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What brand of bread doesn't have gluten?

4 min read

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, approximately 1% of the population suffers from celiac disease, making certified gluten-free options a medical necessity for many. If you're wondering what brand of bread doesn't have gluten, popular and reliable options include Canyon Bakehouse, Schär, Little Northern Bakehouse, and Udi's.

Quick Summary

Several brands offer delicious gluten-free bread options for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Brands like Canyon Bakehouse, Schär, and Little Northern Bakehouse are widely available in supermarkets and online, offering various flavors and textures to suit different preferences. Choosing the right loaf depends on factors like ingredients, taste, and texture.

Key Points

  • Leading Brands: Many reputable brands like Canyon Bakehouse, Schär, Little Northern Bakehouse, and Udi's produce certified gluten-free bread.

  • Read Labels Carefully: Always check for the official 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo and the ingredient list to ensure no cross-contamination and to identify whole-grain content.

  • Consider Texture: Gluten-free bread textures vary widely. Some are soft and fluffy (Little Northern Bakehouse), while others are denser (Schär), often improving with toasting.

  • Storage Tips: Most gluten-free breads have a shorter shelf life and are best kept frozen to maintain freshness and prevent staleness.

  • Nutritional Content: Don't assume gluten-free means healthier. Some options can be high in starches and lack fiber, so look for whole grains and simple ingredient lists.

  • Taste-Test to Discover: The best bread is a matter of personal preference. Experiment with different brands and flavors to find what you enjoy most.

  • Check Online and Local Stores: While many brands are widely available, some artisanal or regional options may be found online or in specialty stores like health food shops.

In This Article

Popular Gluten-Free Bread Brands

Many brands now offer high-quality gluten-free bread that tastes great and holds up well for sandwiches and toast. These options are suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity and are widely available in grocery stores, health food shops, and online marketplaces.

Canyon Bakehouse

Known for widespread availability in major supermarkets, often in the fresh or frozen bread aisle, Canyon Bakehouse offers varieties like Ancient Grain and Mountain White. It's frequently praised for a soft texture and pleasant chewiness, closely resembling traditional bread. Made with whole-grain ingredients such as sorghum, brown rice, and millet, their products are certified gluten-free and frequently free from other common allergens like nuts, dairy, and soy.

Schär

Schär is a well-established brand offering both frozen and shelf-stable options. Popular varieties include Artisan Baker Multigrain and Deli Style Sourdough. Schär is known for a firm texture and often uses ingredients like millet and quinoa for flavor. The brand also provides a wide selection of gluten-free baked goods beyond sliced bread.

Little Northern Bakehouse

A Canadian brand with growing distribution, Little Northern Bakehouse is recognized for high-quality products like their White Wide Slice. The brand is highly rated for its soft, light texture that is enjoyable straight from the bag or toasted and uses various gluten-free grains for good taste.

Udi's Gluten-Free

Udi's is a widely recognized brand commonly found in the freezer section. Varieties include Multigrain and White Sandwich Bread. Udi's bread generally has a soft, mild flavor, although the texture can sometimes be slightly spongy. It is made using a blend of modified tapioca starch, rice flour, and rice starch.

Key Considerations When Choosing Gluten-Free Bread

Several factors beyond brand influence your choice of gluten-free bread. Always examine the labels closely to confirm the product aligns with your dietary needs.

  • Certification: Opt for the Certified Gluten-Free label from organizations like the GFCO, which guarantees the product contains less than 20 ppm of gluten.
  • Nutritional Value: Be mindful that some gluten-free breads rely on refined starches and may be lower in fiber and protein. Prioritize options with whole grains or legumes like quinoa or buckwheat for better nutrition.
  • Texture: Experimentation is key to finding a texture you prefer, as options range from soft and pliable to denser and more crumbly.
  • Storage: Many gluten-free breads have a limited shelf life and are sold frozen to maintain quality. Freezing is recommended for extending freshness at home.

Comparison of Popular Gluten-Free Bread Brands

Feature Canyon Bakehouse Schär Little Northern Bakehouse Udi's
Best For Overall flavor and texture Toasting and deli sandwiches Great taste straight from the bag Mild flavor and widely available
Texture Soft, with a good chew Firm and chewy Soft and light Spongy and soft
Ingredients Whole grains: sorghum, brown rice, millet Millet and quinoa blends Variety of gluten-free grains Starches like tapioca and rice
Common Use Sandwiches and toast Toast and sandwiches Fresh sandwiches Toast and sandwiches
Price Mid-range to premium Mid-range Premium Mid-range

Other Noteworthy Brands and Considerations

A variety of other brands and approaches can meet gluten-free bread needs.

Additional Brands

Brands such as Three Bakers, Franz Gluten Free, Against The Grain, and Aldi's liveGfree offer diverse options in texture and style, from soft loaves to baguettes and budget-friendly choices. Bread SRSLY is a popular option for gluten-free sourdough.

Homemade and Health Aspects

Baking gluten-free bread at home allows for ingredient control. When choosing store-bought options, be aware that not all are inherently healthier than traditional bread; some may contain higher amounts of fats, sodium, or sugar. Prioritize options with whole grains and a minimal number of ingredients for better nutritional value. For more on recipes, you can find resources on food blogs and specialty sites.

Conclusion

The market for gluten-free bread has expanded significantly, offering numerous options from major brands to artisanal producers. Consumers can find loaves with various textures and flavors to suit their preferences for sandwiches or toast. Trying different brands is recommended to discover personal favorites. For those managing celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the availability of delicious gluten-free bread supports a path to better digestive health and a more enjoyable diet. For further details on gluten-free diets and gut health, resources like Johns Hopkins Medicine provide valuable information.

Tips for Enjoying Gluten-Free Bread

  • Proper Storage: Freeze bread to prolong freshness, as many gluten-free varieties have a shorter shelf life.
  • Toasting: Toasting often enhances the texture and flavor, particularly for drier loaves.
  • Adding Moisture: Pair bread with moist toppings like avocado or hummus to combat dryness.
  • Verify Certification: Always look for the 'Certified Gluten-Free' symbol rather than just 'wheat-free' to avoid cross-contamination risks.
  • Customer Reviews: Reading online reviews can provide insights into taste and texture before purchasing.

Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity

Celiac disease requires a strict gluten-free diet as the primary treatment. Individuals with non-celiac gluten sensitivity also benefit from avoiding gluten to alleviate symptoms. The growing availability of appealing gluten-free products makes dietary management easier for both groups.

Outbound Link

For a reliable source of medical information on celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, visit the Johns Hopkins Medicine website.

Further Brand Exploration

Additional brands in the gluten-free market include Katz Gluten-Free, known for various baked goods; Food For Life, offering sprouted grain options; Pacha, specializing in organic, sprouted loaves; and Julian Bakery, which provides paleo and keto-friendly, almond-based bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Canyon Bakehouse is one of the most widely available gluten-free bread brands and can be found in most major supermarkets, often in the fresh and frozen bread sections.

According to the ingredient list for Udi's White Sandwich Bread, it is free from both dairy and soy, making it suitable for those with multiple allergen sensitivities.

Toasting is highly recommended for most gluten-free bread. It improves the texture, reducing any potential sponginess and enhancing the flavor.

No. While some gluten-free breads use refined starches and may be less nutritious, many brands focus on whole grains and minimal additives. Reading the ingredient list is key to finding healthier options.

Brands like Schär and Bread SRSLY offer gluten-free sourdough bread options. Bread SRSLY focuses exclusively on fermented, gluten-free sourdough.

Gluten-free bread often has a shorter shelf life due to the absence of gluten and specific preservatives. It is sold frozen to ensure maximum freshness.

Gluten-free bread is made from a variety of flours, including rice, sorghum, quinoa, buckwheat, and almond flour, often in a blend to achieve the best texture and flavor.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.