If you want a special sandwich
If you want the bread itself to play a starring role, choose a wholemeal hearth-baked loaf or sourdough based on the shape, crust and flavour you’re after. Also check whether you can buy or prepare it in time.
Who might find these bread options useful?
If you’re comparing wholemeal bread and nutritional information
Check that the bread is labelled ‘wholemeal’, then compare the fibre and salt figures on the same basis, such as per 100 g. A name like ‘extra fibre’ is no substitute for the nutrition table.
If you need to check ingredients and allergens
Check the ingredients list and allergen information for the specific loaf, especially for varieties containing several grains or seeds. Don’t rely on the words ‘sourdough’ or ‘wholemeal’ alone.
What should you look for in a lunch sandwich?
Start with the label ‘wholemeal’. Then weigh up what matters most for your lunch: the crust and presentation, comparable nutritional information, or the ingredients and preparation.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Crust and presentation | Check that the bread is labelled ‘wholemeal’, then choose a shape and crust to suit your filling. | I want the bread itself to stand out in a special sandwich. Around 42% of consumers prioritise flavour and presentation. |
| Wholemeal status and nutritional information | Compare the fibre and salt per 100 g or for the same serving size. | For my everyday lunch, I want to be able to see that the bread is wholemeal and compare its nutritional values. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this reassurance. |
| Ingredients and preparation | Read the latest allergen information and check whether the bread still needs to be baked off. | I need to know before buying whether the ingredients are suitable and whether the bread will be ready in time. Practical checks and ingredients matter most to around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Assuming ‘dark’ or ‘sourdough’ means wholemeal
On their own, these words don’t tell you whether a loaf is made with wholemeal flour. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour.
Use the label ‘wholemeal’ as your first check, then choose based on shape, crust or seeds.
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Choosing a seeded loaf based on its name alone
Ingredients vary from one loaf to another. For example, PLUS lists wholemeal wheat flour in its Korenlanders Kleintje sourdough bread with poppy seeds, and warns that it may contain sesame, among other allergens.
Read the ingredients and allergen information for the loaf you’re actually buying.
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Assuming the bread is ready to eat straight away
Availability and preparation vary by product. Jumbo describes sourdough loaves that are baked off in store, while other breads need preparing at home.
Before you buy, check where you can get the bread and whether it needs defrosting or baking off.
Defrosting, baking off and cooling all take time, so bear that in mind if you want to serve the bread on the same day.
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Assuming every loaf contains iodised baker’s salt
The fact that baker’s salt can be iodised doesn’t mean it’s used in every wholemeal loaf.
Check the ingredients information or ask the baker which salt was used in the loaf you’ve chosen.
Brands and shops to explore
Albert Heijn
A place to compare different wholemeal breads for a filled lunch sandwich, including hearth-baked loaves and organic wholemeal bâtard.
- Albert Heijn offers wholemeal breads in a range of shapes, including varieties with nuts or seeds.
- Check the latest ingredients, allergen information and availability for the variety you choose.
Jumbo
Worth considering if you’re looking for a rustic sourdough alongside regular wholemeal breads.
- Jumbo says its rustic sourdough loaves are proved for more than 24 hours and baked off in store. This doesn’t necessarily apply to every Jumbo loaf.
- According to Jumbo, the sourdough loaves described aren’t available to order online. Check whether each loaf is wholemeal too.
PLUS
The Korenlanders range includes wholemeal and sourdough varieties, giving you options to weigh up when choosing the shape and ingredients for your lunch bread.
- PLUS also offers smaller wholemeal sourdough loaves, including a poppy seed variety.
- Check the grains and allergens for each variety; the word ‘sourdough’ doesn’t tell you everything you need to know.
ALDI
An option if you want to compare regular wholemeal bread with a specific extra-fibre variety.
- ALDI describes its Extra Fibre Wholemeal Bread as 100% wholemeal and claims that this product has 30% more fibre and 30% less salt than regular wholemeal bread.
- This is a product claim made by ALDI, not a feature of every loaf in its range. Compare the latest nutritional information for the breads you’re considering.
Lidl
A useful option if a fine-textured wholemeal loaf is all you need as a simple base for your filling.
- Lidl lists an 800 g fine-textured wholemeal loaf.
- This product is described as available in store only; check the packaging there for ingredients and nutritional information.
Dirk
A shop where you can compare farmhouse wholemeal bread with an extra-fibre variety.
- Under the Bakker van der Akker name, Dirk lists both regular farmhouse wholemeal bread and an extra-fibre variety.
- When comparing nutritional values, use the information on the packaging you choose rather than relying on the name of the bread range.
Wholemeal round loaves to bake off at home
These two varieties from Lekhaven Bakkerij work well for a filled lunch sandwich if you can defrost, bake off and cool the bread beforehand. When choosing, note the difference between the pack of two loaves and the pack of one.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij wholemeal round loaf, 2 × 550 g
For a filled lunch sandwich that you can prepare at home in advance.
Pack of two loaves, each weighing 550 g. Allow time to defrost, bake off and cool before use; check the latest allergen information on the packaging.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij wholemeal round loaf, 550 g
For a filled lunch sandwich if you have time to prepare the bread before lunch.
One 550 g loaf. Allow time to defrost, bake off and cool; check the latest allergen information before buying.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if bread is wholemeal when it looks dark or artisanal?
Look for the label ‘wholemeal’, not just the colour or shape. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour; ‘dark’, ‘multigrain’, ‘sourdough’ and ‘hearth-baked’ don’t prove that on their own.
What should I check for allergens in wholemeal sourdough?
Read the allergen information for the specific loaf. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the requirement to declare allergens on labels. For these types of bread, check the listed cereals containing gluten and any warnings about other allergens.
Can I take any sourdough loaf straight home for lunch?
No, preparation varies from one loaf to another. Jumbo describes rustic sourdough loaves that are baked off in store, while a loaf intended for baking off at home needs to be prepared first. Check the instructions for your chosen product before planning lunch.
Does wholemeal bread always contain iodised baker’s salt?
No, don’t assume that every wholemeal loaf uses the same type of salt. Check the ingredients information or ask the baker which salt was used for that particular loaf.
How do I compare the fibre and salt in two loaves?
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g, or work out the figures for the same serving size for both loaves. As a general guide, the Voedingscentrum gives average figures of 3.4 g of fibre and 0.48 g of salt for a 50 g slice of wholemeal bread cut at home. Use the figures for the specific products when making your choice.