Navigating the World of Gluten-Free Bread
Choosing gluten-free bread can be a challenging task, with options ranging from dense, crumbly loaves to those that surprisingly mimic their gluten-containing counterparts. The key lies in understanding different brands and types, as well as being aware of what makes a high-quality loaf. While the absence of gluten can affect elasticity and structure, many manufacturers and home bakers have mastered techniques to produce excellent results.
Top-Rated Store-Bought Gluten-Free Breads
The market for pre-packaged gluten-free bread has expanded significantly, offering a variety of choices. Our research and taste tests point to several brands that consistently deliver on taste, texture, and quality.
Little Northern Bakehouse
Widely praised for its texture and flavor, Little Northern Bakehouse is a favorite for many. Its White Wide Slice bread is often tied for the best-tasting and best-sized gluten-free bread, making it ideal for sandwiches. The slices are a good size and hold up well, whether enjoyed fresh or toasted. Their range also includes different flavors and buns.
Carbonaut
If an authentic, classic white bread experience is what you seek, Carbonaut is a top contender. With a soft, spongy, and springy texture, it stands out as one of the best for sandwiches. It’s a low-carb, keto-friendly option that many report is the closest they've found to traditional white bread, and it's also excellent for toasting.
Canyon Bakehouse
As one of the most recognizable and widely available brands, Canyon Bakehouse offers reliability and a variety of options. Their 7-Grain bread is a popular, nutrient-dense choice, though some of their loaves can have smaller slices. Their products are shelf-stable and available both refrigerated and on the bread aisle.
Schär
An artisan bakery with a long history in gluten-free products, Schär is known for its Artisan Baker White Bread and deli-style sourdough. While some earlier reviews were mixed, newer formulations have improved their quality, offering a non-crumbly texture that holds up well for lunches.
Food for Life
For those prioritizing nutrition, Food for Life offers excellent options like their Sprouted Gluten-Free Flax Bread, made from sprouted grains and seeds. It is often packed with fiber, protein, and Omega-3s. Food for Life uses nutrient-dense flours and avoids many common allergens.
Comparison of Popular Gluten-Free Breads
| Brand | Best For | Texture | Slices | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Northern Bakehouse | Sandwiches, General Use | Soft, pliable, 'bready' | Standard/Wide | Good taste and versatility |
| Carbonaut | Sandwiches, Classic White | Soft, squishy, low-carb | Larger | Tastes like traditional white bread |
| Canyon Bakehouse | Toast, Accessibility | Solid, wide variety | Smaller (standard), Larger (Heritage) | Shelf-stable, widely available |
| Schar | Sandwiches, General Use | Holds together well | Medium | Improved texture, good for lunches |
| Food for Life | Nutrition, Sprouted Grains | Hearty, dense | Standard | Loaded with seeds, excellent fiber |
Making Your Own: The Homemade Advantage
Baking your own gluten-free bread gives you complete control over ingredients, flavor, and texture. While challenging, the results can be highly rewarding.
Common ingredients in homemade gluten-free bread:
- Flour Blend: Instead of a single flour, many recipes use a blend of options like brown rice flour, tapioca flour, sorghum flour, and millet flour to create a balanced taste and texture.
- Binding Agents: Since gluten is absent, gums like xanthan gum or natural binders like psyllium husk are essential for structure and elasticity.
- Moisture and Leavening: Ingredients like eggs (or egg replacers), vinegar, and yeast work to create rise and keep the crumb from being too dense.
Gluten-Free Bread Alternatives
For those with additional allergies or simply looking for different options, several alternatives exist.
- Almond Flour Roti: This low-carb, pliable flatbread uses almond flour and psyllium husk for a soft texture.
- Chickpea Flour Bread: A savory alternative that is high in protein and can be baked in a skillet.
- Cauliflower Thins: A low-carb, grain-free option that can be used for sandwiches or as a base for mini pizzas.
- Lentil Bread: Flourless bread made from soaked and blended lentils, offering a rustic texture.
Maximizing Your Gluten-Free Bread Experience
Choosing the Right Bread for Your Needs
- Read Labels Carefully: Check ingredients for added sugars, fats, and starches, which can compromise nutritional value. Look for fortified breads to ensure adequate vitamin and mineral intake, especially calcium and iron.
- Consider Purpose: If you need a bread that holds up well for sandwiches, look for brands specifically recommended for that use, like Carbonaut or Little Northern Bakehouse. For toast, drier varieties that crisp up nicely might be preferable.
- Prioritize Fiber and Protein: Search for breads made with whole grains like sorghum, brown rice, or pseudo-cereals like amaranth and quinoa, as these are often higher in fiber and protein.
Proper Storage and Handling
- Store Long-Term in the Freezer: Many gluten-free breads are sold frozen or vacuum-sealed because they lack preservatives and go stale faster than wheat bread. Freezing is the best method for long-term storage and preserves quality for several months.
- Slice Before Freezing: If freezing a whole loaf, pre-slice it and place parchment paper between slices to make it easy to remove individual portions without thawing the entire loaf.
- Toast from Frozen: For best results, many gluten-free breads should be toasted directly from the freezer. This improves texture and flavor.
- Avoid the Fridge: Refrigeration can cause gluten-free bread to go stale faster by speeding up the retrogradation of starches.
Conclusion
The landscape of gluten-free bread offers a diverse range of choices, from robust, nutrient-rich loaves to light, pillowy slices designed for the perfect sandwich. While the journey to finding the right fit for your palate and dietary needs can involve some trial and error, brands like Little Northern Bakehouse, Carbonaut, Canyon Bakehouse, and Food for Life provide a solid starting point. Beyond store-bought options, homemade recipes and alternative bread substitutes offer further customization and control. By paying attention to ingredients and storage, and understanding the unique properties of these breads, it's entirely possible to find a delicious and satisfying gluten-free loaf for every occasion. Ultimately, the best choice depends on what you value most—be it texture, taste, nutritional content, or ease of access.
