Family planner with fussy eaters
If grains or seeds put them off, you’ll want a less coarse bread without immediately resorting to white bread. Finely ground wholemeal bread is one option to consider.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Host who wants to serve wholemeal bread
Alongside the snacks, you want to offer bread that is actually labelled as wholemeal. Albert Heijn says that brown bread isn’t always wholemeal, so colour alone won’t tell you.
Small household looking to avoid leftovers
A half loaf may be a good fit for a small group, or if you’re putting out more than one type of bread. If you buy a whole loaf, you can freeze any leftover slices in portions.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether it needs to be fully wholemeal or whether a mixed loaf will do. Then compare the texture, how much you need and the allergens in the exact variety.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Familiar texture | Check whether the bread is described as finely ground wholemeal and whether it contains visible seeds or coarse grains. | If coarse grains are why someone avoids bread, I want to serve something less coarse. For around 36% of consumers, texture is the top priority. |
| Wholemeal labelling | Check the product description and ingredients; brown or multigrain doesn’t automatically mean fully wholemeal. | I want to know whether the bread really is wholemeal, rather than judging by its colour. That certainty comes first for around 29% of consumers. |
| Right amount | Compare a half and a whole loaf with the number of guests, and check the storage instructions. | When I’m serving several snacks, I don’t want to be left with more bread than I need. Around 21% of consumers prioritise getting the right amount. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack, including for seeded bread. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I need to know what’s in this variety. For around 14% of consumers, checking this is their first concern. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming brown or multigrain means wholemeal
A dark colour or a multigrain name doesn’t tell you whether the bread is fully wholemeal. Albert Heijn points out that brown bread isn’t always wholemeal.
If fully wholemeal is important to you, look for an explicit wholemeal label and read the ingredients.
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Choosing seeded bread when the texture is the problem
Extra seeds or a coarse bite could be exactly what a fussy eater struggles with.
For that person, start by looking at a finely ground wholemeal variety. You can always offer seeded bread separately.
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Guessing the allergens from the type of bread
Ingredients and potential traces vary between varieties. Product information from retailers including Jumbo and PLUS lists other allergens as well as gluten-containing grains.
Check the up-to-date allergen information on the pack of the bread you’re actually serving.
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Buying a whole loaf without a plan for leftovers
If not all your guests eat bread, you may have slices left over that you won’t use straight away.
Choose a pack size to suit your group, or freeze any unused slices in portions after buying.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Its range includes finely ground, coarse and half loaves of wholemeal bread.
- A half loaf may be a good fit when you’re serving a small group.
- Check the current pack for ingredients and allergens; Albert Heijn says product information may change.
Jumbo
Fijn Volkoren is one variety to consider if you’re looking for a less coarse texture.
- Jumbo states that Fijn Volkoren contains 7,6 g of fibre per 100 g.
- The product information lists wheat and barley, as well as possible traces of other allergens.
Lidl
Its range includes bread made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour and a half loaf of extra wholemeal bread.
- The finely milled variety is worth considering if coarse grains are the problem.
- Lidl describes its kids’ bread as tasting like brown bread. That’s Lidl’s description, not a guarantee that every eater will find it tastes that way.
ALDI
Its range includes finely ground wholemeal bread and a separate extra-high-fibre wholemeal variety.
- The finely ground variety offers a different texture from bread with prominent seeds.
- Check the fibre information on the current pack for the variety you choose rather than relying on the brand name.
PLUS
Its range includes half loaves of wholemeal bread and wholemeal bread with various grains or seeds.
- PLUS Boeren volkoren half is a smaller-pack option.
- Ingredients and allergens vary by variety; for example, sesame may be listed for a seeded loaf.
Dirk
Its range includes a whole wholemeal hearth loaf.
- A whole loaf is worth considering if several guests will be eating it.
- Check the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens for the exact variety on the current pack.
Bread options on Joybuy
These two bread options suit different ways of serving food on a snack night: flatbread for dips and a round loaf that needs preparation. Neither is automatically confirmed to be a mix of white flour and wholemeal flour, so check the ingredients if that’s what you’re looking for.
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Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, 6 pieces
Consider this flatbread for serving with dips on a snack night.
The pack contains six flatbreads. It is not confirmed to be a mix of white flour and wholemeal flour. If you have allergies, check the current pack; the product information lists wheat and gluten, and possible traces of soya and milk.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread 550 g
This round loaf is an option if you can defrost and bake it before your snack night.
The loaf weighs 550 g. The listed ingredients include both wholemeal wheat flour and wheat flour, but don’t confirm the proportions or whether the latter is white flour. Check the pack if you’re specifically looking for a white and wholemeal mix, and don’t assume the texture will be fine.
Frequently asked questions
Is brown or multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?
No. According to Albert Heijn, brown bread may contain flour as well as wholemeal flour. If you’re looking for fully wholemeal bread, check the wholemeal label and ingredients rather than relying on the colour or name.
Which bread should I look at first if someone doesn’t like coarse grains?
Start with a finely ground wholemeal variety if the coarse texture is the main issue. ‘Fine’ describes the texture, not the allergens or nutritional value of every variety, so compare the specific packs.
How can I check that the bread is suitable for guests who need to avoid certain ingredients?
Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety before serving it. Breads of the same type may list different grains, seeds and potential traces, so don’t rely on the name of the bread alone.
What should I do with bread left over after snack night?
Choose a half loaf in advance if you don’t expect to use many slices, or freeze any leftover slices in portions. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping wholemeal bread for 2–4 days in a kitchen cupboard or 1–3 months in the freezer.