Which type of bread is right for you?

If you want to serve it straight away

You want bread on the table with your meatballs, without waiting for it to bake. Ready-to-eat sliced bread with a clear ingredients list is a good option.

If you’re specifically looking for wholemeal and sourdough

You want a hearty loaf to go with your meal. Rather than relying on its dark colour, check that it’s labelled wholemeal and look for sourdough in the ingredients list.

If you want to bake your own bread

You’ve planned your meal in advance and have an oven or bread maker ready to use. A wholemeal sourdough bread mix could be an option, as long as the preparation time fits your evening plans.

What to look for when buying

First decide whether the bread needs to be ready to serve straight away. Then check the specific product for wholemeal and sourdough information, ingredients, allergens and loaf size.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Wholemeal and sourdough Look for the label ‘wholemeal bread’ and check the ingredients list for wholemeal flour or meal, as well as sourdough. For loose bread, ask for the information available in store. I want to serve bread with my meatballs that is clearly wholemeal and made with sourdough, rather than relying on its colour. This labelling is the priority for around 42% of consumers when choosing bread.
Type of bread and preparation time Choose between ready-to-eat sliced or counter bread and a bread mix. If you choose a mix, check the preparation time and whether you have suitable equipment. If I want the meal on the table without any baking, I need ready-to-eat bread. Around 33% of consumers put being able to serve it straight away first.
Ingredients and storage Check the allergens and any ‘may contain’ information on the specific product. Choose a loaf size based on how much you’ll eat and store afterwards. If there may be bread left over or certain ingredients matter to me, I want to check the ingredients and loaf size before buying. Around 25% of consumers prioritise these requirements.

Avoid common buying mistakes

  • Assuming dark bread is wholemeal

    REWE points out that ingredients such as malt or caramel syrup can make bread darker without making it wholemeal.

    Check for the label ‘wholemeal bread’ and read the ingredients list instead of judging by the colour, crust or a rustic-sounding name.

  • Assuming a bread mix is ready to serve

    The Seitenbacher mix listed by REWE needs to be prepared and baked first. If you’re using a bread maker, the right quantity also depends on its size.

    For an impromptu meal, choose ready-made bread. If you’re baking your own, check that your equipment’s capacity and the total preparation time fit your plans.

  • Overlooking allergen and ‘may contain’ information

    Wholemeal bread can contain different grains and seeds. The 750 g wholemeal loaf listed by REWE contains rye and wheat and may contain traces of sesame and nuts.

    If allergens are a concern, read the information on the specific packet or, for loose bread, ask what information is available in store.

  • Buying a large loaf without a storage plan

    Leftover bread can dry out or go mouldy. The Federal Centre for Nutrition advises throwing away an entire loaf if you can see mould on it.

    Choose an amount that suits your meal and freeze any slices you won’t need in individual portions as soon as possible.

Brands and retailers to consider

These examples show different ways to find wholemeal or sourdough bread. Check the labelling of each specific product to see whether it has both.

Seitenbacher

Seitenbacher offers a wholemeal bread mix containing wholemeal rye and wheat meal, as well as sourdough.

  • Instructions are provided, including for use in a bread maker.
  • The mix isn’t ready to serve. The amount of water, the size of your appliance and the baking time all need to suit your plans.

REWE

The 750 g wholemeal loaf listed by REWE is an example of ready-to-eat bread that includes natural sourdough in its ingredients list.

  • Product information includes ingredients, allergy advice and nutritional values.
  • Check the information on the specific packet when you buy, and see what’s available at your local store.

Lidl – Unser Brot

Lidl describes its in-store bakery products and lists natural rye sourdough in some of its breads.

  • Ready-to-eat bakery products can be served with your evening meal without any baking at home.
  • Sourdough bread from the counter isn’t automatically wholemeal. Ask about the type of bread and allergen information for the variety you choose.

EDEKA

EDEKA explains what wholemeal bread is and stocks wholemeal bread.

  • Its explanations can help you tell the difference between wholemeal bread and bread that is simply dark in colour.
  • To find out whether a particular loaf also contains sourdough, check its ingredients or ask for the information at the counter.

Joybuy products for home baking

This selection features a bread mix for a meatball meal you’ve planned in advance. It’s not a substitute for bread you can serve straight away. Check the ingredients on the packet to make sure it meets your requirements for wholemeal sourdough bread.

Küchenmeister wholemeal spelt bread mix, 1 kg

Küchenmeister wholemeal spelt bread mix, 1 kg

For a planned evening meal when you want to bake your own bread. The packet contains 1 kg of wholemeal spelt bread mix. Check the sourdough information, allergens and preparation time on the packet to make sure it suits your needs.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is dark bread automatically wholemeal?

No. REWE points out that ingredients such as malt or caramel syrup can also make bread darker. Check the name of the bread and its ingredients when choosing, rather than relying on its colour.

How can I tell if packaged bread contains sourdough?

Look for ‘sourdough’ or ‘natural sourdough’ in the ingredients list. Natural sourdough is specifically listed for the 750 g wholemeal loaf sold by REWE. For any other bread, check its own ingredients list.

Which allergen information matters for wholemeal sourdough bread?

Check the grains and other allergens listed on the specific product, along with any ‘may contain’ information. The 750 g wholemeal loaf listed by REWE contains rye and wheat and may contain traces of sesame and nuts. This information doesn’t automatically apply to other breads.

Can a sourdough bread mix work for an impromptu meatball meal?

Only if you have enough time to prepare and bake it before the meal, and the right equipment. A bread mix isn’t ready to serve, so if you want to eat without any baking, choose ready-made bread.

How should I store leftover bread after the meal?

Store it in a dry, dark place at as even a room temperature as possible, or freeze any slices you won’t need as soon as possible. For longer storage, the Federal Centre for Nutrition recommends using a tightly sealed bread bin or bread pot. If you can see mould on a loaf, throw the whole loaf away.