First-time shoppers who want to compare labels
You’re buying bread on your own for the first time and want to check that it’s both wholemeal and sourdough. Ingredients, allergens, salt and storage instructions matter to you too.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Fans of flavour and crust
You’re looking for sourdough for its flavour or crust, and don’t mind checking the range and product information in store.
Small households looking to reduce waste
You want to buy an amount that suits your needs, or be able to freeze portions of bread if you won’t eat it in time.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the two things you’re looking for: wholemeal and sourdough. Then compare how you can access the ingredient information and whether the amount of bread suits your needs. Standard wholemeal bread is still an option if sourdough isn’t a must-have for you.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and sourdough | Look for the wholemeal label, then check separately whether sourdough or sourdough starter is named in the product name or ingredients. | When choosing my first loaf, I don’t want to rely only on a dark colour or a rustic name. For around 45% of consumers, this is the top priority. |
| Crust and availability | Check whether the bread is available at your shop and where to find the ingredients and allergen information. | If I’m going to the shop for fresh sourdough, I want to know whether I can buy it there. For around 28% of consumers, choosing a shop is the most important factor. |
| Size and storage | Compare the amount of bread and the storage instructions; decide whether you can freeze some of it. | In a small household, I don’t want a whole loaf to go uneaten. Around 27% of consumers prioritise a suitable amount and storage options. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a dark or rustic-looking loaf is wholemeal
Wholemeal means the whole grain is used; sourdough describes a way of proving bread. So a loaf’s appearance and proving method don’t, by themselves, confirm that it’s wholemeal.
Use wholemeal as your first selection criterion, then look separately for a sourdough label.
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Assuming every loaf contains iodised baker’s salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. The type of salt may therefore be worth checking if it matters to you.
For packaged bread, read the ingredients list. For unwrapped bread, ask which salt has been used.
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Buying a whole loaf without a storage plan
A whole loaf may be more than a small household can eat within a few days.
Choose an amount that suits you, or freeze the bread in portions on the day you buy it if you plan to eat it later.
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Relying only on the online product page
Loaves sold on the shop floor aren’t always available to order online. Product information can also change, so it’s important to check the latest details, especially for allergens.
Check the packaging in store, or ask for the information before buying unwrapped bread.
Brands and shops to consider
Albert Heijn
The product page for AH OerDesem wholemeal Allinson sliced loaf provides information to help you compare this particular variety in advance.
- For this loaf, Albert Heijn lists details including wholemeal wheat sourdough, ingredients, allergens, nutritional values and storage information.
- Check the packaging when you buy it: Albert Heijn says product information may change.
Jumbo
Jumbo describes sourdough loaves sold on the shop floor, including a wholemeal sourdough variety with pumpkin.
- According to Jumbo, the sourdough loaves in this range are made with fresh sourdough starter and have a crisp crust.
- Jumbo says these loaves can’t be ordered online. Check the ingredients and allergen information for your chosen variety in store.
Lidl
Lidl explicitly describes its rustic wholemeal sourdough bread as a wholemeal wheat sourdough loaf.
- The product page says this bread is only available in store; Lidl also provides an ingredients and allergen overview for oven-fresh bread.
- Before buying, check the latest ingredients, allergen and nutritional information for your chosen variety.
Aldi
Aldi offers standard wholemeal loaves as well as a separate extra-high-fibre wholemeal loaf.
- This range is an option if you’re mainly looking for wholemeal bread and sourdough isn’t a must-have.
- Check the product information separately for sourdough: the description of the extra-high-fibre loaf doesn’t confirm that it is sourdough.
Plus
Plus lists Korenlanders sourdough loaves alongside a range of wholemeal bread.
- Plus describes its Korenlanders sourdough loaves as freshly baked every day and says delivery is available.
- Check the page or packaging for your chosen loaf to see whether it’s wholemeal as well as sourdough.
Dirk
Dirk lists both wholemeal bread and sourdough within its wider bread range.
- You can look for both types of bread when planning your first shop.
- Check each loaf on the shelf to make sure it’s both wholemeal and sourdough.
Wholemeal bread options on Joybuy
These two Lekhaven Bakkerij options are for anyone looking for wholemeal bread who wants to check the ingredients for sourdough. They differ in quantity: one loaf or a pack of two. For both, remember to allow time for defrosting and baking.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal loaf, 550 g
One loaf for anyone who wants to check separately for wholemeal and sourdough without buying two loaves straight away.
The product name states 550 g. Defrost and bake the loaf according to the product instructions, and allow time for it to cool too.
Before buying, check the latest packaging for allergens, the type of salt used and the basis for the nutritional values.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal loaf, 2 × 550 g
A pack to consider if two loaves suit your needs and storage options.
The product name states that the pack contains two loaves of 550 g each. These loaves also need to be defrosted, baked and cooled according to the product instructions.
Before buying, check the latest packaging for allergens, the type of salt used and the basis for the nutritional values.
Frequently asked questions
Is sourdough bread automatically wholemeal?
No. Wholemeal refers to the grain used, while sourdough refers to the way the bread is proved. So look for both a wholemeal label and a separate mention of sourdough or sourdough starter.
Does every loaf in the Netherlands contain iodised baker’s salt?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. For packaged bread, check the ingredients list for the type of salt, or ask about it when buying unwrapped bread.
How can I check allergens in unwrapped bread?
Ask for the allergen information for the specific loaf before buying it. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says this information must be available for unwrapped products in a way other than on a packaging label.
How long can I keep opened wholemeal sourdough bread?
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says opened wholemeal sourdough bread keeps for 2–4 days in a kitchen cupboard and 1–3 months in the freezer. If you won’t eat a whole loaf within a few days, you can freeze it in portions on the day you buy it.