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What bread has the least amount of sodium per slice?

2 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 70% of the sodium Americans consume comes from packaged and restaurant foods. Finding out what bread has the least amount of sodium per slice is a critical step for anyone managing their sodium intake, as some brands contain zero milligrams of sodium.

Quick Summary

Several bread options contain extremely low or even zero milligrams of sodium per slice, making them ideal for managing a low-sodium diet. Specialized sprouted grain breads and no-salt-added varieties are the top choices, but careful label reading is essential.

Key Points

  • Zero Sodium Leaders: Food For Life's Ezekiel 4:9 Low Sodium Sprouted Whole Grain and Angelic Bakehouse's Sprouted No Salt Added breads are the top zero-sodium choices.

  • Very Low Sodium Alternatives: Alvarado Street Bakery and Kroger Round Top offer excellent low-sodium options for those needing a more conventional texture.

  • Label Reading is Key: Always check the nutrition label, as some 'healthy' breads can still have high sodium content. Look for options with 140 mg or less per slice.

  • Freezer Aisle Finds: Salt-free and very low-sodium breads often lack preservatives and are typically found in the freezer section of grocery stores.

  • Home Baking is Optimal Control: Baking your own bread provides maximum control over sodium content and is the most reliable method for achieving salt-free results.

  • Portion Size Matters: Thin-sliced breads and smaller sandwich thins naturally contain less sodium per serving.

  • Mind Other Ingredients: Reduce overall sodium in sandwiches by using low-sodium spreads and fillings in addition to low-sodium bread.

In This Article

Why Sodium is a Concern in Bread

Salt (sodium chloride) is commonly used in commercial bread to control yeast, strengthen gluten, and extend shelf life. This makes bread a significant source of dietary sodium, and excessive intake is linked to high blood pressure and heart disease. Choosing low-sodium bread is important for individuals managing these health conditions.

The Winners: Salt-Free and Very Low-Sodium Breads

The lowest-sodium breads are typically specialized salt-free or low-sodium sprouted grain varieties often found in the freezer section.

Top Zero-Sodium Options

  • Food For Life Ezekiel 4:9 Low Sodium Sprouted Whole Grain Bread: Contains 0 mg of sodium per slice and is made from sprouted grains and legumes.
  • Angelic Bakehouse Sprouted No Salt Added Bread: Also contains 0 mg of sodium per slice, made from sprouted grains with a milder flavor.

Very Low-Sodium Option

  • Alvarado Street Bakery No Salt Added Sprouted Bread: Contains just 10 mg of sodium per slice and has a soft texture.

A Comparison of Popular Low-Sodium Breads

Here is a table comparing the sodium content of various low-sodium bread options:

Brand Product Sodium (mg) per slice Notes
Food For Life Ezekiel 4:9 Low Sodium Sprouted Whole Grain 0 mg Zero added salt; freezer section.
Angelic Bakehouse Sprouted No Salt Added 0 mg Zero added salt; soft texture.
Alvarado Street Bakery No Salt Added Sprouted Multigrain 10 mg Very low sodium; good taste/texture.
Kroger Round Top Low Sodium Wheat Bread 25 mg Classic wheat flavor.
Pepperidge Farm Light Style Soft Wheat 65 mg Light and fluffy.
Dave's Killer Bread 21 Whole Grains and Seeds Thin-Sliced 105 mg Hearty, thin slices.
Sara Lee 100% Whole Wheat 110 mg Accessible; soft texture.
Nature's Own 100% Whole Grain Sugar Free Bread 125 mg Widely available; also sugar-free.

Finding the Best Low-Sodium Bread for Your Needs

Choose based on dietary needs and preference. Salt-free sprouted options are lowest in sodium but have a denser texture and are found in the freezer. More conventional low-sodium breads like Kroger Round Top or Pepperidge Farm Light Style are easier to find in regular aisles. For a heartier loaf with modest sodium, Dave's Killer Bread is an option.

Other Strategies to Reduce Sodium in Your Bread Consumption

  • Bake Your Own: Homemade bread allows complete control over salt content.
  • Read Labels: Check the nutrition panel; look for 140 mg or less per serving.
  • Choose Thinner Slices: Smaller slices or thin varieties naturally contain less sodium.
  • Consider Condiments: Reduce sodium by using low-sodium fillings and spreads in sandwiches.

Conclusion

For the absolute lowest sodium, Food For Life Ezekiel 4:9 and Angelic Bakehouse No Salt Added (both 0 mg) are top choices. However, various other store-bought breads offer a good low-sodium balance. Reading labels, exploring brands, and making your own bread are effective ways to manage sodium intake while enjoying bread. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Food For Life (Ezekiel 4:9 Low Sodium Sprouted Whole Grain) and Angelic Bakehouse (Sprouted No Salt Added) are two of the most popular brands offering zero-sodium bread options.

Yes, many regular grocery stores carry low-sodium bread, though the best options are often in the freezer section. Brands like Kroger and Sara Lee offer lower-sodium versions in the standard bread aisle.

The sodium content in standard white bread can vary significantly but often ranges from 120 mg to over 160 mg per slice. Always check the nutrition facts for the specific product.

Salt is added to bread for flavor, to control yeast fermentation, to strengthen the gluten structure for better texture, and to act as a preservative. It is a multi-functional ingredient.

Salt-free bread can taste different from bread with added salt, with some people describing the flavor as less pronounced. The nutty flavor of sprouted grains can compensate for the lack of salt in many zero-sodium varieties.

No, not all whole grain breads are low in sodium. Many whole grain and multi-grain breads contain high levels of salt. It is essential to read the nutrition label to confirm the sodium content of any bread product.

Yes, it is relatively simple to make homemade low-sodium bread. Many recipes exist that allow you to control the exact amount of salt or remove it entirely. This method is the best way to guarantee a low-sodium product.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

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