Who this choice matters to

Shoppers who check the ingredients

You want to spot wholemeal rye in the ingredients list, rather than relying on a dark loaf to tell you whether it’s wholemeal.

Households that prioritise organic

When doing your regular shop, you compare the organic certification, ingredients and allergen information for the specific loaf.

Small households

You get through bread slowly and want to choose a pack size that means as little as possible goes to waste.

What to look for when buying

For organic wholemeal rye bread for your household, the name on the pack is a useful starting point. Check the ingredients, organic information and pack size on the specific loaf you’re buying.

What to check What to look for Who it matters to most
Rye and wholegrain Look for “wholemeal rye bread” and rye wholemeal meal or rye wholemeal flour in the ingredients list. Lebensmittelklarheit explains the guidelines: at least 90% of the grain in wholemeal bread should be wholegrain, and at least 90% of the grain in rye bread should be rye. I want to know whether rye and wholegrain really are what determine my choice of bread, rather than judging by its colour. This clarity is the top priority for around 46% of consumers when buying bread.
Organic certification Check the organic information, inspection body and ingredients on the current pack. An organic claim does not replace checking for allergens. When I shop, I want to be able to verify the organic status of the specific loaf. This is the main concern for around 36% of consumers.
Pack size and freshness Choose a weight that suits how much you eat, and store bread in a dry, dark place at room temperature. If I eat bread slowly, I don’t want to buy a larger pack than I can reasonably get through. This need comes first for around 18% of consumers.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming “rye bread” means “wholemeal rye bread”

    The names refer to different characteristics: Lebensmittelklarheit explains that rye bread is defined by its rye content, while wholemeal bread is defined by the wholegrain content. So “rye bread” on its own doesn’t tell you whether it’s wholemeal.

    Look specifically for the words “wholemeal rye bread” and check the ingredients list too.

  • Overlooking allergen information

    Rye contains gluten. REWE and EDEKA also state that their organic wholemeal rye breads may contain traces of sesame, tree nuts and soya.

    If you need to avoid certain allergens, check the ingredients and precautionary allergen information on the current pack. Organic and wholemeal claims don’t replace this check.

  • Buying more bread than you can eat

    Bread left for too long can dry out or go mouldy. If you can see mould, throw away the whole loaf.

    Choose a quantity that suits how much you eat, store bread in a dry place at room temperature, and freeze any portions you won’t use straight away.

Brands to consider

REWE Bio

REWE sells organic wholemeal rye bread in a 500-g pack.

  • According to REWE, the ingredients list includes natural rye sourdough with rye wholemeal meal, additional rye wholemeal meal, water, rock salt and yeast. The product information also shows the DE-ÖKO-001 code.
  • REWE states that the bread may contain traces of soya, sesame and tree nuts. Check the information on the pack.

EDEKA Bio

EDEKA lists organic wholemeal rye bread in a 500-g pack, made with three-stage natural sourdough and bearing the Naturland seal.

  • According to EDEKA, the bread contains natural sourdough, rye wholemeal meal, water, salt and yeast.
  • EDEKA identifies rye as a gluten-containing grain and states that the bread may contain traces of sesame, tree nuts and soya. It may not be available at every store. Always check the current pack for ingredients and allergen information.

NUR NUR NATUR

ALDI SÜD sells organic wholemeal rye bread under this brand in a 375-g pack.

  • The smaller pack size may suit households that get through bread slowly.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and organic information for the specific loaf on the current pack.

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Frequently asked questions

Is rye bread automatically wholemeal rye bread?

No. “Rye bread” and “wholemeal bread” refer to different criteria. According to the guidelines explained by Lebensmittelklarheit, at least 90% of the grain in rye bread should be rye, and at least 90% of the grain in wholemeal bread should be wholegrain. To find both in one loaf, look for “wholemeal rye bread” and check the ingredients.

Is wholemeal rye bread gluten-free?

No, rye contains gluten. REWE and EDEKA also list rye in the information for their organic wholemeal rye breads. If you need to follow a gluten-free diet, always check the labelling on the specific product.

How should I store wholemeal rye bread?

Store bread in a dry place, away from light and at room temperature. To keep it for longer, you can freeze it in portions. If you see mould, throw away the whole loaf.

Can I rely on online product information when shopping?

If you’re choosing bread in store, check the current pack. EDEKA notes that online information may differ from what’s shown on the packaging. This is particularly important for ingredients and allergens.