The brunch host who looks for wholemeal
You want to serve bread for Mother’s Day that is actually labelled wholemeal. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre makes clear that a bread’s colour or appearance is no substitute for this label.
Who is this bread for?
The brunch host who wants to serve fresh bread
You choose based on the crust, shape and when the bread will reach the table. If a loaf is only available in store, you’ll need to visit a branch.
The brunch host who checks labels
If you’re catering for allergies or want to know which salt has been used, check the information for the specific variety. For unpackaged bread, ask in store for allergen information.
What should you look for when choosing?
First check that the bread is both wholemeal and made with sourdough. Then compare its shape, allergens and how practical it will be to serve.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for ‘wholemeal’ and check for sourdough separately. Only compare fibre figures on the same basis, such as per 100 g. | If I want to serve wholemeal bread, I don’t rely on a brown colour or rustic crust; around 40% of consumers prioritise clearly labelled wholemeal bread. |
| Crust and presentation | Choose a loaf shape you’ll enjoy sharing or topping, and check that it suits when you plan to serve it. | For a special brunch table, I mainly want a loaf that’s easy to present; around 30% of consumers give crust and presentation top priority. |
| Allergens and salt | Read the allergen information for the variety and, if necessary, check whether bakers’ salt or iodised salt is listed. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in the bread before I buy it; for around 20% of consumers, this is the main consideration. |
| Size and availability | Match the loaf size to the number of people eating, and check your branch’s range or the storage instructions if you’re planning ahead. | For a small table, I don’t want to plan around an awkwardly large loaf that I might not be able to buy in time; around 10% of consumers prioritise size and availability. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming sourdough means wholemeal
A sourdough label tells you something different from a ‘wholemeal’ label. A dark loaf with a rustic crust isn’t automatically wholemeal either.
Check both features separately in the product information or on the packaging.
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Assuming every sourdough loaf contains bakers’ salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using bakers’ salt isn’t compulsory.
If this matters to you, look for ‘bakers’ salt’ or ‘iodised salt’ on the label, or ask about it when buying unpackaged bread.
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Checking for allergens only after you’ve bought it
Sourdough doesn’t mean bread is free from gluten-containing cereals. Ingredients also vary between varieties.
Check the allergen information before buying. For unpackaged bread, ask for it in store.
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Counting on a particular fresh loaf without checking in store
Jumbo says that its sourdough loaves listed in its range can’t be ordered online. Lidl says its fresh bread range may vary by branch.
Check what your branch stocks before planning your brunch around a particular loaf.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
One specific example of a packaged wholemeal sourdough loaf is AH Liefde & Passie Nederlands desem volkoren.
- Albert Heijn lists this loaf as 600 g, with 9.6% wholemeal wheat sourdough, iodised salt and 6.5 g of fibre per 100 g. According to the product information, you can freeze it at home on the day you buy it.
- The product is listed as available in store only. Check the packaging, as ingredients and nutritional values can change.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s in-store baked sourdough range includes, among other options, desem volkoren pompoen.
- Jumbo describes its sourdough loaves as being left to rise for more than 24 hours with fresh sourdough, giving them a crisp crust and light texture.
- According to Jumbo, these loaves are only available in store. Check the wholemeal labelling and ingredients for your chosen variety separately.
PLUS
PLUS lists a Korenlanders kleintje desembrood volkoren maanzaad and a wholemeal baguette made with sourdough.
- The smaller loaf weighs 300 g. The product information for both loaves lists wholemeal wheat flour and sourdough.
- Both varieties contain gluten-containing cereals. Check the allergen information on the packaging you choose; the smaller loaf also lists possible traces of sesame, soya and other allergens.
Lidl
Lidl lists a Rustiek volkoren desembrood in its bread range.
- The product description calls it a wholemeal wheat sourdough loaf.
- The loaf is listed as available in store only. Lidl says its fresh bread range may vary by branch, so check the ingredients for your chosen variety there.
ALDI
ALDI is worth considering for fresh daily wholemeal bread when you’re choosing in store.
- ALDI says its wholemeal breads are made with 100% wholemeal flour.
- If you’re specifically looking for sourdough, check in store that the loaf is labelled as such too.
Dirk
Dirk lists both wholemeal bread and sourdough in its bread category, and also lists a wholemeal floor-baked loaf.
- In store, you can look specifically for the loaf shape and labels you want.
- For a particular variety, check that the product information says both ‘wholemeal’ and sourdough; the separate category listings don’t confirm that a loaf combines the two.
Brunch loaves on Joybuy
These round loaves are two pack-size options for sharing at your brunch table. The words ‘Whole Wheat’ in the product name don’t, on their own, confirm that a loaf meets the Dutch ‘volkoren’ wholemeal designation. Before buying, check the ingredients and whether sourdough is listed.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 2 × 550 g
The pack of two round loaves is a good fit for a table where you want to serve more than one loaf.
Check the wholemeal and sourdough labelling and the full allergen information on the packaging you choose.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
The single-loaf pack is an option if you only want to buy one loaf for brunch.
Check the wholemeal and sourdough labelling and the full allergen information on the packaging you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Is sourdough bread automatically wholemeal?
No. Sourdough and wholemeal describe different characteristics. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that the ‘wholemeal’ label on bread means it’s made from 100% wholemeal flour; check separately whether sourdough is listed.
Does every sourdough loaf contain iodised salt?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using bakers’ salt isn’t compulsory. Check the label on the loaf you choose for ‘bakers’ salt’ or ‘iodised salt’, or ask about it when buying unpackaged bread.
Is wholemeal sourdough bread gluten-free because it’s fermented?
No, don’t assume it is. The loaves listed by Albert Heijn and PLUS contain wheat or other gluten-containing cereals; check the current ingredients and allergen information for every variety you choose.
Where can I find allergen information for unpackaged bread?
Ask in store before buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information must also be made available to consumers for unpackaged products.
Can I buy a whole loaf in advance for Mother’s Day?
You can, as long as the storage instructions for your chosen loaf work with your plans. Albert Heijn says you can freeze AH Liefde & Passie Nederlands desem volkoren at home on the day you buy it; for other loaves, check their own instructions and availability at your branch.