What are the ingredients in Pepperidge Farm Thin Sliced Sourdough bread?

November 8, 2025 •

2 min read

Did you know that authentic sourdough bread is typically made with just three ingredients—flour, water, and salt—while commercial versions often contain a much longer list of additives? This article will reveal what are the ingredients in Pepperidge Farm Thin Sliced Sourdough bread, offering a detailed breakdown of its components and comparing them to traditional recipes.

Quick Summary

A detailed look into the ingredients of Pepperidge Farm Thin Sliced Sourdough, including enriched flour, commercial yeast, multiple additives, and preservatives for extended freshness.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: Based on enriched wheat flour, water, commercial yeast, and fermented wheat flour.
Flavoring vs. Fermentation: Tangy flavor from added fermented wheat flour and lactic acid, not traditional starter fermentation.
Shelf-Life Extenders: Contains preservatives like calcium propionate and sorbic acid for freshness.
Texture Enhancers: Emulsifiers such as monoglycerides and soy lecithin improve texture.
Commercial vs. Authentic: Differs from true sourdough (flour, water, salt) with a shorter natural shelf life.

A Full Breakdown of the Ingredient List

To truly understand what goes into your sandwich, a close inspection of the label is necessary. The ingredient list for Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Thin Sliced Sourdough provides a complete picture of the bread's composition.

Primary Ingredients and Additives

The bread's composition includes enriched wheat flour, water, and commercial yeast. To achieve the tangy sourdough flavor, fermented wheat flour, lactic acid, and citric acid are added. Other ingredients like sugar, soybean and/or canola oil, rye flour, wheat gluten, salt, malted barley flour, soy lecithin, and whey are included to enhance flavor, texture, and shelf life. Preservatives such as Calcium Propionate and Sorbic Acid are used to prevent mold and extend freshness. For a full list of ingredients, see {Link: foodsco.net https://www.foodsco.net/p/pepperidge-farm-farmhouse-thin-sliced-sourdough-bread/0001410005599} or {Link: Pepperidge Farm website https://www.pepperidgefarm.com/product/farmhouse-sourdough-bread/}.

Comparison: Commercial vs. Authentic Sourdough

Comparing the ingredients reveals key differences between this commercial bread and authentic sourdough.


Feature	Pepperidge Farm Thin Sliced Sourdough	Authentic, Artisanal Sourdough
Leavening	Commercial baker's yeast	Wild yeast from a live sourdough starter
Flavoring	Added lactic acid and fermented wheat flour	Naturally developed acids from long fermentation
Shelf Life	Extended using preservatives	Shorter shelf life
Ingredients	Long list with additives and oils	Simple: flour, water, salt
Digestion	May be easier to digest for some	Longer fermentation may aid digestion for those with mild gluten sensitivity

Why So Many Ingredients?

The numerous additives in commercial bread like Pepperidge Farm sourdough are used for consistency, extended shelf life, and efficient mass production. This contrasts with the multi-day process of making authentic sourdough. Ingredients like emulsifiers and preservatives ensure uniform loaves that stay soft and resist spoilage longer.

What Does "Sourdough" Really Mean Here?

The "sourdough" label is based on the inclusion of fermented ingredients and lactic acid for a tangy flavor. However, it lacks the traditional long fermentation of authentic sourdough, which offers benefits like improved nutrient absorption. This bread is a commercial product designed for flavor consistency rather than the unique characteristics of a genuinely fermented loaf.

Reading the Label for Quality

For healthier options, examine bread labels. Look for 100% whole grain flour listed first and shorter ingredient lists. You can find more information about Pepperidge Farm products on their website. Understanding the difference between authentic and commercial sourdough helps manage expectations regarding flavor, texture, and nutrition.

Conclusion: A Convenient Alternative

The Pepperidge Farm Thin Sliced Sourdough bread is a convenient and widely available option. Its extensive ingredient list provides a long shelf life and consistent taste. While it doesn't offer the complexity or health benefits of a traditional long-fermented sourdough, it serves as a reliable, tangy choice for everyday use.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it does not use a traditional live sourdough starter. Instead, it utilizes commercial yeast for leavening and adds fermented wheat flour and lactic acid to mimic the tangy sourdough flavor.

Authentic sourdough is leavened with a naturally fermented starter of wild yeast and bacteria, while the Pepperidge Farm version uses commercial yeast and various additives, including preservatives and emulsifiers, for a longer shelf life and consistent texture.

Yes, the bread contains preservatives like Calcium Propionate and Sorbic Acid, which are added to extend its shelf life by preventing mold growth.

No, product information confirms that Pepperidge Farm Thin Sliced Sourdough does not contain high fructose corn syrup.

Enriched wheat flour is the primary flour base, and it has been fortified with nutrients such as niacin, reduced iron, and B vitamins that are typically lost during the milling process.

Soybean and/or canola oil are included to improve the bread's texture, ensuring a soft crumb and contributing to its extended shelf life.

While the presence of fermented ingredients and lactic acid might offer some mild digestive benefits, it is not the same as a long-fermented authentic sourdough. The degree of digestive ease varies by individual.