varieties by ingredients and nutritional value.
  • The Zaans wholemeal variety mentioned doesn’t confirm that it contains seeds; Albert Heijn warns that ingredients and allergen information can change.

Jumbo

For Bus Korn-volkoren, Jumbo lists ingredients including oat flakes, linseed, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds.

  • The ingredients listed are a useful starting point if you’re specifically looking for bread with seeds.
  • Check the ingredients, nutritional value and allergens for the exact variety you’re buying.

Lidl

Lidl lists oven-fresh bread products, including varieties with seeds.

  • Worth considering if you want to browse bread with seeds in store.
  • Lidl says its oven-fresh range can vary from branch to branch. For any bread you choose, check separately whether it’s wholemeal.

ALDI

ALDI describes its Boeren volkoren meergranen as bread with grains and seeds.

  • A specific variety to consider if you’re looking for wholemeal bread with seeds.
  • Before choosing, check the current label for the exact ingredients, nutritional value and allergens.

PLUS

PLUS lists various types of wholemeal bread in its online range.

  • You can compare different types of bread before choosing a specific variety.
  • Check whether each product contains seeds; the wholemeal bread category doesn’t tell you that.

Dirk

Dirk lists products including wholemeal vloerbrood as a separate item.

  • A useful option if the wholemeal base matters more to you than seeds.
  • The vloerbrood variety mentioned doesn’t confirm that it contains seeds; check the packaging if you choose another variety.

A crisp bread option at Joybuy

This product is crispbread for anyone considering a crisp option instead of a regular slice with a savoury breakfast. Before choosing based on seeds, ingredients and allergens, check the current packaging.

Pack of Bolletje Whole Grain Crispbread, 265 g

Bolletje Whole Grain Crispbread, 265 g

For anyone who wants a crisp option instead of a soft slice with a savoury breakfast. Check the packaging to see which seeds, allergens and type of salt are listed for this variety.

Pack size: 265 g.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do seeds mean that bread is wholemeal?

No. Seeds can also be added to other types of bread. Look for bread labelled as wholemeal, then check the ingredients to see which seeds it contains.

Can I assume that bread contains iodised salt?

No. Check the ingredients for the specific bread. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bakers don’t always use baker’s salt; if the bread is unpackaged, you can ask which salt has been used.

When is bread a source of iodine?

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread can be a source of iodine when it’s made with iodised baker’s salt. This isn’t automatically true of every variety, so check the ingredients if the type of salt matters to you.

How can I store wholemeal bread without unnecessary waste?

Follow the storage advice on the packaging of the bread you buy. Albert Heijn says that its Extra lang lekker Zaans volkoren heel can be frozen at home on the day you buy it; don’t assume the same applies to other varieties of bread.