Who is this choice relevant for?

Parents of a fussy bread eater

Pay attention to the crust, visible seeds and how coarse the bread feels. If these textures have put them off before, a finer wholemeal loaf may be worth trying. Check the ingredients and allergens for each product.

Fibre-conscious households

Want more than just the words ‘multigrain’ on the label: they also look for a clear wholemeal claim and the fibre content per 100 g. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholegrain cereal products contain more fibre than white cereal products.

Households that need to check ingredients

Check the allergens and salt content of each loaf, and, if iodine is relevant, look for baker’s salt or iodised salt in the ingredients list. Ingredients vary from one product to another.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by checking that the bread is labelled wholemeal, then decide whether the texture will suit the person eating it. Compare the nutrition information and ingredients list of the loaves that make the cut.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Taste and texture Look at the visible grains and seeds, and check how the texture is described. If you’re unsure, try half a loaf first, if available. If coarse grains have been rejected before, I want to try wholemeal bread with a less noticeable texture. This is the top priority for around 46% of consumers.
Wholemeal and fibre Look for the wholemeal claim, read the ingredients list and compare fibre per 100 g; the word ‘multigrain’ alone isn’t enough. I want to be sure the bread I choose really is wholemeal and see how much fibre it contains. This is the main concern for around 36% of consumers.
Label and practicalities Check the allergens and salt on the packaging. If needed, look for baker’s salt or iodised salt, and choose a loaf size that suits how much you expect to use. If ingredients or iodine are a concern in my household, I need to be able to check the chosen bread on its packaging. Around 18% of consumers put these label and practical checks first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming dark or multigrain bread is wholemeal

    A dark colour doesn’t tell you whether bread is wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means that at least three types of grain have been used.

    Look for the wholemeal claim, then compare the ingredients and fibre per 100 g.

  • Overlooking the texture of grains and seeds

    Bread with visible grains and seeds may not suit someone who dislikes coarse pieces.

    Compare it with a finer wholemeal alternative, or try half a loaf first if available.

    A whole loaf that doesn’t get eaten can lead to food waste.

  • Guessing allergens or iodine content from the type of bread

    The word ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you which allergens are listed for a particular loaf or what type of salt it contains.

    Check the current packaging for allergens and look for baker’s salt or iodised salt in the ingredients list if this is relevant to your household.

  • Relying on a product page you viewed earlier

    Ingredients and nutrition information can change. Albert Heijn notes in its bread information that the packaging takes precedence.

    Check the current packaging before buying, even if you’ve already viewed the bread online.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

One specific product to consider is AH Extra lang lekker waldkorn volkoren heel.

  • Albert Heijn describes this variety as made with wholemeal wheat and rye flour, and lists iodised salt.
  • Check the packaging for the latest nutrition information and allergens; these details don’t apply to other Albert Heijn breads.

Jumbo

Jumbo Boeren Donker Volkoren Meergranen Half is one example you can compare with other breads for nutrition and texture.

  • Jumbo lists 8,0 g of fibre and 0,98 g of salt per 100 g for this variety.
  • The grains and seeds listed may put off someone who dislikes coarse pieces. Check the allergens on the packaging too.

Lidl

Worth considering if you want to compare a more finely milled wholemeal option with bread containing visible seeds.

  • According to Lidl’s own information, a particular kids’ bread contains extra-finely milled wholemeal flour. Lidl also describes a fibre meter on its packaged breads.
  • The description of that kids’ bread doesn’t apply to every Lidl multigrain loaf. Check the wholemeal claim, fibre and ingredients for the variety you choose.

Joybuy products for this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain means a loaf contains at least three types of grain; that alone doesn’t mean it’s wholemeal. Look for the wholemeal claim and compare the ingredients and fibre per 100 g.

What if a fussy eater doesn’t like seeds?

Compare wholemeal breads with a finer texture rather than judging by colour alone. Lidl describes a particular bread made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour, but whether the texture appeals will depend on the eater.

Does every loaf in the Netherlands contain iodised salt?

Don’t assume this is the case for an individual loaf. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds may be present in bread through baker’s salt. If this is relevant to your household, look for baker’s salt or iodised salt in the ingredients list.

How do I check allergens in multigrain bread?

Read the allergen information on the current packaging of the bread you want to buy. Multigrain bread may contain several gluten-containing grains and other declared allergens; the product name won’t give you the full picture.

How can I avoid waste if the bread isn’t a hit?

Try half a loaf or a smaller amount if available. For its specific Extra lang lekker waldkorn volkoren heel, Albert Heijn says it can be frozen on the day of purchase. For other breads, follow the storage advice on the packaging.