Does 647 Bread Have Preservatives? An In-Depth Look at the Ingredients

December 26, 2025 •

4 min read

While some varieties of Schmidt Old Tyme 647 bread prominently advertise 'no artificial preservatives,' others, like the whole wheat version, explicitly list synthetic preservatives such as calcium propionate in their ingredients. This reveals a critical difference between the various products sold under the same 647 brand name.

Quick Summary

Ingredient lists vary significantly across the Schmidt Old Tyme 647 product line. Some loaves contain synthetic preservatives, while others rely on natural alternatives like cultured wheat flour and vinegar for shelf stability. Consumers must check the label of their specific 647 bread variety to understand its preservative content.

Key Points

Ingredient Lists Vary: Not all 647 bread products have the same ingredients; some contain synthetic preservatives while others use natural alternatives.
'No Artificial Preservatives' Applies to Some: The claim 'no artificial preservatives' is accurate for varieties like the Italian and Original White loaves, which use natural agents like cultured wheat flour.
Whole Wheat Contains Synthetic Preservatives: The 647 Whole Wheat bread explicitly lists calcium propionate, a synthetic preservative, in its ingredients.
Natural Preservatives are Used: The 'clean label' varieties of 647 bread utilize ingredients such as cultured wheat flour and vinegar, which naturally inhibit mold growth.
Reading the Label is Key: To know what is in your loaf, always read the specific ingredient list for the type of 647 bread you are purchasing, rather than assuming brand consistency.
Shelf Life Differences Exist: The choice of preservatives impacts shelf life; some users report faster spoilage for varieties without strong synthetic preservatives.

Dissecting the 647 Bread Preservative Question

The question of whether 647 bread contains preservatives is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on the specific variety. Schmidt Old Tyme, the manufacturer, offers several types of 647 bread, and their ingredients are not uniform across the board. While many consumers are drawn to the brand's low-carb and high-fiber appeal, it's essential to scrutinize the ingredient list to determine what is truly inside the loaf. The marketing claim of 'no artificial preservatives' applies to certain products, but not all of them.

The 'No Artificial Preservatives' Varieties

For many of its products, such as the Original Italian, Potato Sliced, and Original White bread, Schmidt Old Tyme proudly states they contain 'no artificial preservatives, colors or flavors'. This is a key selling point for consumers interested in cleaner eating. However, these loaves are not free of all preservative-like substances. To maintain a reasonable shelf life, the manufacturer uses natural ingredients with preservative properties. The primary natural agent found in these varieties is cultured wheat flour, which is a fermented ingredient that naturally produces organic acids to inhibit mold growth. Vinegar is also commonly used for this purpose. This approach aligns with the growing 'clean label' movement, where brands substitute chemical-sounding additives with naturally derived alternatives.

Common Preservative-like Ingredients in 647 'No Artificial Preservatives' Varieties:

Cultured Wheat Flour: A natural fermentation product that creates an acidic environment to inhibit mold.
Vinegar: Acts as a natural mold inhibitor by increasing the acidity of the dough.
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): A dough conditioner that also functions as an antioxidant to help maintain freshness.

The Whole Wheat and Other Varieties

In stark contrast to the varieties labeled without artificial preservatives, the ingredient list for 647 Whole Wheat bread explicitly includes synthetic preservatives. Sources like Spoonful, Amazon, and ACME Markets list calcium propionate as an ingredient in the whole wheat version. Calcium propionate is a well-known, industry-standard preservative that effectively inhibits the growth of mold and certain bacteria. Its inclusion demonstrates that consumers cannot assume a blanket 'no preservatives' policy for the entire 647 product line. The presence of this and other synthetic additives, such as sodium stearoyl lactylate, shows a different manufacturing approach for certain products. Fooducate, a nutrition analysis app, has also noted the inclusion of calcium propionate and other processed ingredients in its review of Schmidt 647 bread.

Synthetic Preservatives and Additives in Other 647 Bread Varieties:

Calcium Propionate: A synthetic, antifungal agent used to prolong shelf life by preventing mold growth.
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate: A chemical emulsifier used to improve bread texture and volume.
Calcium Peroxide: An oxidizing agent and dough conditioner.

Comparison Table: 647 Italian vs. 647 Whole Wheat


Feature	647 Italian Bread	647 Whole Wheat Bread
Stated Preservatives	No artificial preservatives	Contains synthetic preservatives
Primary Preservative	Cultured Wheat Flour	Calcium Propionate
Other Preservative Agent	Vinegar, Ascorbic Acid	Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid
Emulsifiers	Sunflower Lecithin	Mono- and Diglycerides, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
Key Ingredient	Enriched Flour	Whole Wheat Flour, Bamboo Fiber
Main Additive	Oat Fiber, Powdered Cellulose	Bamboo Fiber, Powdered Cellulose

Why Do Brands Use Preservatives?

The use of preservatives, whether natural or artificial, is a practical necessity for commercially produced bread. Bread is a perishable product that, in a natural state, molds quickly, often within a few days. Preservatives combat spoilage caused by mold, yeast, and bacteria, allowing for a longer shelf life and extended distribution networks. This practice reduces food waste and ensures that products can be sold reliably in grocery stores over a longer period. For preservative-free bread, manufacturers must rely on alternative strategies, like careful packaging, fast distribution, or suggesting that customers freeze the product to maintain freshness.

The Takeaway

When buying 647 bread, the most important step is to read the ingredient list for the specific type of bread you are purchasing. Don't rely solely on brand-level marketing claims. While some varieties, particularly the Italian and White loaves, avoid artificial preservatives in favor of natural agents, the Whole Wheat variety contains synthetic options like calcium propionate. For those prioritizing an entirely preservative-free product, seeking out freshly baked artisan bread or freezing your 647 bread immediately after purchase may be the best options.

For more information on the distinctions between natural and artificial additives and the 'clean-label' trend in bakery products, an article from the National Institutes of Health provides an excellent resource on the topic: Clean Label in Bread.

Conclusion

The notion that all 647 bread is free of preservatives is inaccurate. The brand uses a tiered approach, with different products containing different ingredients and methods for extending shelf life. Some varieties are made without artificial preservatives and rely on natural antimicrobials, while others explicitly include synthetic options. For health-conscious consumers, understanding this distinction is crucial for making informed choices at the grocery store. Always read the label of the specific product to be sure of its contents.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all 647 bread varieties are free of preservatives. While some loaves, like the Italian and White versions, do not contain artificial preservatives, others such as the Whole Wheat bread do include synthetic preservatives like calcium propionate.

Artificial preservatives like calcium propionate are chemically synthesized and are listed explicitly on the label. Natural preservatives in 647 bread, such as cultured wheat flour and vinegar, are naturally derived ingredients with antimicrobial properties used to extend shelf life without being labeled 'artificial'.

The shelf life can vary depending on the variety. If you have a variety that uses natural preservatives or fewer additives, it may be more susceptible to mold growth, especially if stored in warm, moist conditions.

Cultured wheat flour is a naturally fermented flour used as a preservative. It produces organic acids that create an unfavorable environment for mold and yeast, helping to prolong the bread's freshness without artificial additives.

Yes, sources confirm that the 647 Whole Wheat bread variety includes calcium propionate in its ingredients, an artificial preservative used to inhibit mold growth.

Yes, calcium propionate is considered safe for consumption by regulatory bodies like the FDA. While generally regarded as harmless, some consumers prefer to avoid synthetic additives for personal health or dietary reasons.

To extend the shelf life of 647 bread varieties without synthetic preservatives, it is best to freeze the loaf. For freshest taste, consuming it within a week of purchase is recommended, or storing it in an airtight container in the freezer can preserve freshness for several months.