Who is this choice relevant to?

Lunch shoppers looking for fibre

You want to choose wholemeal bread without automatically assuming that dark or multigrain bread is wholemeal. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour.

Households looking for fine-textured wholemeal bread

You prefer a finer bread texture, but don’t want to rely on texture alone when choosing.

Label checkers mindful of salt or allergens

You want to compare breads using the nutrition information per 100 g, or need to know which ingredients and allergens a specific loaf contains.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check that the bread is labelled ‘wholemeal’. Then choose a bread shape and texture to suit your lunch, and compare the nutrition information for the remaining options.

What to consider What to check Who is it important to?
Genuine wholemeal Look for the label ‘wholemeal’; don’t judge the bread by its colour or the word ‘multigrain’ alone. If I’m specifically looking for wholemeal bread, I don’t want to accidentally pick up a different type. Around 50% of consumers put this reassurance first.
Texture and shape Consider whether you prefer fine or coarser bread, and whether slices or another bread shape would suit your lunch better. I want bread that I enjoy eating and can easily take with me for lunch. Around 30% of consumers put this practical preference first.
Nutrition information and allergens Compare fibre and salt per 100 g. If you need to avoid anything in particular, check the ingredients and allergen information too. When choosing between specific loaves, the nutritional values or listed allergens are what matter most to me. Around 20% of consumers put this need first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming dark or multigrain bread is wholemeal

    The colour and number of grain types won’t tell you whether the bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour.

    First look for the label ‘wholemeal’, then compare the breads that meet this requirement.

  • Relying on a fibre claim alone

    A claim on the front of the pack doesn’t replace the nutrition table. Fibre and salt levels can vary from one loaf to another.

    Compare the values per 100 g for similar breads, and check what any comparison on the packaging is based on.

  • Leaving the ingredients and allergens check until you get home

    The label ‘wholemeal’ doesn’t tell you which allergens a specific loaf contains. Regular wholemeal wheat bread is not gluten-free either.

    If you need to avoid certain ingredients, check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact product before buying.

  • Buying more bread than you’ll use for lunch

    A whole loaf may go to waste if you only need a few slices now and then.

    Choose an amount that suits how much you use, or freeze the bread in portions as soon as you buy it, as recommended by the Voedingscentrum.

Brands and shops to explore

Bread shape, ingredients and nutritional values vary across these ranges. Always compare the exact variety you’re thinking of buying.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers several types of wholemeal bread, including fine-textured varieties.

  • A choice of several wholemeal bread types.
  • Check the ingredients and nutritional values for the variety you choose.

Jumbo

Jumbo Fine Wholemeal is a specific option for anyone looking for a fine bread texture.

  • Jumbo lists 7,6 g of fibre and 1,00 g of salt per 100 g for this bread.
  • These values apply to Jumbo Fine Wholemeal; check the packaging of the loaf you buy.

Lidl

Lidl offers options including a wholemeal roll with seeds and kernels.

  • Lidl provides ingredients and allergen information for its freshly baked bread range.
  • Compare nutritional values using the latest information for the specific roll or loaf.

ALDI

ALDI offers options including fine wholemeal bread and a variety called Extra High-Fibre Wholemeal Bread.

  • These varieties give you a starting point for choosing by texture and nutrition information within the range.
  • Don’t assume that other ALDI breads have the same nutritional values as the one named; check the label.

PLUS

PLUS Farmer’s Wholemeal Loaf is one example with product-specific nutrition information.

  • PLUS lists 6,7 g of fibre and 1,03 g of salt per 100 g for this bread.
  • Check the latest packaging, including the ingredients and allergen information.

Dirk

Dirk offers options including wholemeal bâtard and wholemeal farmhouse loaf.

  • These bread shapes offer alternatives to a standard sliced loaf.
  • For a comparison of fibre, salt or allergens, use the information for the exact bread you’re considering.

Wholemeal flatbread at Joybuy

Looking for something other than regular slices for lunch? This wholemeal flatbread is one option to consider. If nutrition information and ingredients are important to your choice, compare them on the packaging.

Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, pack of 6

Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat, 6 pieces

Wholemeal flatbread for anyone looking for an alternative to regular slices at lunchtime.

Pack of 6. Check the latest ingredients and allergen information if these are important to your choice.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is brown bread always wholemeal?

No. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour; the brown colour of a loaf doesn’t guarantee this on its own. If you specifically want wholemeal bread, look for the label ‘wholemeal’.

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. ‘Multigrain’ means that several types of grain are used; it doesn’t necessarily mean the bread is entirely wholemeal. Check that the bread is labelled ‘wholemeal’.

How can I compare wholemeal breads for fibre and salt?

Compare the nutritional values of similar breads per 100 g. The Voedingscentrum recommends this as a useful basis for comparing labels. Values per portion can be harder to compare because portion sizes may differ.

Can I choose regular wholemeal bread if I need to avoid gluten?

Don’t assume that regular wholemeal bread is gluten-free. If you need to avoid gluten, check the ingredients and allergen information, and look for a gluten-free label on the specific product.

How should I store wholemeal bread for several lunches?

If you won’t use the bread soon, it’s best to freeze it in portions as soon as you buy it, as recommended by the Voedingscentrum. Also check the storage instructions and date on the packaging.