If you want to keep an eye on your fibre intake, choose rye bread explicitly labelled ‘wholemeal’ and compare the fibre and salt content per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that packaged wholemeal bread must be labelled ‘wholemeal’. Also check the allergens, texture and storage instructions: the wholemeal label doesn’t tell you anything about these.
For people approaching or past retirement who are looking specifically for wholemeal rye bread and want to compare fibre content. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights fibre and drinking enough as points to consider when eating well after the age of 70.
For households assessing the salt content of rye bread and its toppings together. Compare the bread’s nutritional information per 100 g, and consider what you put on it too.
For people looking for a suitable texture, convenient portions or clear storage instructions. The shape and instructions can vary from one pack to another.
If wholemeal is your main reason for buying, start by checking that the product is labelled ‘wholemeal’. Then compare the nutritional information and choose a pack that suits how you eat and store your rye bread.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the explicit ‘wholemeal’ label and compare fibre per 100 g. | If I buy rye bread for its fibre, I don’t want to have to judge by its dark colour. Around 42% of consumers prioritise being able to identify a wholemeal product. |
| Salt and allergens | Compare salt per 100 g and read the current ingredients and allergen information. | If I’m watching my salt intake or have a relevant dietary restriction, I want to know exactly what’s in my bread. Around 33% of consumers prioritise these checks. |
| Texture and storage | Check the product’s form, portion sizes and instructions for storing it after opening. | I’m looking for a texture that’s pleasant to eat and packaging I can use in line with the storage advice. For around 25% of consumers, practical considerations like these matter most. |
The colour and the word ‘rye’ don’t confirm that the bread is wholemeal. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says packaged wholemeal bread must be labelled ‘wholemeal’.
Check for this label, then compare the fibre content per 100 g.
Choosing a product based on fibre tells you nothing about its salt content. Product information from PLUS, Jumbo and Albert Heijn shows that you also need to check the nutritional information for each individual rye bread.
Compare salt on the same basis, such as per 100 g, and take your toppings into account too.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights drinking enough as an important consideration when increasing fibre, including after the age of 70. Simply choosing a bread with more fibre doesn’t take into account how much someone actually eats.
Choose bread that fits in with your usual eating and drinking habits. Speak to a doctor or dietitian about unintentional weight loss or a medical diet.
Rye bread products may list rye, wheat and cereals containing gluten. Instructions for storing products after opening also vary.
Before buying, read the current allergen information and follow the storage advice on the pack you choose.
A pack that isn’t stored as instructed after opening may become unusable sooner.
These shops stock a range of rye breads and rye products. If you’re choosing a wholemeal product, always check the label on the individual item.
Albert Heijn’s online range includes AH Frisian rye bread in a tub.
Jumbo’s online rye bread selection includes wholemeal rye bread and rye and wheat bread.
PLUS provides product information for items including Bolletje Frisian rye bread and Soma wholemeal rye bread.
Lidl lists a wholemeal and a Westphalian version of rye bread, both weighing 500 g.
ALDI lists rye bread and crispbread alongside other rye products in its range.
Dirk’s online bread selection lists rye bread alongside other types of bread.
These rye bread products may suit you if you’re comparing portion sizes or pack sizes. Before choosing either as a wholemeal product, check the label for the Dutch ‘wholemeal’ designation and read the nutritional information.
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An option if you’re looking for rye bread in a pack of nine pieces. Check the packaging for the wholemeal label, allergens and storage instructions.
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An option if you’re looking for a 500 g pack of rye bread. Before buying, check the product’s form and portion sizes: the product name and description give different indications. Also compare the wholemeal label, nutritional values and allergens on the packaging.
For packaged bread, look for the explicit ‘wholemeal’ label on the packaging. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says this label must appear on packaged wholemeal bread; a dark colour or the word ‘rye’ alone isn’t a substitute for checking.
Yes. As well as fibre, make sure you drink enough. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights both as points to consider when eating well after the age of 70. If you’ve received personal medical advice, follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.
Don’t assume it does just because it’s rye bread. Check the ingredients on the pack you choose to see whether iodised salt is listed. For example, Jumbo lists it for Van der Meulen Roggebrood 100% Volkoren, but that doesn’t tell you anything about other products.
Follow the instructions on the packaging of the product you buy. For AH Frisian rye bread in a tub, Albert Heijn says to keep it refrigerated after opening. Don’t assume the same instructions apply to every rye bread without checking the label.
