Shoppers keeping an eye on fibre
If you’re looking for a roll that’s verifiably wholemeal, check the product description and ingredients, then compare the fibre in different rolls per 100 g.
If wholemeal is your main priority, start by choosing a roll explicitly labelled as wholemeal. A brown colour or the term ‘multigrain’ doesn’t mean the same thing on its own. Then compare the fibre per 100 g and decide whether you want to serve the rolls straight away or finish baking them at home. Check the latest ingredients and allergen information for your guests, too.
If you’re looking for a roll that’s verifiably wholemeal, check the product description and ingredients, then compare the fibre in different rolls per 100 g.
If you’re putting rolls out for several guests, decide whether you want to serve them straight away or finish baking them at home. Size and the time you have available to prepare them matter, too.
If your guests have food allergies, the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ statements are more important than how the rolls look. For unpackaged rolls, you can ask the seller for allergen information.
Start with the wholemeal description if that’s your deciding factor. Then choose a size and preparation method to suit the number of guests, and check the allergens before serving.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the ‘wholemeal’ description and compare fibre on the same basis, for example per 100 g. | I want to choose rolls for my guests that are verifiably wholemeal, rather than relying on a dark colour. Around 50% of consumers prioritise wholemeal status and fibre. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the latest ingredients and ‘may contain’ statements; ask about allergens for unpackaged rolls. | If guests have allergies, I want to know which grains and other allergens may be present in or around the rolls. Checking ingredients and allergens is a priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Serving and availability | Check the product type, preparation instructions and local availability; adjust the quantity to suit your guests. | I want to be able to serve all the rolls on time without planning more baking than my kitchen can handle. Serving convenience is the deciding factor for around 20% of consumers. |
These terms aren’t interchangeable. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made with wholemeal flour, while brown bread also contains white flour. So, multiple types of grain or a dark colour don’t confirm that a roll is wholemeal.
Check the product description and ingredients, then compare the nutritional information per 100 g.
As well as wheat, a roll may contain other gluten-containing grains. Some varieties also list other allergens or warnings about possible cross-contamination.
Ask guests about any relevant allergies in advance. For packaged rolls, read both the ingredients and the ‘may contain’ statement. For unpackaged rolls, ask the seller for information.
Part-baked and frozen rolls may have different preparation and storage instructions. If you’re serving several guests, you’ll also need to consider how many rolls will fit in your oven or air fryer at once.
Check the instructions on the packaging and plan the preparation around the number of rolls and the space available.
Ingredients and ranges can change. Albert Heijn labels the wholemeal rolls described here as in-store products; Jumbo says the wholemeal rolls described on its page are no longer part of its online range.
Check the current packaging when you buy, and find out what’s available at your local shop.
Albert Heijn describes both a simple AH Wholemeal Roll and a larger AH Love & Passion Sourdough Wholemeal Roll.
The product page for Jumbo Wholemeal Rolls 4 Pack describes frozen rolls to finish baking at home.
Lidl describes oven-fresh bread baked in store.
Aldi describes a range that includes wholemeal and white rolls to finish baking at home, as well as fresh bread.
According to the product description, PLUS Multigrain Rolls are part-baked wholemeal multigrain rolls to finish baking at home.
Dirk describes multigrain rolls and separate wholemeal sandwich rolls. They aren’t necessarily the same type of roll.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made with wholemeal flour, while brown bread also contains white flour; ‘multigrain’ refers to several types of grain. So, check that the roll itself is labelled as wholemeal and read the ingredients.
You can’t assume that every roll does. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that iodine compounds may be present in bread and other bakery products. Check the latest ingredients list for the product you’re buying to see whether iodised salt is listed.
For packaged rolls, check the allergen information and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the current label. Before buying unpackaged rolls, ask the seller which allergens are present; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information must also be available for these products.
The time needed varies by product and appliance. PLUS recommends 8–10 minutes at 220°C in the oven or 4 minutes at 200°C in a preheated air fryer for its Multigrain Rolls. Follow the instructions on the packaging of the variety you buy, and allow for the number of rolls that fit in your appliance at once.