If you want extra bite with your meat patties
You’re after a hearty contrast to the main dish. Check the seeds and the bread base separately: according to EDEKA, grains on or in bread don’t, by themselves, tell you whether it’s wholegrain.
Who should think carefully about their choice of bread?
If you want to compare wholegrain bread bases
You want to spot wholegrain rye meal or wholegrain rye flour in the ingredients list and compare nutritional values such as fibre and salt per 100 g. The German Food Federation points out that ingredients are listed in descending order by weight.
If you need to check allergens or store leftovers
You need accurate information about the specific variety before buying, or you’re planning to eat some of the bread later. For packaged bread, check the current packaging. For loose bread, consult the allergen information at the point of sale. For leftover bread, the Verbraucherzentrale recommends storing it at room temperature in a dry place away from light.
What should you look for when buying?
First decide whether a verifiable wholegrain base or a particular texture matters most to you. Then check the ingredients and allergens for the specific variety, and consider how you’ll store any leftover bread.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholegrain base | Look for “wholegrain rye bread” in the product name and wholegrain rye meal or wholegrain rye flour in the ingredients list. Compare nutritional values per 100 g if you wish. | If I want wholegrain, I don’t want to rely on a dark colour or the appearance of grains. For around 45% of consumers, this verifiable bread base would take priority. |
| Seeds and bite | Check the ingredients list to see which seeds are included. Separately, decide whether you want a wholegrain base. | I want a noticeably hearty bite to contrast with the soft centre of the meat patties, not just a dark slice of bread. Around 33% of consumers would put texture first. |
| Allergens and storage | For packaged bread, read the current ingredients and allergen information. For loose bread, ask where to find the relevant information. Store leftovers at room temperature in a dry place away from light. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients or save bread for later, I need clear information about the variety and a suitable place to store leftovers. For around 22% of consumers, these would be the main concerns. |
Common mistakes when buying bread
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Confusing the appearance of grains with wholegrain
According to EDEKA, bread with visible grains can also be made with white flour. So if you’re looking for wholegrain rye, you can’t tell what flour has been used just by looking at the colour or seeds.
Look for “wholegrain” in the product name and check whether wholegrain flour or meal appears near the top of the ingredients list.
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Overlooking allergens in hearty bread
Information varies by recipe. For its GUT&GÜNSTIG wholegrain rye bread, EDEKA lists rye and oats, and possible traces of sesame, soya and nuts. You can’t assume other varieties have the same ingredients.
For packaged bread, read the current packaging. For loose bread, check the allergen information at the point of sale before buying.
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Storing leftover bread in the fridge
The Verbraucherzentrale points out that bread goes stale more quickly in the fridge. If you spot mould, removing just the affected area isn’t enough.
Store bread at room temperature in a dry place away from light, such as a bread bin. Freeze portions you won’t eat in time, and throw away any mouldy bread in its entirety.
Storing bread incorrectly could mean having to throw more of it away.
Brands to help guide your choice
These examples cover different rye breads and in-store bakery options. Check the labelling on the specific loaf to see whether it contains seeds and suits your needs.
GUT&GÜNSTIG
EDEKA sells a packaged wholegrain rye bread with natural sourdough and oat flakes under this own-brand label.
- According to EDEKA, wholegrain rye meal is the first ingredient in this 500-g loaf. Nutritional values are provided per 100 g.
- Oat flakes on the bread don’t confirm that it contains the seeds you’re looking for. Check the variety and packaging before buying.
GOLDÄHREN
ALDI Nord describes “Volles Korn” as a dark, sliced wholegrain rye bread.
- The variety name makes it easy to identify the wholegrain base when comparing it with seeded bread.
- The description doesn’t specify a particular seed mix, so check the packaging for details.
NUR NUR NATUR
ALDI SÜD sells a 375-g pack of organic wholegrain rye bread under this brand.
- ALDI SÜD lists 9 g of fibre and 0.93 g of salt per 100 g for this bread.
- Check the labelling on the specific pack for the seeds you want, as well as other ingredients and allergens.
Lieken Urkorn
“Roggenbäcker” is a packaged, sliced mixed rye and wholegrain bread, not a pure wholegrain rye bread.
- REWE states that this product contains 29% wholegrain rye flour and 7.5 g of fibre per 100 g.
- REWE lists possible traces of soya, mustard, sesame and lupin. If you have a relevant allergy, check the information on the current packaging.
LIDL – Unser Brot
Lidl lists multigrain bread and rye sourdough bread among the options at its in-store bakery.
- The in-store bakery is a handy option if you’re choosing bread for dinner that same evening.
- Multigrain bread and rye sourdough bread aren’t automatically the same thing. Check the rye content, seeds and allergens in the loaf you choose.
A bread option at Joybuy
This walnut wholegrain bread could be a good choice if you’re after a nutty bite to serve with meat patties for dinner. Check the labelling on the specific pack to see whether it meets your requirements for wholegrain rye and seeds.
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Mestemacher Sylt Walnut Wholegrain Bread, 250 g
If you’d like walnut in your wholegrain bread, this 250-g loaf is an option to serve with dinner. Before buying, check the current ingredients and allergen information, as well as the details about rye and seeds on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Is every dark bread with grains a wholegrain bread?
No. According to EDEKA, visible grains and a dark colour don’t prove that bread has a wholegrain base. Look for “wholegrain” in the product name and check which flour or meal is listed in the ingredients.
Can rye bread be gluten-free?
Bread containing rye isn’t gluten-free, because rye is a gluten-containing cereal. Check the ingredients and allergen information for the specific variety rather than judging it by the appearance of the grains.
Where can I find allergen information for loose bread from an in-store bakery?
In Germany, allergen information for unpackaged bread must be accessible. Depending on the shop, you might find it on a sign, a noticeboard, a list or an electronic display you can access directly. Ask for information about the specific variety before buying.
How should I store rye bread after dinner?
Store leftover bread at room temperature in a dry place away from light, for example in a bread bin. The Verbraucherzentrale advises against keeping bread in the fridge as it goes stale more quickly there. Throw away any mouldy bread in its entirety.