Who should take care when choosing bread?

Fibre-conscious hosts

You want to serve clearly labelled wholemeal bread with your currywurst and compare the fibre content of different breads per 100 g.

Fans of hearty bread sides

You’re looking for rye bread described as having a robust flavour and want to make sure you’ll enjoy its texture alongside the sauce.

Households checking ingredients or allergens

Before serving, you check that rye is a gluten-containing grain, as well as the ingredients and any may-contain warnings for the specific bread.

What should you look for when buying?

When choosing rye wholemeal bread for a currywurst gathering, first check the wholemeal labelling, then consider the texture and flavour, as well as the pack size you need.

What matters What to check Who it matters to
Wholemeal and fibre Check the wholemeal labelling and ingredients list; compare fibre using the nutrition information per 100 g. If I want to serve wholemeal bread with currywurst, I don’t want to rely on a dark colour alone. For around 42% of consumers, this check comes first.
Flavour and texture Read the description of the flavour and crumb; if you don’t like coarse grains, look for finely milled wholemeal bread. With a spicy sauce, I want a bread side that my guests will enjoy for its flavour and texture. Around 33% of consumers consider this the most important factor.
Pack size and storage Match the pack weight to the number of guests and check local availability. For a group, I want to plan enough slices without ending up with lots of leftover bread. This is the main consideration for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes when choosing bread

  • Assuming dark rye bread is wholemeal

    A dark colour and a hearty-sounding name don’t prove that the bread is wholemeal. The Verbraucherzentrale says wholemeal bread must contain at least 90% wholemeal flour or wholegrain meal in its flour content.

    Look for clear wholemeal labelling and read the ingredients list rather than judging by colour.

  • Checking allergen information only after serving

    Rye is one of the gluten-containing grains. Other ingredients and may-contain warnings vary from product to product.

    Before serving, read the current ingredients and allergen information on every pack. Rye bread is not a suitable alternative for guests with coeliac disease or a relevant allergy.

  • Assuming coarse grains mean wholemeal

    Finely milled bread can also be wholemeal. So guests who don’t like coarse meal or whole grains don’t have to choose only seeded breads.

    If needed, look for finely milled wholemeal bread, but still check that it is clearly labelled as wholemeal.

  • Not planning for pack size and leftovers

    One pack may not be enough for a larger group; any leftover bread should be stored properly. The Verbraucherzentrale recommends keeping bread at room temperature in a dry place away from light.

    Work out how much bread you’ll need before you shop and store any leftovers accordingly. Any mouldy bread should be thrown away in its entirety.

Brands and bakeries to consider

EDEKA Bio

This organic rye wholemeal bread comes in a 500 g pack and is a good option if you want to check a clearly listed set of ingredients.

  • EDEKA lists rye wholegrain meal and natural sourdough among the ingredients of this bread.
  • It contains rye, and the product information also mentions possible traces of other allergens. The bread may not be available at every EDEKA store.

Mestemacher

The brand’s Westphalian Wholemeal Bread is available in 250 g and 500 g packs.

  • For this specific wholemeal bread, Mestemacher lists rye, water, salt and yeast, as well as 11.6 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • This information does not apply to all Mestemacher breads. The product contains rye and, according to the manufacturer, may contain traces of sesame, milk and nuts.

GOLDÄHREN

ALDI Nord describes “Volles Korn” as a 500 g sliced rye wholemeal bread.

  • The product description mentions a robust flavour, a moist texture and natural sourdough.
  • If you’re planning to serve this particular bread, check the current label and availability at your local store.

NUR NUR NATUR

ALDI SÜD’s organic own-label range includes a rye wholemeal bread in a 375 g pack.

  • The product information lists 9 g of fibre per 100 g for this bread.
  • Before buying, compare the information on the current pack and check whether the pack size will be enough for your guests.

Wendl

The bakery describes “Roggstar” as a robust rye bread with a crust – an option for guests who enjoy this kind of bread side.

  • The description gives you an idea of the flavour to expect.
  • If you specifically want wholemeal bread, choose it only if the labelling in store confirms that it is wholemeal; ask about allergens there, too.

Pumpernickel at Joybuy

These two Mestemacher pumpernickel breads could both work as a packaged side to serve with currywurst. If you specifically want rye wholemeal bread or a particular fibre content, compare the labelling and nutrition information for the product you’re considering before buying.

Mestemacher Westphalian Pumpernickel, 500 g

Mestemacher Westphalian Pumpernickel, 500 g

A pumpernickel option if you’re looking for packaged bread to serve with currywurst. If your guests have allergies, check the current pack for information about milk and sesame in particular.

View at Joybuy
Mestemacher Traditional Westphalian Pumpernickel, 500 g

Mestemacher Traditional Westphalian Pumpernickel, 500 g

Another pumpernickel option to serve alongside your meal. If you’re specifically looking for rye wholemeal bread, check the wholemeal labelling and ingredients list on the pack; if you have allergies, the current allergen information is also essential.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if bread is rye wholemeal?

Look for clear labelling and read the ingredients list. According to the Verbraucherzentrale, wholemeal bread must contain at least 90% wholemeal flour or wholegrain meal in its flour content; the dark colour of rye bread doesn’t prove that it’s wholemeal.

Is rye wholemeal bread suitable for guests with coeliac disease?

No. Rye is a gluten-containing grain, so it is not a gluten-free bread option. If your guests have allergies, also check the ingredients and may-contain warnings for the specific product.

Does wholemeal bread have to contain coarse grains?

No. Wholemeal bread can also be made with finely milled wholemeal flour. If your guests don’t like coarse meal, look for a finer option that is clearly labelled as wholemeal.

How should I store leftover bread after a currywurst evening?

Store leftover bread at room temperature in a dry place away from light, as recommended by the Verbraucherzentrale. Any mouldy bread should be thrown away in its entirety.

Can I get a particular rye wholemeal bread at every store?

Not necessarily. EDEKA notes that its organic rye wholemeal bread may not be available at every store. If you’re planning to serve this particular bread to guests, check local availability and read the current label when you shop.