Who is this choice relevant to?

Fibre-conscious family cook

Looking for bread to serve with a roast, with any leftover slices still useful later. For this choice, the ‘wholemeal’ label and fibre per 100 g matter more than a dark colour or the word ‘multigrain’.

Small Sunday gathering

Want to choose an amount of bread to suit a small group. A half loaf, rolls or part-baked bread offer different portion options from a whole loaf; if you have leftovers, check the freezing advice for the variety you choose.

Label and allergen checker

Need clear information about ingredients and relevant allergens, or want to check the salt content and whether bakers’ salt is listed. Check this information for the exact bread variety, not a similar loaf from the same brand.

What should you look for when buying?

Start by looking for the ‘wholemeal’ label, then choose an amount and type of bread that suit the meal, and finally read the label for the exact variety. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that multigrain bread can also be made with white flour, so having several types of grain in it doesn’t by itself prove that the bread is wholemeal.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters most to
Wholemeal and fibre Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label on the exact variety and check the ingredients list. Compare fibre on a like-for-like basis: per 100 g. If fibre is a priority for my household, I don’t want to rely only on the dark colour or grains on the crust. Around 46% of consumers put verified wholemeal content and fibre information first.
Type and amount Consider whether a whole or half loaf, rolls or part-baked bread will suit the number of people eating. For part-baked bread, check the preparation instructions; if you might have leftovers, check the storage advice. For a small gathering, I don’t want to cut into more bread than we’ll eat; with part-baked bread, the preparation needs to fit into the meal schedule. The right serving format and amount come first for around 27% of consumers.
Label information Read the allergen information and compare salt per 100 g. Check the ingredients for ‘bakers’ salt’ or ‘iodised salt’ if that information matters to you. If I need to account for an allergen or am keeping an eye on salt and ingredients, I need information about the bread I’ve chosen. Label checks come first for around 27% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming dark or multigrain bread is wholemeal

    A dark colour, seeds or the name ‘Waldkorn’ doesn’t confirm that wholemeal flour has been used. As a result, the bread you buy may not meet your preference for wholemeal bread.

    Look for the explicit ‘wholemeal’ label, then check the ingredients list and the fibre content for that variety.

  • Assuming every loaf contains iodised bakers’ salt

    The type of salt used can vary from loaf to loaf. The fact that a loaf is sold in the Netherlands doesn’t replace checking that product’s ingredient information.

    Check the packaging or product information to see whether ‘bakers’ salt’ or ‘iodised salt’ is listed.

  • Looking at fibre alone

    Multigrain bread can contain different gluten-containing grains and other relevant allergens. Salt content also depends on the variety you choose.

    Before buying, read the allergen information and nutrition information per 100 g. If you’re buying unpackaged bread and the allergen information isn’t clearly visible, ask for it.

  • Buying a whole loaf without a plan for leftovers

    If you’re eating with a small group, you may have slices left over that won’t be used in time.

    Choose an amount that suits your table, or follow the freezing advice on the packaging for any leftover bread.

Brands to help you choose

The examples below can help you identify bread formats and product information. Features of one variety don’t automatically apply to other breads from the same brand.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn describes a whole Waldkorn wholemeal multigrain loaf that can be served sliced at the table.

  • The variety described lists wholemeal wheat and rye flour, as well as iodised salt.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and nutrition information again on the packaging you buy.

Jumbo

Jumbo describes a half loaf of dark, farmhouse-style wholemeal multigrain bread, an option to consider for a smaller table.

  • For this half loaf, Jumbo lists 8,0 g of fibre and 0,98 g of salt per 100 g.
  • Don’t assume the ingredients and allergens in this variety are the same as those in other Jumbo breads.

PLUS

PLUS describes both wholemeal multigrain rolls and part-baked baguettes for different serving occasions.

  • PLUS provides oven and air fryer instructions for its wholemeal multigrain baguettes.
  • Check the ingredients and allergens for the bread format you choose; these can vary between PLUS products.

ALDI

ALDI describes a whole farmhouse-style wholemeal multigrain loaf with grains and seeds.

  • The product name explicitly includes both ‘wholemeal’ and ‘multigrain’.
  • Check the current packaging for the ingredients, allergens and nutrition information for the bread you choose.

Dirk

Dirk stocks products including Bakker van der Akker Multikorn wholemeal bread, available as a half or whole loaf.

  • The name makes it easier to search specifically for a wholemeal variety.
  • Use information for the exact variety to compare ingredients, allergens and fibre.

Lidl

Lidl publishes ingredients and allergen information for its fresh-from-the-oven bread range.

  • The ingredients list gives you something to check when choosing fresh-from-the-oven bread.
  • For a specific multigrain loaf, check whether it’s labelled as wholemeal and what information applies to that particular bread.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. ‘Multigrain’ doesn’t automatically mean ‘wholemeal’. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that multigrain bread can also be made with white flour, so look for the ‘wholemeal’ label and check the ingredients for the variety you choose.

Does every loaf contain iodised bakers’ salt?

Don’t assume so without checking. If you want to know which type of salt is listed, look for ‘bakers’ salt’ or ‘iodised salt’ in the ingredients list for that specific loaf.

Which allergens should I check in wholemeal multigrain bread?

Check the allergen information for the exact variety: the breads listed have different ingredients and may contain gluten-containing grains or other relevant allergens. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed products, and must be provided to consumers in another way for unpackaged products.

Which type of bread is right for a small Sunday gathering?

A half loaf or rolls are worth considering if a whole loaf is likely to be too much. If you want to bake the bread just before eating, check the preparation time and equipment needed for a part-baked variety; follow the product-specific storage advice for any leftovers.