Nutrition Diet: What Bread Brand Is Gluten Free? A Comprehensive Guide

October 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a June 2025 analysis of the gluten-free market, a growing number of consumers are seeking alternatives to traditional bread, driven by celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, and personal dietary choices. Navigating the many options can be overwhelming, which is why we’ve created this guide to help you find the answer to the crucial question: what bread brand is gluten free?

Quick Summary

This article explores popular gluten-free bread brands, including Canyon Bakehouse, Schar, and Little Northern Bakehouse, comparing their ingredients, nutritional value, and texture. It provides key insights for those on a gluten-free diet to make informed purchasing decisions based on personal needs and preferences.

Key Points

Look for Certifications: Always check for a certified gluten-free label (like GFCO) to ensure safety, especially for those with celiac disease.
Choose Whole Grains: Prioritize brands that use nutrient-dense whole grains like sorghum and millet over excessive starches for better nutritional content and fiber.
Know the Brands: Reputable brands like Canyon Bakehouse, Schar, Little Northern Bakehouse, and Franz offer a variety of reliable and tasty options.
Consider Ingredients: Be aware that gluten-free bread uses binders like xanthan gum to replicate the structure of gluten, so a shorter ingredient list is often preferable.
Shop Strategically: Find quality gluten-free bread at major retailers, natural food stores, and online marketplaces, with many options available in the freezer section.
Assess Your Needs: The best choice depends on your specific dietary requirements, taste preferences, and whether you need it for sandwiches, toast, or other uses.

Understanding Gluten-Free Bread

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, completely eliminating gluten is essential for symptom management and overall health. Since traditional bread is typically made with wheat flour, a primary source of gluten, it's a common concern for those newly transitioning to a gluten-free diet. Fortunately, the market for gluten-free products has expanded significantly, offering numerous alternatives that are both safe and delicious. The key is to know what to look for, from ingredients to certification.

Common Ingredients in Gluten-Free Bread

Since gluten-free bread lacks the binding protein that gives regular bread its structure, manufacturers use alternative ingredients and binders to achieve a similar texture. These can include:

Gluten-Free Flours: Rice flour, sorghum flour, buckwheat flour, millet flour, and teff flour are all common replacements for wheat flour.
Starches: Tapioca starch, potato starch, and cornstarch are often used to create a lighter, softer texture.
Binders and Gums: Xanthan gum, guar gum, and psyllium husk powder are crucial for providing structure and elasticity to the dough.
Seeds and Grains: Many brands add nutrient-dense seeds like flax, chia, and sunflower, which also add fiber.

The Importance of Certification

When buying gluten-free bread, checking for a certified gluten-free label is critical, especially for those with celiac disease. This certification ensures that the product contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten and was produced in a facility that follows strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination. The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) is one of the most recognized third-party certifications.

Popular Gluten-Free Bread Brands

Numerous brands have made a name for themselves in the gluten-free market, offering a variety of options that cater to different tastes and needs. Here are some of the most highly-rated and widely available brands based on recent reviews and market presence:

Canyon Bakehouse: A standout for sandwiches, their Heritage Style loaves are praised for their soft texture and wide slices that hold up well. They offer a range of flavors, including Country White and Mountain White.
Schar: With a long history in the gluten-free baking world, Schar offers a wide variety of baked goods, including artisan baker loaves, seeded bread, and flatbreads. Many of their products are also egg and dairy-free.
Little Northern Bakehouse: This brand focuses on Seeds & Grains options and is known for its allergy-friendly status, being free from dairy, eggs, and nuts, in addition to gluten. Their slices are often wide and soft.
Udi's: For those new to gluten-free bread, Udi's offers a mild-flavored and widely available option, though it may be less dense than other brands. Udi's is available in white and multigrain varieties.
Franz: Their Gluten-Free 7 Grain is noted for its satisfying, chewy texture and nutrient-dense, natural ingredients.
Trader Joe's: A budget-friendly and accessible option for everyday use, their Whole Grain GF bread is a reliable choice for toast and sandwiches.

Comparison of Top Gluten-Free Breads


Brand	Best For	Texture	Loaf Size	Key Features
Canyon Bakehouse	Sandwiches, Toast	Soft, holds together well	Heritage loaves are larger	Dairy-, nut-, and soy-free
Schar	Versatility	Firm, good for sandwiches	Medium	Wide range of products, includes seeded options
Little Northern Bakehouse	Toast, Toppings	Soft with seedy texture	Wide slices	Allergy-friendly, vegan options
Franz	Hearty Sandwiches	Chewy, rich	Standard	Full of whole seeds and natural ingredients
Udi's	Beginners, Mild Taste	Spongy, mild	Standard	Easy to find, toasts well
Carbonaut	Low-Carb, Toasting	Firm, toasts evenly	Standard	Keto-friendly, low net carbs

Finding Your Ideal Gluten-Free Bread

Choosing the right gluten-free bread goes beyond simply avoiding gluten. The best option for you depends on your personal preferences and dietary requirements.

What to Consider When Choosing

Ingredients: Look for loaves with whole grains high on the ingredient list rather than relying heavily on starches and additives. A shorter, more recognizable ingredient list is often a sign of a healthier option.
Texture and Taste: The texture and taste of gluten-free bread can vary significantly between brands. Some are denser, while others are light and spongy. Consider whether you prefer a seedy, grainy loaf or a mild, white bread for your needs.
Dietary Needs: If you have other allergies, such as dairy, egg, or soy, ensure you check the label carefully, as some gluten-free products may contain these. Many brands offer dedicated vegan or allergen-free options.
Where to Buy: While mainstream stores carry some options, you may find a wider selection in the freezer section or at specialty natural food stores like Whole Foods or Sprouts. Online ordering is also a viable option for many brands, like Simple Kneads or Canyon Bakehouse.

Conclusion

For those on a nutrition diet requiring the elimination of gluten, finding a reliable and delicious bread is now more accessible than ever. By focusing on certified gluten-free products and understanding the different brands and ingredients available, you can easily find a loaf that suits your taste and health needs. Brands like Canyon Bakehouse, Schar, and Little Northern Bakehouse are top contenders, each with unique strengths. Remember to check labels, prioritize nutrient-dense ingredients, and don't be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect gluten-free loaf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brands like Canyon Bakehouse Heritage Style and Little Northern Bakehouse Wide Slice are often recommended for sandwiches because they have a wider slice and hold together well without crumbling.

Regular sourdough bread made with wheat flour is not gluten-free and is unsafe for people with celiac disease. However, there are certified gluten-free sourdough brands, such as Bread SRSLY and Simple Kneads, that use gluten-free flours.

Not necessarily. Gluten-free bread is only truly beneficial for people who must avoid gluten for medical reasons. Many gluten-free loaves can be higher in refined starches and lower in fiber and nutrients compared to their whole-grain wheat counterparts, so reading the ingredients is key.

Without gluten to provide structure, gluten-free bread relies on alternative binders like xanthan gum, guar gum, or psyllium husk powder to prevent it from being crumbly. The specific blend of gluten-free flours, like rice and tapioca, also significantly impacts the final texture.

Major supermarkets typically carry mainstream brands like Udi's and Schar, often in the freezer section or an allergen-free aisle. Natural food stores, such as Whole Foods and Sprouts, offer a wider selection, including artisan and local brands. Online stores also provide many specialty options.

Yes, most gluten-free bread toasts well, and toasting can actually improve the texture and flavor. For many brands, toasting is the preferred method of preparation. Brands with seeds and grains, like Carbonaut, are especially good for toasting.

Gluten-free bread can dry out faster than regular bread. It is best stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Freezing is recommended for long-term storage and can help preserve freshness. Wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.

No, not all gluten-free breads are dairy-free. Always check the ingredients list. While some brands are entirely free of major allergens like dairy and eggs (such as Little Northern Bakehouse), others may contain them.