Wholemeal Multigrain Bread for a Barbecue: Loaf or Rolls?

Who is this choice relevant to?

Fibre-conscious barbecue host

You’re looking for bread that’s clearly labelled as wholemeal, rather than relying on its colour or the presence of seeds. Check for the ‘wholemeal’ designation and compare the fibre per 100 g.

Host who wants to bake the bread just before serving

You want to prepare rolls or baguettes close to serving time. Before you buy, check the cooking and storage instructions, and whether you’ll be able to use an oven or air fryer.

Shopper comparing labels for guests

You want to know which ingredients and allergens a loaf contains, and how its nutritional values per 100 g compare with another option. Check the current label for each product.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by checking whether the bread is wholemeal. Its shape and label will then help you decide whether it’s right for your barbecue.

What to look for	What to check before buying	Who is this important for?
Wholemeal content and fibre	Look for ‘wholemeal’ in the product name or statutory description; compare the fibre per 100 g.	If I want to serve bread that’s clearly wholemeal, colour and seeds aren’t proof enough for me. For around 46% of consumers, choosing wholemeal and comparing fibre are the top priorities.
Serving and baking	Choose between a whole loaf, individual rolls and bake-at-home bread; if you’re buying bake-at-home bread, check the cooking instructions.	If you want to prepare the bread just before serving, you’ll need to know whether an oven or air fryer will be available. For around 27% of consumers, serving time is the most important consideration.
Ingredients and salt	Read the ingredients and allergen information, compare the salt per 100 g and check which type of salt is listed.	If guests avoid certain ingredients, I want to know exactly what’s in the bread I choose. For around 27% of consumers, checking the label is the most important consideration.

Common mistakes

Assuming dark multigrain bread is wholemeal

A dark colour or visible seeds don’t tell you whether bread is fully wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread labelled ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging is genuinely wholemeal.

Look for that designation in the product name or statutory description, then check the ingredients and nutritional information.
Comparing nutritional values for different portion sizes

A slice, roll and piece of baguette aren’t necessarily the same size. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends comparing products per 100 g.

Compare fibre and salt per 100 g first, then decide how much bread you want to serve.
Guessing the allergens or type of salt from the bread’s name

The words ‘multigrain’ and ‘wholemeal’ don’t tell you which allergens or type of salt a particular product contains.

Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging before buying, especially if you’re choosing bread for other people.
Choosing bake-at-home bread without planning when to serve it

Part-baked bread needs to be cooked at a time when the oven or air fryer may already be needed for something else. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also gives different storage advice for opened wholemeal bread and bread kept in the freezer.

Check the cooking instructions and plan when you’ll bake the bread. If you buy it in advance, follow the storage instructions on the packaging.

Brands to compare

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers both multigrain bread and separate wholemeal options. Compare the product descriptions rather than assuming they’re the same variety.

According to Albert Heijn, AH Vloerbrood meergranen heel contains 5,2 g of fibre and 0,65 g of salt per 100 g.
‘Wholemeal’ doesn’t appear in the name of this multigrain bread. If fully wholemeal bread is a must for you, check the statutory description.

Jumbo

Jumbo sells multigrain breads that are explicitly labelled as wholemeal, including a whole loaf and a dark variety.

Jumbo lists 7,8 g of fibre per 100 g for its whole loaf, Volkoren Meergranen Brood.
According to Jumbo, the dark Volkoren Donker Meergranen Brood variety contains 8,1 g of fibre and 0,97 g of salt per 100 g. Don’t assume these values apply to other varieties.

PLUS Korenlanders

The Korenlanders range includes wholemeal multigrain rolls: a good option if you want to serve individual portions.

PLUS Korenlanders Volkoren meergranenbollen list 45% wholemeal wheat flour and 7,8 g of fibre per 100 g.
The ingredients list for these rolls includes wheat, sesame and milk, among other ingredients. If guests have dietary restrictions, always check the current packaging.

Related products at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread labelled ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging is genuinely wholemeal; ‘multigrain’ on its own doesn’t mean the same thing. If you’re looking for fully wholemeal bread, check the product name or statutory description.

How do I compare a whole loaf with wholemeal multigrain rolls?

Compare the nutritional values per 100 g, not per slice or roll. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends this basis for comparison. Then decide whether you’d rather slice a loaf or serve individual portions.

Can I buy wholemeal bread in advance for a barbecue?

Yes, as long as you store it according to the instructions on the packaging. For opened wholemeal bread, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends 2–4 days in a kitchen cupboard or 1–3 months in the freezer. For an unopened pack, check the use-by date and storage instructions.

Does the Dutch iodine rule mean that all bread contains iodised salt?

No. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds may only be present in bread and other baked goods through the addition of baker’s salt, with a maximum of 65 mg of iodine per kg of salt. This doesn’t tell you what’s in every loaf: check the ingredients list for the product you choose.

Which allergens should I check in multigrain bread for guests?

Check the allergen information for the specific bread, as ingredients vary from one product to another. For example, the ingredients list for PLUS Korenlanders Volkoren meergranenbollen names wheat, sesame and milk. That list won’t necessarily apply to other multigrain breads.