Someone who works from home and often has bread for lunch
You want to choose a loaf that is demonstrably wholemeal and will last for several lunches. Compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutritional information for the loaves you’re considering.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Someone who specifically wants sourdough
You enjoy the flavour and texture of sourdough bread, but would also like a wholemeal option. Check both features separately in the product description and ingredients.
Someone who works from home but doesn’t eat bread every day
A smaller loaf or freezing portions straight away may suit your lunch routine better. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends freezing wholemeal bread in portions for longer storage.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, check that the bread meets your requirements for wholemeal and sourdough. Then compare the nutritional information, how it’s sold and how much bread you’re likely to use.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Read the product description and compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutritional information. | If I often have bread for lunch, I want to be sure my choice is wholemeal and be able to compare fibre values. Around 36% of consumers put this check first. |
| Sourdough and preparation | Check whether sourdough is listed in the ingredients; also see whether baker’s yeast has been added if you want to avoid it. | For lunch, I’m mainly looking for the character of sourdough bread, without assuming that the name tells me about all the other ingredients. This is the main consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Availability | Open the product page for the exact loaf and check its current sales format and ingredients. | Between work-from-home sessions, I want to be able to buy bread in a way that fits into my day, whether in a shop or online. Practical availability comes first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Loaf size and storage | Compare the weight and storage instructions; decide whether you want to freeze any portions you won’t use straight away. | I only have lunch at home a few days a week and don’t want a whole loaf to go to waste. Getting the right amount matters most to around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a sourdough name means the bread is wholemeal
Sourdough describes one part of how bread is made; on its own, it doesn’t confirm that the bread is wholemeal.
Look for both features on the packaging or product page for the bread you want to buy.
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Assuming sourdough bread contains no baker’s yeast
Albert Heijn lists both wholemeal wheat sourdough and baker’s yeast in AH OerDesem volkoren Allinson.
If you want to avoid added baker’s yeast, read the full ingredients list for the variant you choose.
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Taking iodised salt for granted
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt when baking isn’t compulsory. The type or appearance of the bread won’t tell you which salt has been used.
Check the ingredients for the specific loaf to see whether it lists iodised salt or baker’s salt.
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Buying a whole loaf without a storage plan
If you don’t have lunch at home every day, you may only use part of the loaf while the rest starts to lose its quality.
Choose an amount that suits your lunch routine, or freeze the portions you want to eat later as soon as you get home.
Brands and shops to explore
This information can help you search for a wholemeal sourdough option. Always check the exact loaf and current packaging before you buy.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn has individual product pages for wholemeal sourdough breads, with ingredients and nutritional information.
- According to Albert Heijn, AH Liefde & Passie Nederlands desem volkoren contains 9,6% wholemeal wheat sourdough and 6,5 g of fibre per 100 g.
- Alongside 8,4% wholemeal wheat sourdough, AH OerDesem volkoren Allinson also lists baker’s yeast. Check which recipe applies to the loaf you’re considering.
Jumbo
Jumbo has an online wholemeal bread category that can be a useful starting point for your shopping.
- The category lists delivery and collection options.
- A listing in the wholemeal bread category doesn’t confirm that a particular loaf contains sourdough; open its product page to check.
Lidl
Lidl lists a Rustic wholemeal sourdough bread in its fresh-from-the-oven range.
- The product description calls it a wholemeal wheat sourdough bread.
- The product page says it’s sold in store. Check the current ingredients and nutritional information there.
ALDI
ALDI lists freshly baked wholemeal breads for anyone who’d also like to explore standard wholemeal options.
- ALDI says the wholemeal breads shown are made with 100% wholemeal flour.
- If you specifically want sourdough, check that feature for the individual loaf.
PLUS
PLUS lists a smaller wholemeal sourdough option that may suit you if you don’t often have lunch at home.
- According to PLUS, Korenlanders Kleintje desembrood volkoren maanzaad weighs 300 g and contains 51% wholemeal wheat flour and 8% sourdough.
- For this option, read the full ingredients and allergen information if particular types of grain or other ingredients matter to you.
Dirk
Dirk lists wholemeal bread and sourdough bread among the types of bread in its range.
- The bread category is a useful starting point for searching for both features.
- Check each loaf’s product description to make sure it is both wholemeal and sourdough.
Wholemeal bread on Joybuy
These two round wholemeal loaves come in different pack sizes. Choose between one loaf and two to suit your lunch routine. Also check the current packaging for the sourdough ingredients and nutritional information that matter to you.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal bread, 2 × 550 g
The pack of two loaves could suit several lunches if you can use or store that amount.
Check the current label to compare the sourdough ingredients, fibre and salt per 100 g. Also check the allergens and whether iodised salt is listed.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij round wholemeal bread, 550 g
A single-loaf pack is another amount to consider if you’re planning fewer lunches at home.
Check the current label for the sourdough ingredients, fibre and salt per 100 g. Also read the allergen information and storage instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Is sourdough bread automatically wholemeal?
No. Sourdough and wholemeal describe different features of bread. For the option you choose, check both the wholemeal label and the presence of sourdough in the product description and ingredients.
Does Dutch bread always contain iodised baker’s salt?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt when baking bread isn’t compulsory. If the salt used matters to you, look for iodised salt or baker’s salt in the ingredients list.
Where can I find the allergens in wholemeal sourdough bread?
Read the current allergen information for the specific loaf, rather than relying on the name of the type of bread. For pre-packed bread, you’ll find this information on the packaging. For unpackaged bread from a shop, ask the shop or baker about the ingredients and allergens.
How should I store bread if I don’t have lunch at home every day?
Ideally, freeze the portions you want to eat later as soon as you buy the bread. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2–4 days or in the freezer for 1–3 months; bread may become drier if frozen for longer. Follow the instructions on the packaging too, and throw away any mouldy bread.