Who is this choice relevant to?

Families keeping an eye on fibre

These families want to replace white bread in their child’s lunch, so they compare the ‘wholemeal’ label, the ingredients and the fibre content per 100 g.

Families with fussy bread eaters

Fine wholemeal bread could be an option for a child who doesn’t like the texture of coarser bread. Check that the pack you choose is actually labelled ‘wholemeal’.

Households with changing lunch routines

If you don’t need the same amount of bread every day of the holidays, the size of the loaf, how you buy it and whether you can freeze portions all matter.

What should you look for when choosing?

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour; brown bread contains both wholemeal flour and white flour, while white bread is made from white flour. Fine wholemeal is a choice of texture, while a label such as ‘extra high in fibre’ is a reason to compare the nutritional information for the exact variety.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this most important for?
Wholemeal and fibre Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label on the pack and compare the fibre content per 100 g of the specific loaves. If I want to replace white bread, I want to be sure my choice is genuinely wholemeal. For around 38% of consumers, choosing wholemeal and fibre comes first.
Texture and acceptance See whether fine wholemeal bread suits your child’s preferences; ‘fine’ on its own says nothing about its nutritional value. A coarser texture could make the switch difficult for my child, even if I want to offer wholemeal bread. For around 31% of consumers, whether the bread is accepted is the most important factor.
Size and storage Compare whole and half loaves, local ordering options and storage instructions. When lunch plans vary, I don’t want to buy more bread than we’ll use. For around 23% of consumers, practical planning is their main concern.
Ingredients and allergens Read the current ingredients and allergen information; if necessary, check whether baker’s salt is listed as an ingredient. If I need to check for a specific ingredient, I can’t rely on the type of bread alone. For around 8% of consumers, checking this is the top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming dark or multigrain bread is automatically wholemeal

    The colour or the name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t confirm that a loaf is made from 100% wholemeal flour. This distinction matters if you want to replace white bread with wholemeal bread.

    Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label on the pack and, if in doubt, check the ingredients of the bread you’ve chosen.

  • Assuming a fibre claim applies to all wholemeal bread

    ALDI compares one of its own extra-high-fibre varieties with standard wholemeal bread. That product claim doesn’t describe every wholemeal loaf.

    Compare the nutritional information per 100 g for the specific varieties you’re considering.

  • Buying a whole loaf without a storage plan

    If the number of lunches you have at home varies, you could be left with a whole loaf before you’ve finished it.

    Choose a half loaf if that better matches how much you use, or freeze a whole loaf in portions soon after buying it.

  • Relying on out-of-date allergen information

    Ingredients and allergen information can change. This matters if your child needs to avoid a particular ingredient.

    Read the packaging of the bread you buy. For unpackaged bread, ask about the ingredients and any risk of cross-contamination.

Brands and shops to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists various wholemeal breads online, including whole and half loaves.

  • The range of sizes makes it easier to choose an amount that suits your holiday routine.
  • Check local availability: some of the breads shown are only available in store.

Jumbo

Jumbo has an online category for wholemeal bread, including fine and half-loaf varieties.

  • Jumbo offers home delivery and collection from a Pick Up Point as ordering options.
  • Check the current ingredients and allergen information for each loaf; the category itself doesn’t provide this information for every variety.

Lidl

Lidl lists, among other products, an 800 g fine wholemeal loaf.

  • The fine variety is worth considering if a child isn’t keen on the texture of coarser bread.
  • Lidl says this loaf is only available in store; check the label there too.

ALDI

ALDI lists fine wholemeal bread and a separate variety with an extra-fibre claim.

  • If you’d like to compare the varieties, you can look at the nutritional information for each loaf side by side.
  • A claim for one variety doesn’t automatically apply to other ALDI breads; check the packaging.

PLUS

PLUS provides product information on ingredients, allergens and storage for one of its farmhouse wholemeal loaves.

  • The listing of ingredients such as wholemeal flour and baker’s salt helps you check this specific variety.
  • PLUS warns that product information can change; always go by the packaging of the bread you buy.

Dirk

Dirk lists fresh wholemeal bread, including bread from Bakker van der Akker.

  • This range may suit households that buy their bread during a trip to the shops.
  • Dirk says it doesn’t offer a delivery service; bear this in mind if delivery is important for your lunch planning.

Bread options at Joybuy

These two options are flatbread and rye bread. Compare their shape with the bread you’re looking for in your child’s lunch, and check the pack to make sure the wholemeal label meets your requirements.

Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P

Souq Lebanese Bread Whole Wheat 6 P

This Lebanese flatbread could work well for a lunch that doesn’t call for sliced bread. The product name includes Whole Wheat and 6 P; check the current packaging for the ingredients, allergens and ‘wholemeal’ label.

View at Joybuy
Bolletje Rye Bread Bun 500 g

Bolletje Rye Bread Bun 500 g

For this 500 g rye bread option, check the product’s shape: the name says ‘bun’, while the description refers to sliced rye bread. Check the exact packaging for the shape, ingredients, allergens and any ‘wholemeal’ label.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is brown bread the same as wholemeal bread?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholemeal bread is made from 100% wholemeal flour, while brown bread contains both wholemeal flour and white flour. If wholemeal is what you’re looking for, check for the ‘wholemeal’ label.

Is fine wholemeal bread an option if a child doesn’t like coarse bread?

Fine wholemeal bread is a texture option you could try if your child isn’t keen on coarser bread. Check the ‘wholemeal’ label on the specific pack; ‘fine’ on its own doesn’t tell you whether the bread is wholemeal.

Should I check whether bread contains baker’s salt?

If you want to know whether bread is made with baker’s salt, check the ingredients for the specific variety or ask about it when buying unpackaged bread. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre mentions bread made with baker’s salt in connection with iodine; don’t assume every loaf has the same ingredients.

Can I freeze wholemeal bread for holiday lunches?

Yes, you can freeze wholemeal bread in portions and take out what you need. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s storage guide recommends keeping opened wholemeal bread in a kitchen cupboard for 2 to 4 days, or in the freezer for 1 to 3 months; also follow the storage instructions on the packaging.

What should I check if my child has an allergy or coeliac disease?

Read the current ingredients and allergen information for the specific bread, including any warnings about traces. The words ‘brown’ and ‘wholemeal’ don’t tell you which allergens a variety contains; for unpackaged bread, ask about the ingredients and possible cross-contamination.