Households comparing fibre content
If you serve rye bread to older people and fibre is important to you, check for wholegrain rye on the ingredients list and compare the fibre per 100 g across products.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Shoppers looking for a slice to top
If you prefer to serve sliced rye bread rather than a hard cracker with afternoon coffee, consider the product format, the texture you want and the storage instructions.
Shoppers who read labels carefully
If you have coeliac disease, allergies or need to manage your salt intake, pay close attention to the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the current packaging.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether a slice of rye bread or a crisp base would suit your coffee break. Then check the ingredients and compare the nutritional values per 100 g, so different portion sizes don’t skew the comparison.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholegrain rye and fibre | Look for wholegrain rye or wholemeal rye flour in the ingredients list and compare the fibre per 100 g. | If fibre is my main priority, I want to see what’s in the bread and how much fibre it contains. This combination is a priority for around 50% of consumers. |
| Product format and texture | Check whether it’s sliced rye bread or crispbread, and whether the texture suits the person eating it. | With my coffee, I want to be able to top a slice without the hard, dry texture of a cracker getting in the way. Around 33% of consumers say they prioritise this type of product. |
| Salt and allergens | Compare the salt per 100 g and read the current ingredients and allergen information. | If I need to take a dietary restriction into account, I need to know which grains and allergens the product contains before serving it. For around 17% of consumers, checking the label is the most important consideration. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming dark rye bread is wholemeal
A dark colour or the words ‘multigrain’ don’t, by themselves, tell you which wholegrain ingredients have been used.
Read the ingredients list, then compare the fibre and salt per 100 g.
-
Looking only at the fibre content
The nutritional values listed by Jumbo for Brood van Soma Limburgs Volkoren Roggebrood and Bolletje Licht Volkoren Roggebrood differ in both fibre and salt. Choosing based on just one of these values won’t tell you the whole story.
Compare both values per 100 g for products of the same type.
-
Serving rye bread without checking allergens
According to the Voedingscentrum, rye contains gluten. Rye products are therefore unsuitable for people with coeliac disease. If you have other allergies, it’s also important to check the other ingredients and allergen information.
Read the label on the product you’re actually buying before serving it.
-
Relying on out-of-date product information
A product description is no substitute for the information on the packaging you take home.
When buying, check the ingredients, nutritional information, best-before date and storage instructions.
Brands as product examples
These examples show the product differences you can compare on the label; the values shown apply to the specific varieties mentioned.
Brood van Soma
Jumbo lists products under this brand including Limburgs Volkoren Roggebrood and Volkoren Rogge-Tarwebrood.
- For the Limburg variety, Jumbo lists wholemeal rye flour as the first ingredient, with 5,3 g of fibre and 0,8 g of salt per 100 g.
- The Rogge-Tarwe variety also contains wheat and barley. Check the current allergen information for both varieties.
Bolletje
The Licht Volkoren Roggebrood variety reviewed is a sliced loaf made with wholegrain rye and wheat.
- Jumbo lists 11 g of fibre and 0,99 g of salt per 100 g for this variety.
- Check availability, as well as the current ingredients and nutritional values on the packaging you choose.
Van Der Meulen
The Roggebrood 100% Volkoren variety is described as a product cut into thin slices.
- Jumbo lists 10 g of fibre and 0,89 g of salt per 100 g for this variety.
- Check current availability and read the allergen information on the packaging before buying.
Products for your coffee break
Below are rye bread and crispbread products you could consider for afternoon coffee. Decide whether you want a slice or a cracker before buying, and always check the current label if you have dietary restrictions.
No image available
TastyBasics rye bread, 9 pieces
An option if you’d like to serve rye bread with coffee. Check the packaging for wholegrain rye in the ingredients, compare fibre and salt per 100 g, and consider whether the texture suits the person eating it.
No image available
g'woon wholemeal crispbread, 375 g
A crisp option if the person eating it would rather have crispbread than a slice of rye bread. Check which grains and allergens are listed on the packaging, and compare the nutritional values per 100 g.
No image available
Bolletje Rye Bread Bun, 500 g
Consider this product only if its actual format suits your coffee break: the product title suggests a bread roll, while the description refers to sliced rye bread. Also check the packaging for ingredients and allergens.
No image available
Wasa wholemeal crispbread, 260 g
An alternative to a slice you can top if you’d prefer a crisp bite. Check the current packaging to see which grains it contains, and compare fibre, salt and allergens with other crispbreads.
No image available
Wasa Lightweight Crackers, 300 g
These crackers are an option if you’re looking for a crisp base, rather than a slice of rye bread to serve. Check which grains are used and read the nutritional values and allergen information on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check whether rye bread is wholemeal?
Read the ingredients list and look for wholegrain rye, wholemeal rye flour or wholegrain cracked rye. Then compare the fibre per 100 g; a dark colour or the words ‘multigrain’ don’t, by themselves, confirm that it’s wholemeal.
Is rye bread suitable for people with coeliac disease?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, rye contains gluten, so rye bread is not suitable for people with coeliac disease. If you choose an alternative, check that it is currently labelled gluten-free.
How do I compare the salt content of two rye breads?
Compare the salt per 100 g, as recommended by the Voedingscentrum when comparing labels. Comparing per slice can be misleading if the portions aren’t the same size.
How can I tell whether rye bread contains iodised salt?
Check the ingredients list for the product you’ve chosen for a mention such as ‘iodised salt’. Jumbo lists this ingredient for the Brood van Soma varieties reviewed; don’t assume every pack has the same ingredients.
Should I also think about drinks when serving rye bread?
Yes. When planning a coffee break for older people, remember to include a drink. The Voedingscentrum highlights the importance of getting enough fluids as we get older; any individual guidance on fluid intake should take priority.