Is Sara Lee honey wheat bread a healthy bread? A nutritional deep dive

January 1, 2026 •

2 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), Sara Lee Honey Wheat bread has been classified as a product with high processing concerns, containing added sugars and refined ingredients. For consumers wondering, "Is Sara Lee honey wheat bread a healthy bread?", a closer look at the facts is necessary.

Quick Summary

Analyzing Sara Lee honey wheat bread's nutrition reveals its primary ingredient is enriched flour, which is not a whole grain. This bread contains low fiber and added sugar, classifying it as a processed food rather than a truly healthy option, unlike 100% whole grain varieties.

Key Points

Enriched Flour is Primary: Sara Lee Honey Wheat bread is made primarily with refined, enriched flour, not 100% whole grain flour.
Low in Fiber: Despite containing some whole wheat, the bread offers less than 1 gram of dietary fiber per slice, unlike true whole grain options.
Contains Added Sugars: Both honey and sugar are listed as ingredients, contributing to the added sugar content that can impact blood sugar.
High Processing Concerns: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has classified this bread as having high processing concerns due to its ingredients and manufacturing process.
Look for '100% Whole Grain': For a truly healthy choice, look for breads with a '100% Whole Grain' label, where whole wheat is the first ingredient.
Choose Alternatives: Healthier bread alternatives include 100% whole wheat, sprouted grain, or sourdough, which offer more fiber and nutrients.

Understanding the Ingredients: Enriched vs. Whole Grain

While the name suggests a wholesome product, a key factor in determining if Sara Lee honey wheat bread is healthy is its primary ingredient: enriched wheat flour. This is different from whole wheat flour.

Why Enriched Flour is Not a Whole Grain

Whole grains include the bran, germ, and endosperm, providing fiber and nutrients. Enriched flour is processed, removing the bran and germ, thus losing significant fiber and other beneficial components. Although some nutrients are added back, it's less nutritious than 100% whole grain flour.

The Impact of Added Sugar

Sara Lee Honey Wheat bread includes both honey and sugar in its ingredients. Added sugars contribute empty calories and can lead to blood sugar fluctuations. Ideally, healthy bread should contain minimal added sugar, preferably 1 gram or less per slice.

Comparing Sara Lee Honey Wheat to 100% Whole Wheat

To evaluate if Sara Lee honey wheat bread is a healthy bread, compare its nutritional profile to a genuinely whole grain option. Key differences include:


Feature	Sara Lee Honey Wheat Bread	True 100% Whole Wheat Bread
Primary Ingredient	Enriched Wheat Flour	100% Whole Wheat Flour
Fiber per Slice	<1 gram	At least 2-3 grams
Whole Grain Content	Mostly refined grains	100% whole grains
Nutrient Density	Fortified but less natural nutrients/fiber	Naturally high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants
Glycemic Index	Potentially higher	Lower
Added Sugars	Includes honey and sugar	Often minimal or no added sugar

The Issue with Misleading Labels

Labels like “honey wheat” can be deceptive. Despite containing the word “wheat,” the bread's primary flour is refined. Always check the ingredient list for “100% whole wheat” as the first ingredient or look for a Whole Grains Council stamp for a truly healthy choice.

Healthier Bread Alternatives

For genuinely healthy bread, consider alternatives with more fiber, nutrients, and whole grains:

100% Whole Wheat Bread: Ensure “100% whole wheat flour” is the first ingredient.
Sprouted Grain Bread: Offers increased nutrients and may be easier to digest.
Sourdough Bread: Fermentation may improve gut health and provide a lower glycemic index. Check for minimal additives.
Seeded Breads: Provide extra fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

While Sara Lee honey wheat bread is low in fat and lacks high fructose corn syrup, its use of enriched flour and added sugars means it is not a truly healthy bread. It is a processed product with limited fiber and whole grain content. For better digestive health, stable blood sugar, and overall wellness, opt for breads made with 100% whole grains and minimal added sugars. Reading ingredient labels is crucial to making healthy choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Sara Lee honey wheat bread is made primarily with enriched wheat flour, which is a refined grain, with some whole wheat flour added. It is not a 100% whole grain product.

Sara Lee Honey Wheat bread contains added sugars, including both sugar and honey, which are listed on the ingredient panel. While the amount can vary by version, for truly healthy bread, experts suggest aiming for 1 gram or less of added sugar per slice.

Enriched flour is created by stripping the bran and germ from the wheat kernel during milling, which removes fiber and other nutrients. While some vitamins are added back, the natural health benefits of the full grain are lost.

A better alternative would be a bread labeled '100% whole wheat' or '100% whole grain,' which ensures all parts of the grain kernel are included. Other excellent choices include sprouted grain or true sourdough bread.

To identify a truly whole grain bread, check the ingredient list for '100% whole wheat flour' as the first ingredient. You can also look for the Whole Grains Council stamp on the packaging.

While the 'Delightful' version has lower calories (45 per slice) and more whole grains than the standard honey wheat, it is still a processed bread. It is a better option than the standard version, but still less nutritious than a minimally processed 100% whole grain bread.

No, Sara Lee has stated their honey wheat bread does not contain high fructose corn syrup. However, it does contain other forms of added sugar, such as sugar and honey.