When choosing wholemeal breakfast cake for the summer holidays, don’t rely on the word ‘wholemeal’ alone: compare the fibre and sugar content per slice, and check the portion size, allergens and sweeteners. A no-added-sugar version may be made differently from a regular wholemeal breakfast cake, so check the polyols and any warnings on the packaging too.
If you want to take breakfast cake with you and fibre matters to you, compare the nutritional values per slice and per 100 g. Voedingscentrum lists 1,3 g of fibre for a 30 g slice of wholemeal breakfast cake; the value for a specific product may differ.
If you’re looking for less sugar per portion, you can compare both regular versions and no-added-sugar versions. As well as checking ‘of which sugars’, read which sweeteners or polyols the specific version contains and check for any warnings.
If you have a relevant allergy, the label on the exact pack is what counts: the versions reviewed list rye and gluten-containing cereals, among other ingredients. The Peijnenburg version with xylitol that was reviewed also carries a warning about animals.
Start by comparing nutritional information on a like-for-like basis, such as per 100 g or per slice with the slice weight stated. Then check whether the ingredients, warnings and packaging suit the way you plan to enjoy the breakfast cake on holiday.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check which wholemeal grains are listed in the ingredients and compare fibre per 100 g or per slice. | I want to know how much fibre is in the slice I’m taking with me, rather than relying on the front of the pack. Around 50% of consumers prioritise fibre content. |
| Sugars and sweeteners | Compare ‘of which sugars’ for slices of the same weight; also check which polyols and warnings are listed. | For my holiday supplies, I mainly want to limit the sugar per slice, but I also want to know which sweetener is used instead. Around 30% of consumers prioritise this balance. |
| Allergens and use | Check the label for allergens, portion sizes, storage advice and any warnings about animals. | If we’re sharing a pack or taking a pet with us, the exact version needs to suit how we’ll use it and what we need to consider. This is the main priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Wholemeal describes the grain used, not the sugar content. Jumbo lists 39 g of sugars per 100 g for regular Peijnenburg Volkoren and 4,9 g per 100 g for the no-added-sugar version reviewed.
Compare the fibre, ‘of which sugars’ and slice weight on a like-for-like basis before choosing what to stock up on.
The Peijnenburg no-added-sugar version reviewed contains xylitol. The product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect and states that xylitol is not suitable for animals.
Read the warnings on the current pack and keep breakfast cake containing xylitol out of reach of pets.
The Jumbo, Peijnenburg and Albert Heijn products reviewed list rye and/or gluten-containing cereals. A different version or pack needs to be checked again.
Check the allergen information on the exact breakfast cake every time you buy it.
A larger sliced pack doesn’t in itself tell you anything about the fibre or sugar per slice. Storage advice also varies by product.
Choose a size that suits your household’s needs and follow the storage instructions on the packaging once opened.
The sliced wholemeal breakfast cakes reviewed include a regular version and a no-added-sugar version, both with 12 slices.
Jumbo lists its own-brand wholemeal breakfast cake in packs including 280 g and 475 g sizes.
Albert Heijn lists a 485 g pack of sliced own-brand breakfast cake made with wholemeal rye flour.
PLUS lists a 485 g pack of sliced own-brand wholemeal breakfast cake.
ALDI lists a 485 g pack of sliced wholemeal breakfast cake from Koek & Bakker.
This sliced wholemeal breakfast cake is a good fit for households who want to take a pack with them and share slices during their holiday. Also compare the nutritional information and ingredients on the packaging before you decide.
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For households who want to share a sliced pack while on holiday.
Pack size: 485 g. Check the pack for fibre and sugars per 100 g and per slice, and read the current ingredients and allergen information.
No. According to Voedingscentrum, wholegrain products are made using the entire grain; that doesn’t tell you how much sugar a breakfast cake contains. Compare ‘of which sugars’ on the pack per 100 g or for slices of the same weight.
Not necessarily: check the other ingredients and warnings as well as the sugar content. The Peijnenburg version reviewed contains xylitol and polyols; the product information warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect and states that xylitol is not suitable for animals.
Follow the storage advice on the exact pack. The Jumbo version reviewed says to store it in a cool, dry place, while the Peijnenburg product information reviewed advises storing it in a dry, dark place.
No, don’t assume that without checking. To find out whether a specific breakfast cake contains baker’s salt, check the ingredients information for that version.
