Which type of bread is right for you?

People with a short lunch break

If you want to top your bread without having to slice it first, look for the explicit label ‘sliced’. Mixed rye bread could be a good option, but check the ingredients if you need to avoid wheat.

People who prefer wholemeal rye

If you’re buying bread for several lunches, check the ingredients, pack size and storage instructions together. Details vary by product: for example, EDEKA24 sells a wholemeal rye bread made with wholemeal rye meal and natural sourdough.

People who value fresh bakery bread

If you prefer a crusty loaf bought fresh from a bakery to pre-sliced, packaged bread, ask at the bakery counter about suitable rye bread. Check whether it is already sliced for the specific product you choose.

What should you look for when buying?

Sliced mixed rye bread

A good choice if: You want to top your bread at lunchtime without slicing it first.

Keep in mind: Mixed rye bread is not made exclusively from rye. REWE’s Ur-Eifeler mixed rye bread also contains wheat flour and wheat gluten.

Wholemeal rye bread

A good choice if: The wholemeal recipe matters more to you than being able to take out a slice straight away.

Keep in mind: Wholemeal and sourdough do not replace an allergen check. You’ll also need to check whether each pack is sliced.

Fresh bakery bread

A good choice if: You’re looking for a freshly bought loaf with a crust.

Keep in mind: Fresh bread isn’t automatically pre-sliced. If you’re buying loose bread, ask about any allergens you need to know about.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Slicing Does the product say ‘sliced’? The number of slices and the image on the pack can help you work out how many portions you’ll get. I want to top my bread straight away during a short lunch break. Around 36% of consumers prioritise slices that are ready to take out and eat.
Recipe Read the product name and ingredients together: mixed rye bread, rye bread and wholemeal rye bread are not the same thing. If the ingredients matter more to me than whether the bread is sliced, I compare the rye and wholemeal information. Around 29% of consumers put the recipe first.
Crust and texture Decide whether you’d prefer fresh bread with a crust or a packaged option with evenly sized portions. For my lunch sandwich, I’m mainly looking for a particular crust and texture. Around 21% of consumers prioritise these qualities.
Stocking up Check that the pack size suits how much you eat and read the storage instructions for after opening. If I’m using a pack over several lunches, I don’t want to open more bread than I can use in time. Around 14% of consumers prioritise planning how much they buy.

Common mistakes when buying bread

  • Assuming ‘rye’ means bread made entirely from rye

    Mixed rye bread can contain wheat. REWE’s Ur-Eifeler mixed rye bread lists wheat flour and wheat gluten as well as rye flour.

    Read the product name and the full ingredients list rather than relying on the front of the pack alone.

  • Assuming sliced bread always stays fresh for longer

    Verbraucherzentrale notes that whole foods often keep for longer than sliced versions. So, if you’re buying a large pack of bread, consider how quickly you’ll actually use it.

    Choose a pack size that suits how much you eat, and freeze any extra slices in portions if needed.

  • Assuming sourdough or wholemeal means you don’t need to check allergens

    Rye is a gluten-containing cereal. Depending on the recipe, other allergens that must be declared may also be present.

    For packaged bread, check the highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings. If you’re buying loose bread, ask for its allergen information.

  • Assuming ‘medium-fine sliced’ means a specific slice thickness

    When choosing a loaf, what matters is how that particular bread is sliced. A similar search term doesn’t tell you whether you can easily take individual slices out of the pack.

    Check the number of slices, the pack image and the product description if portion size is important for your lunch.

Brands and ranges to help you choose

REWE Regional

REWE sells its sliced Ur-Eifeler mixed rye bread in a 400-g pack.

  • REWE publishes the ingredients, allergen and nutritional information for this product.
  • The bread contains wheat flour and wheat gluten, so it is not suitable for a gluten-free diet.

EDEKA Bio

EDEKA24 sells an organic wholemeal rye bread in a 500-g pack, made with wholemeal rye meal and natural sourdough.

  • Ingredients and nutritional information are published for this specific bread.
  • The product information warns that it may contain traces of nuts, sesame and soya. If you have an allergy, check the label on the pack you buy.

LIDL – Unser Brot

Lidl Deutschland describes ‘Unser Brot’ as a bakery range, with baked goods made fresh several times a day.

  • It’s a good place to look if you’re after fresh bread from the bakery counter.
  • Check in store to see which rye breads are available and whether they’re sold sliced.

GOLDÄHREN

GOLDÄHREN is ALDI Nord’s own-label bread and bakery range. Its published selection includes sliced and wholemeal breads, among other options.

  • The range overview can help you find packaged bread options.
  • Check the product information to see whether a particular bread contains rye and is already sliced.

Wendl

Wendl describes ‘Roggstar’ as a rye bread with a pronounced crust.

  • This bread could be a good bakery option if you prefer a crusty loaf.
  • Ask about the ingredients, allergens and slicing for the specific bread on offer.

Bread option at Joybuy

This wholemeal walnut bread could work well for a sandwich lunch while working from home. If you’re specifically looking for pre-sliced rye bread, check the slicing and ingredients before you buy.

Mestemacher Sylt walnut wholemeal bread, 250 g

Mestemacher Sylt Walnut Wholemeal Bread 250 g

A wholemeal bread option for a sandwich lunch, if walnut is what you’re looking for.

Pack size: 250 g. Before buying, check whether the bread is already sliced and which ingredients and allergens are listed for that particular pack.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between mixed rye bread and rye bread?

The terms refer to different proportions of rye in the cereal content. According to Lebensmittelklarheit, rye bread usually contains at least 90% rye in its cereal content, while mixed rye bread contains at least 50%. This is not the same as the proportion of rye in the whole loaf. The ingredients list shows which other cereals the specific bread contains.

Is rye bread gluten-free?

No. Rye is a gluten-containing cereal. Lebensmittelklarheit’s consumer information specifically lists rye as an allergen that must be declared. Terms such as ‘wholemeal’ or ‘sourdough’ do not change this.

How should I store sliced rye bread after opening?

First, follow the instructions on the specific pack. Verbraucherzentrale notes that bread goes stale more quickly in the fridge. If you won’t use all the slices soon, you can freeze some in portions. Don’t eat bread with visible mould.

Where can I find allergen information for bread from the bakery counter?

Ask the person serving you for the allergen information for that specific bread. According to Lebensmittelklarheit, allergens that must be declared also have to be listed for unpackaged foods. Which allergens are present in addition to gluten-containing cereals depends on the recipe.