Who are these options for?

The fibre-conscious late-night snacker

You want to check whether the bread is wholemeal before choosing a small snack, and compare its fibre and salt content in the nutritional information rather than relying on its colour.

The fussy eater

You’re looking for a finer texture, but don’t want to mistake white or multigrain bread for wholemeal.

The one- or two-slice eater

You’re considering a half loaf, individual rolls or a loaf you can freeze according to the product instructions, so the rest doesn’t go to waste.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether wholemeal ingredients, texture or a suitable portion size matters most to you. Then compare the labelling, nutritional information and packaging of breads that meet your needs.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Wholemeal and fibre Look for the wholemeal label and compare fibre and salt per 100 g across similar breads. A dark colour or the word ‘multigrain’ isn’t enough. If I’m mainly looking for wholemeal bread, I need to be able to identify it on the packaging and compare its nutritional value. Around 42% of consumers put this check first.
Finer texture Check whether a finer-textured loaf is also labelled wholemeal, and read the ingredients and allergen information for that specific product. I’m not keen on a coarse texture, but I don’t want to unknowingly swap wholemeal for white bread. Texture matters most to around 33% of consumers.
Portion size and storage Compare half loaves, rolls and whole loaves based on how much you’ll use. If you freeze the bread, follow the instructions for that product. I only eat a few slices late in the evening and want to know what I can do with the rest. A suitable portion size is the main concern for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking brown or multigrain bread for wholemeal

    Those words and the colour don’t tell you whether all the grain ingredients are wholemeal flour. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires products labelled wholemeal to meet this standard.

    Use the wholemeal label as your first check on the packaging, and read the ingredients list if you’re unsure.

  • Assuming every loaf contains iodised salt

    The ingredients vary from one loaf to another. For example, Albert Heijn’s product information for the wholemeal bread reviewed here lists iodised salt.

    If you want to know what type of salt your bread contains, check the ingredients on the pack you buy.

  • Buying a whole loaf without a plan for the rest

    If you only use a few slices, you may have some bread left over.

    Consider a half loaf or rolls instead. If you choose a whole loaf to freeze, follow the storage instructions for that product.

  • Planning around a mixed pack on an old product page

    Jumbo says its pack of white, wholemeal and multigrain rolls is no longer available. So this combination may not be an option for your next shop.

    Check which rolls your shop stocks shortly before buying, and read the label for each variety you choose.

Brands and ranges to explore

Albert Heijn

Onze Trots Vloerbrood volkoren half is an example of a half wholemeal loaf.

  • Albert Heijn lists the ingredients and nutritional information for this loaf; the ingredients include wholemeal wheat flour and iodised salt.
  • Check the label when you buy it: product information may change, and availability may vary by shop.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s wholemeal range includes different types to compare, including half loaves.

  • You can look for fine, coarse and toast breads among the wholemeal options.
  • Compare the ingredients and nutritional information for each loaf; the range page isn’t a nutritional comparison.

PLUS

PLUS Boeren volkoren heel is worth considering if you want to buy a whole loaf and store some of it.

  • PLUS says this specific loaf can be frozen at home on the day of purchase and should be used within one month.
  • These storage instructions apply to this product; check the packaging if you choose a different loaf.

ALDI

At ALDI, you can explore freshly baked wholemeal bread alongside other types.

  • ALDI says its own wholemeal breads are made with 100% wholemeal flour.
  • Check the labelling and nutritional information for the specific loaf you choose.

Lidl

Lidl describes a kids’ bread made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour and also features half wholemeal loaves.

  • According to Lidl, the kids’ bread described has a finer texture, which may suit you if you don’t like a coarse bite.
  • That description doesn’t automatically apply to other Lidl breads. Check the product description and label for each variety.

Dirk

Dirk lists wholemeal, white, multigrain and sourdough breads in its range, with both half and whole loaves.

  • This gives you different types of bread and pack sizes to explore.
  • Check the ingredients, fibre and salt content for the specific loaf on the packaging or product page.

Wholemeal option at Joybuy

This flatbread is an option if you’d rather choose individual portions than buy a whole loaf. It isn’t a pack combining white and wholemeal rolls; if wholemeal is essential for you, check the Dutch product description on the label.

Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, pack of 6 flatbreads

Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, pack of 6

The pack of six flatbreads may suit you if you’d prefer individual portions for a late-night snack. Check the label to make sure the wholemeal description, ingredients and storage instructions match what you’re looking for; a finer texture hasn’t been confirmed for this product.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is dark or multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, a product can only be called wholemeal if 100% of its grain ingredients are wholemeal flour. So check the product description and ingredients, not just the colour or the number of grains.

Can finely textured bread still be wholemeal?

Yes. A finer texture doesn’t rule out wholemeal, but check the description of the specific loaf. For example, Lidl describes a kids’ bread made with extra-finely milled wholemeal flour; that doesn’t tell you anything about all other fine-textured breads.

How can I check which salt and allergens are in bread?

Read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the bread you choose. For example, Albert Heijn lists iodised salt and wheat for the half wholemeal loaf reviewed here; don’t assume the same ingredients apply to another variety.

What should I choose if I only eat a few slices late in the evening?

A half loaf or individual rolls may suit you better than a whole loaf. If you’d still like to store a whole loaf, follow the product instructions: for its Boeren volkoren heel loaf reviewed here, PLUS says to freeze it on the day of purchase and use it within one month.