What Are the Ingredients in Ezekiel Bread? A Look at the Biblical Grains

October 30, 2025 •

3 min read

Inspired by a verse from the biblical Book of Ezekiel, Ezekiel bread is a unique, flourless loaf made from a powerful combination of sprouted grains and legumes. This careful selection of ingredients, mentioned in Ezekiel 4:9, is precisely what gives the bread its distinctive nutritional profile and dense, nutty flavor.

Quick Summary

Ezekiel bread is made from a combination of six sprouted grains and legumes, including wheat, barley, millet, spelt, lentils, and soybeans, resulting in a nutrient-dense, complete protein source.

Key Points

Sprouted Whole Grains: Ezekiel bread is made from sprouted wheat, barley, millet, and spelt, not conventional flour.
Legumes for Complete Protein: It includes sprouted lentils and soybeans, which combine with the grains to form a complete plant-based protein.
Nutrient Bioavailability: Sprouting reduces phytic acid, which allows the body to absorb more vitamins and minerals from the grains.
No Added Sugar or Preservatives: The original recipe is free of added sugars and artificial preservatives, making it a cleaner bread option.
Improved Digestibility: The germination process pre-digests some starches and proteins, which may make the bread easier to digest for some people.
Hearty Texture and Nutty Flavor: The dense texture and rich, nutty flavor are a direct result of the specific sprouted grains and legumes used.

The Core Six: Grains and Legumes

Ezekiel bread, particularly the Food for Life brand, is known for its distinctive blend of six organic, sprouted ingredients, inspired by the biblical verse Ezekiel 4:9. Unlike conventional bread made with ground flour, Ezekiel uses whole, sprouted grains and legumes.

Four Cereal Grains: Sprouted organic wheat, barley, millet, and spelt contribute to the bread's texture and nutty flavor profile.
Two Legumes: Sprouted organic lentils and soybeans are included, which, when combined with the grains, create a complete protein source.

Other ingredients typically include filtered water, yeast, organic wheat gluten, and sea salt, with some varieties containing malted barley for a touch of sweetness.

The Power of Sprouting: Why It Matters

Sprouting involves germinating the grains and legumes before using them. This process can enhance nutrient availability by breaking down phytic acid, an antinutrient that hinders the absorption of minerals like iron, calcium, and zinc. Sprouting can also make the bread easier to digest for some individuals by partially breaking down starches and proteins, and may contribute to a lower glycemic index compared to unsprouted grains.

Ezekiel Bread vs. Standard Whole Wheat Bread


Feature	Ezekiel Bread	Standard Whole Wheat Bread
Preparation	Made from freshly sprouted grains and legumes, not ground flour.	Typically made from ground, unsprouted whole wheat flour.
Complete Protein	Contains all nine essential amino acids due to the combination of grains and legumes.	Protein is often incomplete unless combined with other foods.
Sugar	No added sugar in the original variety.	Can contain added sugars for flavor and texture.
Preservatives	No preservatives, requires refrigeration or freezing.	Often contains preservatives to extend shelf life.
Digestibility	Sprouting breaks down some starches and gluten, potentially improving digestibility for some individuals.	Can be harder to digest for some sensitive to unsprouted grains.
Fiber	High in fiber from multiple sources.	High in fiber, but often from a single source.

What Makes Ezekiel a Complete Plant Protein?

The combination of sprouted grains and legumes in Ezekiel bread provides all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. This is notable for a plant-based food, offering a protein quality comparable to animal sources like eggs or milk. This makes it a valuable option for vegetarians, vegans, and those seeking to increase plant-based protein intake.

Important Considerations: Gluten and Storage

Despite being flourless, Ezekiel bread contains gluten from wheat, barley, and spelt and is not suitable for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity. While some with mild sensitivity may find it more digestible due to sprouting, it is not guaranteed. Due to the absence of preservatives, Ezekiel bread must be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent spoilage. It is commonly found in the freezer section of grocery stores.

Conclusion: The Whole-Food Advantage

Ezekiel bread's ingredients distinguish it from standard loaves. The use of sprouted, organic whole grains and legumes results in a nutrient-dense, complete protein bread with a potentially lower glycemic impact and improved digestibility. With a simple ingredient list free from added sugars and preservatives, it represents a whole-food approach to bread making. It offers a hearty, wholesome alternative for various dietary needs.

For more information on the process and products, you can visit the Food For Life company website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Ezekiel bread is not gluten-free. It is made with wheat, barley, and spelt, all of which contain gluten. People with celiac disease or a serious gluten intolerance should avoid it.

Yes, research suggests that sprouted grain breads like Ezekiel have a lower glycemic index than many whole-grain breads, leading to a smaller impact on blood sugar levels.

Ezekiel bread is stored in the freezer because it contains no preservatives. This prevents it from molding quickly and helps maintain its freshness.

Due to its high protein and fiber content, Ezekiel bread can help you feel full for longer, potentially aiding in weight management. However, portion control is still important.

Benefits include increased nutrient absorption, improved digestion, a lower glycemic impact, and a higher content of protein and fiber compared to regular bread.

Ezekiel bread has a hearty, nutty flavor and a dense, chewy texture. It is often described as especially delicious when toasted, which enhances its rich taste.

Yes, you can make a version of Ezekiel bread at home by sprouting whole grains and legumes yourself before grinding them into a paste for baking. Recipes are widely available online.