Who is this choice important for?

Anyone planning a special bread spread

You might want to make larger slices for toppings, or serve smaller pieces. The shape of the loaf and how you slice it will determine the best way to serve it.

Anyone specifically looking for wholemeal

Check the product description first, then compare the ingredients and nutritional information, such as fibre and salt per 100 g.

Anyone shopping just before the celebration

You’ll want to know whether the sourdough or wholemeal bread you’ve chosen is available at your preferred shop. Some in-store bakery loaves can’t be ordered online.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check that the bread is labelled wholemeal. Then compare the serving style and nutritional information, and check how you can buy it before you set off.

What to consider What to check Who is this for?
Serving style Check whether it’s a whole loaf or a baguette, and look at the loaf’s weight and whether it’s pre-sliced. If I want generous toppings on large slices, I need a different shape from one suited to small bites; serving style is the top priority for around 40% of consumers.
Wholemeal status and nutritional information Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label and, for specific products, compare the ingredients, fibre and salt per 100 g. I want to be sure what kind of bread I’m buying before I consider its shape; the wholemeal label and nutritional information matter most to around 30% of consumers.
Availability Check your preferred shop, how you can order the bread and how to store it. If I’m shopping shortly before Flag Day, I need to be able to get the bread in time; availability is the first priority for around 30% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming sourdough or a dark crust means the bread is wholemeal

    According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour. The proving method and colour don’t confirm this.

    Use the ‘wholemeal’ label as your first filter, then read the product description and ingredients list.

  • Overlooking allergens because the bread is sourdough

    The wholemeal sourdough products mentioned from Albert Heijn and PLUS contain wheat or other gluten-containing cereals. Individual products may also list other potential allergens.

    If you have allergies or follow a gluten-free diet, always check the latest allergen information for the exact loaf you’re buying.

  • Assuming an in-store loaf can be ordered online

    Jumbo says its rustic sourdough loaves are only available in store; Lidl also lists its Rustiek volkoren desembrood as an in-store product.

    Check availability at your preferred shop shortly before you buy, so you can choose another loaf if needed.

  • Expecting every loaf to contain iodised salt

    Albert Heijn lists iodised salt in its Liefde & Passie Nederlands desem volkoren. That doesn’t tell you what’s in a different loaf.

    If the type of salt matters to you, check the ingredients list for the specific product.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Offers two named wholemeal sourdough loaves to compare if you’re looking for a whole loaf.

  • Albert Heijn says its Liefde & Passie Nederlands desem volkoren weighs 600 g and contains 9,6% wholemeal wheat sourdough and 6,5 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • According to Albert Heijn, AH OerDesem volkoren Allinson weighs 800 g. The retailer’s stated proving time of 56 hours isn’t an independent taste assessment; check the latest allergen information too.

Jumbo

Describes rustic sourdough loaves for anyone looking for bread for a celebration table in store.

  • Jumbo lists a wholemeal option with pumpkin seeds, among others, and says its rustic sourdough loaves have a proving time of more than 24 hours.
  • Jumbo says these loaves can’t be ordered online. Check the ingredients and nutritional information for your chosen variety in store.

PLUS

Offers named sourdough options in both a small loaf and a baguette shape.

  • PLUS says Korenlanders Kleintje desembrood volkoren maanzaad contains 51% wholemeal wheat flour and 8% sourdough. Korenlanders Stokbrood volkoren is described as a wholemeal wheat sourdough baguette.
  • Both products list gluten-containing cereals. Check the other allergen information for each variety too.

Lidl

Lists Rustiek volkoren desembrood as a loaf to buy in store.

  • Lidl describes the product as wholemeal wheat sourdough bread.
  • Before buying, read the ingredients, allergen and nutritional information on the product in store.

ALDI

An option for exploring wholemeal bread if sourdough isn’t a must.

  • ALDI lists fresh wholemeal bread and says its wholemeal loaves are made with 100% wholemeal flour.
  • Check the ingredients of your chosen loaf if you specifically want a sourdough variety.

Dirk

Its Bakker van der Akker Batard volkoren is a wholemeal loaf to consider if sourdough isn’t essential.

  • Dirk describes the batard as wholemeal bread.
  • Check the product description and ingredients if you’re looking for a sourdough loaf; the ‘wholemeal’ label doesn’t confirm which raising agent is used.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is dark sourdough bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour; sourdough is a way of making bread rise. So look for the ‘wholemeal’ label on the loaf you choose.

Can I choose any wholemeal sourdough bread if I follow a gluten-free diet?

No. Sourdough or wholemeal doesn’t mean that a loaf is gluten-free. The sourdough products from Albert Heijn and PLUS mentioned here list gluten-containing cereals. Check the latest allergen information and look for a gluten-free label on the product you choose.

Does all wholemeal sourdough bread contain iodised salt?

You can’t tell from the type of bread alone. Albert Heijn lists iodised salt in its Liefde & Passie Nederlands desem volkoren; for other loaves, check their individual ingredients lists.

Can I buy wholemeal sourdough bread in advance for Flag Day?

Yes, as long as the storage instructions for your chosen loaf suit when you plan to serve it. Albert Heijn says two of its whole sourdough loaves can be frozen at home on the day of purchase; for any other product, follow the instructions on the packaging.