Which bread suits you?

For preparing several wholemeal sandwiches

If you take sandwiches to work on several days, pre-sliced wholemeal sandwich bread could fit your meal-prep routine. Compare the wholegrain claim and slice size on the packaging of each product.

For a portion-sized toasted meal

If you prefer a toast roll to large sandwich slices, compare the ingredients in the protein or seeded varieties. Allergen information is particularly important for products containing soya or seeds.

For a change of grain

If you’re choosing between spelt, multigrain and butter toast, look beyond the variety name and check the types of grain, other ingredients and nutritional information. The names alone don’t tell you whether a product is suitable for people with allergies.

What to look for when buying

First decide what matters most for your office lunch: the grain base, a format that’s easy to fill, ingredient labelling or flavour. Then compare the products that fit the bill.

Criterion What to check when buying Who it matters to
Wholegrain content Compare the product name and ingredients list. For similar breads, also check the fibre content per 100 g. If I’m preparing several packed lunches, I want to know what grain base I’m actually buying rather than relying on the product name. Around 36 % of consumers put wholegrain content first.
Easy-to-fill format Check the slice size and pack size. For toast rolls, check how they’re intended to be prepared. If I make my sandwich before work and take it with me, I want a format that suits my portion and prep routine. Around 29 % of consumers prioritise this everyday convenience.
Ingredients and allergens Check the specific pack for declared allergens, may-contain warnings and ingredients. If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to be clear about the labelling on the exact bread before I buy it. Around 21 % of consumers care most about this.
Type of grain and flavour Compare the types of grain and ingredients such as butter or seeds, and check the nutritional information if needed. For a variety of fillings, I want to choose between different types of toast without assuming the name tells me about the other ingredients. This variety is the main reason for around 14 % of consumers.

Common misconceptions

  • Assuming spelt toast is gluten-free

    According to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity, spelt is a gluten-containing grain and is listed as wheat for allergen labelling. So “spelt toast” does not mean “gluten-free”.

    Check the allergen information and, if required, the gluten-free label on the specific pack.

  • Assuming multigrain means a specific wholegrain content

    A multigrain label doesn’t specify a set wholegrain content. Claims also vary between sandwich breads: EDEKA describes its Herzstücke wholemeal sandwich as “100 % wholegrain”, while its GUT&GÜNSTIG wholemeal sandwich toast lists 60 % wholemeal wheat flour.

    If wholegrain content is a deciding factor, compare the product name and ingredients list.

  • Assuming online information matches the packaging

    For food products, the information on the packaging may differ from the product listing in an online shop. So when deciding based on ingredients or allergens, always refer to the specific pack.

    Before buying, check the ingredients, allergen information, best-before date and slice size on the product.

  • Buying bread for several working days without a storage plan

    A larger pack is only suitable for packed lunches if you can use the slices in time and store them according to the instructions on the packaging.

    The Verbraucherzentrale recommends storing bread at room temperature in a dry place away from light. For longer-term storage, you can freeze portions.

    If slices are left for too long, they can dry out or go stale.

Brands and bread ranges to consider

Ölz Meisterbäcker

The toast range includes spelt, multigrain and butter varieties to suit different ingredient and flavour preferences.

  • Ölz says its Mehrkorn Toast contains wheat, rye and oats, while its Dinkel Toast is made with spelt flour.
  • These grain varieties are not gluten-free. According to Ölz, its Butter Toast contains butter, so it isn’t a vegan option.

Mestemacher

The toast rolls featured here are a portion-sized alternative to large sandwich slices.

  • For its High Protein Toastbrötchen Karotte, RUF lists wholemeal wheat flour, soya and seeds as ingredients.
  • If you need to avoid certain ingredients, check the specific pack. REWE states that Mestemacher Bio-Hafertoastbrötchen may contain traces of soya and sesame.

EDEKA Herzstücke und GUT&GÜNSTIG

Both own-label ranges featured here include pre-sliced wholemeal sandwich breads.

  • EDEKA describes its Herzstücke wholemeal sandwich as “100 % wholegrain”. For GUT&GÜNSTIG wholemeal sandwich toast, EDEKA lists 60 % wholemeal wheat flour.
  • Both products contain wheat. Check the other allergen and may-contain information on the relevant pack.

REWE Beste Wahl

The own-label range includes spelt toast rolls, among other options, as an alternative to sliced sandwich bread.

  • REWE recommends toasting its spelt toast rolls whole, then slicing them in half.
  • If you want to prepare and fill your packed lunch before work, factor in this preparation step.

Wendl

The bakery brand offers rye, seeded and spelt breads, among other options, as alternatives to packaged toast.

  • The range of breads lets you choose according to the type of grain and ingredients.
  • For sandwiches to take away, check with the bakery whether the specific bread can be sliced, and ask about its ingredients and allergen information.

Lidl – Unser Brot

Lidl says its bakery range includes spelt, multigrain and sourdough breads, among other varieties.

  • These bread ranges are worth considering if you prefer fresh bread to packaged toast for your office lunch.
  • Check in store whether the bread you want can be cut into suitable slices and what ingredients it contains.

Bread products at Joybuy

These two Mestemacher breads are worth considering for packed office lunches if you’re looking for pumpernickel or a protein bread. They are loaves, not the toast rolls described above.

Mestemacher Westphalian Pumpernickel Bread, 500 g

Mestemacher Westphalian Pumpernickel Bread, 500 g

A good option for packed lunches if you prefer pumpernickel to toast.

Pack size: 500 g. If milk and sesame are important to your choice, check the information on the specific pack.

View at Joybuy
Mestemacher Classic Wholemeal Protein Bread, 250 g

Mestemacher Classic Wholemeal Protein Bread, 250 g

A good option for a packed lunch if you’re looking for protein bread rather than a toast roll.

Pack size: 250 g. Product information lists wheat, rye, soya, sesame and milk as ingredients. Check the labelling on the pack before buying.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is spelt toast a gluten-free alternative?

No. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity lists spelt as a type of wheat among gluten-containing grains. If you need bread labelled gluten-free, check the specific pack rather than assuming it is based on the type of grain.

How can I tell how much wholegrain is in sliced bread?

Compare the product name with the ingredients list and any quantity stated explicitly. For example, EDEKA labels its Herzstücke wholemeal sandwich “100 % wholegrain”, while its GUT&GÜNSTIG wholemeal sandwich toast lists 60 % wholemeal wheat flour. These two figures are not based on the same measure.

How should I store bread for several days at the office?

Store bread at room temperature in a dry place away from light, and follow any additional instructions on the packaging. The Verbraucherzentrale suggests freezing individual portions as a way to keep bread for longer.

Are vegan toast rolls automatically allergen-free?

No. “Vegan” doesn’t tell you everything about allergen labelling: REWE lists oats for Mestemacher Bio-Hafertoastbrötchen and says it may contain traces of soya and sesame. If you have a specific intolerance, check the information on the pack.