The wholemeal checker
You’re specifically looking for wholemeal bread to take with you and don’t want to rely solely on a dark colour or the word sourdough. Compare the grains listed in the ingredients and the stated fibre per 100 g.
Which option is right for you?
The departure-day shopper
You want to take fresh bread that’s easy to portion or add toppings to on the go. In that case, how it’s sliced, when you buy it and what you’ll do with any slices left at home all matter.
The long-journey planner
You’re looking for a snack for several days of travel and want to take a bread product that can be stored in a dry place. Wholemeal sourdough crispbread could be a good fit; check the toppings and storage instructions separately.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to eat fresh bread on the go or would rather take crispbread that can be stored in a dry place. Then check the type of grain, how much preparation is needed and the packaging of your chosen product.
Fresh wholemeal sourdough bread
When: for a snack or lunch shortly after setting off, especially if you want to slice or add toppings to fresh bread.
Consider: buy it just before departure or freeze any portions left over; once opened, bread won’t keep indefinitely.
Wholemeal sourdough crispbread
When: for a longer journey where you can store the bread product in a dry place, as indicated on the packaging.
Consider: its crisp, dry texture is different from fresh bread; check the salt content, allergens and storage instructions for any toppings.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check which wholemeal grains are listed in the ingredients and compare fibre on the same basis, per 100 g. | If I’m specifically looking for wholemeal sourdough, I don’t want to rely on the colour or name of the bread. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this wholemeal check. |
| Freshness and portions | Check whether the bread is sliced and how to store any unused portions, according to the packaging. | Before setting off, I want to be able to take slices with me without having to cut a whole loaf on the way. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this ease of portioning. |
| Journey length and storage | Read the storage instructions and check whether you can buy fresh bread just before departure. | On a longer journey, I don’t want to depend on fresh bread for every meal. This is the main consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Allergens and toppings | Read the allergen and salt information on the label; separately check whether highly perishable toppings need to be kept chilled. | If I’m making sandwiches to take with me, I want to know whether the ingredients suit me and whether I can transport the toppings safely. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this check. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming sourdough means the bread is wholemeal
Sourdough describes how the bread is made; it doesn’t automatically tell you which grains have been used.
Look for the wholemeal description on the product and check the ingredients list. Only compare fibre values when both are given per 100 g.
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Taking a whole fresh loaf without planning portions
On a journey lasting several days, bread you don’t eat in time may lose its quality. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping opened wholemeal sourdough bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2–4 days.
Take the portions you need and freeze any bread you’re leaving at home, following the storage instructions.
Bread that dries out on the journey or is no longer fit to eat may go to waste.
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Forgetting to keep toppings chilled
How long a sandwich can be stored depends on more than just the bread. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, highly perishable food should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours.
Take highly perishable toppings with you chilled or choose toppings that don’t need to be kept cold; always follow the packaging.
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Assuming every loaf contains iodised salt
The type of bread alone won’t tell you which salt has been used in a specific product. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds may be added to bread through baker’s salt.
Check the current ingredients list if iodised salt is relevant to your choice. For unpackaged bread, ask for product information.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists, among other products, a sliced wholemeal loaf in its OerDesem range.
- The OerDesem wholemeal Allinson variety has ingredients, allergen and storage information on its product page.
- Albert Heijn notes that product information can change, so check the packaging when you buy it.
Jumbo
Jumbo describes rustic sourdough loaves, including a wholemeal variety with pumpkin.
- According to Jumbo, this sourdough range is left to prove for more than 24 hours using fresh sourdough starter.
- Jumbo says this range is sold in store rather than online; ask your local shop what’s available.
Lidl
Lidl lists a rustic wholemeal sourdough loaf.
- The product name makes both wholemeal and sourdough easy to identify as selection criteria.
- Check the current packaging in store for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.
ALDI
ALDI offers a way to buy fresh wholemeal bread in store.
- According to ALDI, its fresh wholemeal loaves are made with 100% wholemeal flour.
- A wholemeal description doesn’t confirm that a particular loaf is also sourdough; check the product name and ingredients.
PLUS
PLUS lists wholemeal bread and sourdough bread, as well as Wasa sourdough rye crispbread.
- You can compare the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens for the Wasa product listed.
- Crispbread has a different texture from fresh bread; check whether each product’s ingredients suit your needs.
Dirk
Dirk includes wholemeal bread and sourdough in its bread range.
- You can search Dirk’s range for both types of bread.
- A wholemeal hearth loaf isn’t automatically a sourdough loaf; check the specific product you choose.
Products for these options
These products include sourdough rye crispbread for a dry snack bag and two pack sizes of a round wholemeal loaf that you’ll need to prepare before setting off. Focus on comparing the pack size and how much preparation fits into your travel plans.
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Wasa Sourdough Rye Crackers, 235 g
A crispbread option if you’d rather not take fresh bread on a longer journey. The pack contains 235 g; before setting off, check the use-by date, allergens and storage instructions on the label.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 2 × 550 g
A pack of two loaves for anyone who can prepare the bread before setting off. Allow time for thawing, baking and cooling before slicing; check the preparation instructions, allergens and nutritional information on the packaging.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
The 550 g option is a good fit if you want to prepare one loaf for your journey. Allow time for thawing, baking and cooling; check the current packaging for preparation instructions, allergens and nutritional information.
Frequently asked questions
Is sourdough bread automatically wholemeal?
No. Sourdough doesn’t automatically tell you which grains have been used to make the bread. Check for a wholemeal description and read the ingredients list for the specific product.
How should I store opened wholemeal sourdough bread for a car journey?
Take what you need for the journey and store the rest according to the packaging. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping opened wholemeal sourdough bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2–4 days or in the freezer for 1–3 months. For an unopened pack, also check the use-by date and label.
Does all Dutch bread contain iodised baker’s salt?
Don’t assume it does: check the ingredients list for the bread you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds may be added to bread through baker’s salt; this rule doesn’t tell you which salt is used in an individual loaf.
Do toppings need to be stored differently from bread while travelling?
Yes. Follow the storage instructions for the toppings separately from those for the bread. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, highly perishable food should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours, so take these toppings with you chilled.
Where can I check the allergens in bread from a bakery?
For unpackaged bread, ask for the allergen information for that specific product. For packaged bread, read the current ingredients list and any warnings about cross-contamination; don’t rely on the words wholemeal or sourdough alone.