Tag: Packaged bread

A 2021 study in the journal *BMC Medicine* found a link between ultra-processed foods, including mass-produced white bread, and an increased risk of heart disease. This statistic highlights why many people question: "Is store-bought bread unhealthy?" and what to look for when choosing a loaf.

The National Baking Company, a family business with Jamaican roots dating back to the 1930s, first introduced sliced and wrapped bread to the island, a now-standard practice that was once a novelty. So, what are the ingredients in national bread? The answer depends on the specific loaf, but typically includes enriched wheat flour, sugar, salt, yeast, vegetable shortening, and various dough conditioners and preservatives.

According to the NOVA classification system, not all packaged breads are ultra-processed. While many commercially mass-produced loaves fall into this category, others are simply processed and may contain fewer additives, making the classification more nuanced than many people assume.

According to the NOVA classification system, mass-produced packaged bread is a primary example of an ultra-processed food. Understanding what bread is considered ultra-processed requires looking beyond marketing claims and deep into the manufacturing methods and ingredient lists.

While traditional homemade bread relies on just four ingredients—flour, water, yeast, and salt—most store-bought white bread contains a longer list. These additional ingredients, including conditioners, preservatives, and fortifiers, are added to create a consistent, soft texture and significantly extend the product's shelf life. Understanding what are the ingredients in store-bought white bread can shed light on why it differs so much from its homemade counterpart.

According to the Federation of Bakers, over 9 million loaves of bread are eaten daily in the UK alone. This highlights a universal love for this staple food, but raises the question: Is fresh bread better than packaged bread, or is convenience king?