The Worst Bread Brands for Your Diet (and the Ones You Should Eat Instead)
Those who are trying to lose or maintain their weight may believe they shouldn't eat any bread at all. While some people have no problem giving up their delicious carbohydrates, it doesn't need to be an all-or-nothing situation.
There are bread brands that are surprisingly healthy - but just as many others that should be avoided! Knowledge is power, and if you want to remain healthy while enjoying carb-packed goodness, you'll want to know about these brands.
Worst: Stroehmann Dutch Country
The "100% whole wheat" name is a bit deceiving when it comes to Stroehmann Dutch Country bread.
This bread product has a bunch of cheap additives that make it overly processed. Ingredients such as mono- and diglycerides and ethoxylated mono- and diglycerides are extremely toxic. They can cause clogged arteries and are a human carcinogen.
Stroehmann Dutch Country is proof that rustic, old-fashioned branding doesn't necessarily mean something is healthier - it's just an attempt at clever advertising.
Best: Schmidt Old Tyme
One of the oldest bread brands that's still thriving today is Schmidt Old Tyme. After 135 years, the company is still able to offer a selection of healthy varieties.
Not only is its bread low-carb, it's also low-calorie and high-fiber. What's more, Schmidt's Old Tyme whole wheat bread is able to keep a fresh taste while being cholesterol-free and low in fat.
Bread was more nutritious back in the day, and it seems like Schmidt Old Tyme has stayed true to its roots.
Worst: Bimbo
While Bimbo bread products say they're made with whole grain, it's actually the third ingredient. The top two are white flour and water.
The reason why Bimbo bread is so unhealthy is the sugar content, and you'd be surprised to learn that the added sugar is actually higher in the wholegrain versions because Bimbo wanted this type as sweet as the company's white bread offerings.
It's interesting to see whole wheat bread with more sweeteners than white bread.
Best: Sola
Those on low-carb diets may want to give Sola a try, as its bread is high in protein and low in sugar. In order for it to have a naturally sweet flavor, it's made with the brand's signature Sola sweetener, which contains stevia, Allulose, erythritol and monk fruit.
While some might balk at any sort of sweetener that isn't sugar (or even sugar itself), this type is a cut above Sucralose or other artificial additives.
Worst: Sun-Maid
While Sun-Maid is best-known for selling raisins raisins, the company also makes cinnamon swirl raisin bread.
You should know: if a bread tastes like a dessert, then that's a sign it's significantly unhealthy. One slice of Sun-Maid's cinnamon swirl raisin bread has 100 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, 130 milligrams of sodium, 18 grams of carbs and eight grams of sugar.
There's nothing wrong with a treat from time to time, but no one should mistake this bread option for being healthy.
Best: Silver Hills
Those who want to try sprouted bread with tons of seeds and grains should consider getting Silver Hills.
This type of bread is easier for the body to digest and an excellent source of energy for the day. Healthline states sprouted grains can help with weight loss and prevent chronic diseases. It's a simple way to add on some nutritious goodness to something that's generally just seen as a carbohydrate powerhouse.
Worst: Sunbeam
There are many red flags when it comes to Sunbeam bread, especially the company's Texas toast. It's extra thick and contains a bunch of harmful additives, like soybean oil and calcium peroxide.
There's also an ingredient called azodicarbonamide, which is a material used in manufacturing yoga mats. It can cause health risks, such as asthma, allergies and cancer.
Bread should be simple, and these added chemicals are anything but.
Best: Oroweat
One of the greatest things about Oroweat is that the company strives to not include any additives, like high-fructose corn syrup or partially-hydrogenated oils, to their bread.
Oroweat has many healthy varieties that are both organic and non-GMO. The brand's original oatnut bread scores low on the Environmental Working Group (EWG) index, meaning it's not toxic to the body or the environment.
Even if the brand spells "wheat" weirdly, its bread is the real deal.
Worst: Sara Lee
Even though Sara Lee makes a ton of light, heart-healthy and whole-wheat options, the company still is one of the worst bread brands for a person's health.
Sara Lee is made with low-calorie fiber fillers, like wood-pulp-derived cellulose fiber and artificial sweeteners. These can damage gut health and throw off the brain's sugar calibration.
This really shouldn't come as much of a surprise, considering some of the brand's varieties literally advertise how full of butter they are.
Best: Nature's Own
Those looking for a lot of variety should feel fine eating Nature's Own. The brand doesn't use artificial colors, preservatives, flavors or high-fructose corn syrup. Nature's Own's bread also has no trans fat - the worst type of fat.
One of their healthiest options is the company's thick-sliced rye bread, which is low in fat and has no cholesterol. In general, it's a straightforward product you can feel good about eating.
Worst: Glutino
Consumers who are gluten-free are limited in the kinds of foods they can eat - and that's especially true for bread.
While Glutino prides itself on being a gluten-free bread. there are some things to reconsider. It's mostly made up of water, tapioca, and corn and potato starches, so there are little-to-no nutrients. For someone who can't eat gluten, it isn't a bad option for taste, but it has no real health benefits.
Best: Angelic Bakehouse
A sprouted bread brand that has proven health benefits is Angelic Bakehouse. Its seven-grain bread is low in sugar and high in protein and fiber. Angelic Bakehouse is great for those with gastrointestinal issues because its breads are free of nuts, dairy, eggs and high-fructose corn syrup, without sacrificing any flavor.
It's always good to have options that cater to people with allergic sensitivities.
Worst: King's Hawaiian
If there's one bread people should avoid at all costs, it's King's Hawaiian.
The company's are made up of nearly 50 different chemicals, additives and preservatives. The top ingredients include sugar, liquid sugar, honey and invert syrup, which can lead to weight gain, diabetes and other chronic health issues.
King's Hawaiian can be downright delicious, but it's a terrible choice for anyone who's trying to make healthy choices in their life.
Best: Base Culture
Those who don't want any gluten, grains, preservatives or dairy in their bread should pick up some Base Culture. The brand make loaves for different diets, such as one with pure paleo ingredients and a keto version with almond butter and flaxseed meal.
The bread has a sweet flavor, due to the nuts, fruits and seeds inside. Refreshingly, that sweetness just comes from these natural ingredients and not due to added sweeteners.
Worst: La Brea Bakery
If you're considering getting bread from La Brea Bakery, then it's important to know its nutritional value. For example, just one Telera roll has 240 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, 47 grams of carbs, three grams of sugar and 470 milligrams of sodium.
Those needing to keep an eye on their weight and blood pressure should avoid this brand. Lots of breads are full of bad stuff, but La Brea has an absurdly high amount of sodium.
Best: Food For Life
Something that sets Food For Life apart from other bread brands is that, instead of being displayed on the bread aisle, it's found in the freezer section. There are no harmful preservatives like wheat starch and BHT in it, so this bread can last up to a year in the freezer.
Some healthy options to try are the brand's sprouted grain, whole-grain and gluten-free options. A quick nuke in the microwave and the frozen bread will be as good as fresh.
Worst: Brownberry
Brownberry may appear to be healthy, thanks to claims like "Heart Healthy" and "No High Fructose Corn Syrup" on the label, but these are misleading.
One serving of Brownberry 100-percent whole wheat bread contains 110 calories, two grams of fat, 160 milligrams of sodium, 21 grams of carbs and three grams of sugar. No high fructose corn syrup is definitely a good thing, but that's about the only healthy attribute this bread brand can claim.
Best: Pepperidge Farm
While Pepperidge Farm isn't necessarily the healthiest bread brand at the grocery store, there are still a host of benefits. Its whole wheat, seven-grain, oatmeal, multigrain and soft wheat breads are excellent sources of grains and fiber, and having whole grains regularly can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Pepperidge Farm cookies aren't great for your health (they're definitely delicious, though), but the brand makes a surprisingly healthy variety of breads.
Worst: Wonder Bread
Those of us who grew up during the 20th century will certainly remember the iconic look of Wonder bread bags. While this bread is surely nostalgic, it's also extremely unhealthy. Since it's made up of simple carbs, the body digests it quickly and it messes with your blood sugar. This leads to extra cravings and more calories consumed.
For many, this is the quintessential bread brand, but it should probably be skipped in most cases.
Best: Arnold
Arnold has a ton of healthy bread varieties, ranging from "Carb Counting" multi-grain, rye bread, and other organic and non-GMO options.
The company's products are free of high-fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oils, artificial preservatives and colors, potassium bromate, SSL/CSL, azodicarbonamide and bleached flour. Most of the loaves are low in carbs, as well. Bread is often seen as a carb delivery system, so it's good to have lower-carb varieties.
Worst: Martin's
One bread brand that's almost completely devoid of fiber is Martin's.
The company's potato bread contains refined grains, which have been stripped of their fiber content. Since the bread lacks fiber, it will cause people to feel hungrier and consume more calories.
One slice of Martin's potato bread has 90 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, 105 milligrams of sodium, 15 grams of carbs and three grams of sugar.
Best: Udi's
People who can't incorporate gluten into their diets may want to consider trying Udi's gluten-free bread. The brand has several different varieties, including whole grain, seven seeds and grains, and ancient grain. Udi's bread is made from tapioca starch, brown rice flour and millet, so it's also a great bread for those trying to lose weight.
The company tends to use more whole grains in its products than other manufacturers of gluten-free baked goods.
Worst: Burgen
While Burgen bread might appear healthy, due to the soya and linseed, it's actually one of the worst on the market.
It's packed with calories, fat, saturated fat and sugar. Just one slice of its Premium Soya and Linseed loaf has 287 calories, 11 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat and 4.2 grams of sugar. That means a sandwich made with this bread contains more than 500 calories before even adding any fillings!
Best: Alvarado Street Bakery
As aforementioned, sprouted whole grains are one of the healthiest bread options out there, and Alvarado Street Bakery specializes in them. They offer a giant assortment with varieties, such as sourdough, rye seed and wheat Sonoma seeds.
Alvarado Street Bakery is great for those who need a low-glycemic option because it can help with weight loss, blood sugar and cholesterol. For fans of sprouted breads, the brand is definitely leading the way, in terms of varieties.
Worst: Thomas'
A slice of Thomas' bread is almost like eating dessert. With varieties, like cinnamon swirl and cinnamon raisin, the high sugar content is through the roof! It also lacks a significant amount of the daily recommended fiber intake.
One slice of the company's cinnamon raisin bread has 80 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, 120 milligrams of sodium, 16 grams of carbs and six grams of sugar. Have it as a treat, but not as a part of your regular diet. Your health will thank you.
Best: Happy Campers
People who have food sensitivities need to find the right things to consume. Happy Campers is a perfect option because it's certified gluten-free, organic and non-GMO. It's also free of added sugars and major allergens, and it's vegan. The company's classy sliced bread is packed with whole-grain buckwheat, quinoa and prebiotic fiber, which protects the immune system and is good for the bones.
You'll be a happy camper, indeed, with this brand!
Worst: Great Value
Great Value is the signature brand for Walmart, and it makes a ton of things, including bread. However, Walmart shoppers should steer clear of this product.
A serving size of Great Value's white sandwich bread has 120 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, 0.5 grams of polyunsaturated fat, 220 milligrams of sodium, 24 grams of carbs and three grams of sugar.
This is effectively an off-brand version of Wonder bread. The only advantage is that it's slightly cheaper.
Best: Dave's Killer Bread
One of the most popular bread brands that is actually good for you is Dave's Killer Bread. People love it not only for the taste, but because it also uses high-quality, organic and non-GMO ingredients. The company has a wide assortment of products, including Powerseed, Goodseed and even thin-sliced options with fewer calories.
Dave's Killer Bread has attracted a cult-like following in recent years, and with these ingredients, it's easy to see why!
Worst: Mrs. Baird's
Mrs. Baird's prides itself on being one of the top bread brands to come from Texas, but it's not exactly the healthiest. A single serving of the brand's sliced white sandwich bread has 110 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, 20 grams of carbs, one gram of sugar and one gram of added sugars.
Part of the issue stems from the thick-sliced nature of Texas toast, which adds more calories to each slice.
Best: Canyon Bakehouse
While prepackaged bread may give people the idea it's just a product from an assembly line, Canyon Bakehouse has a strong connection to homemade bread. The brand came to be when people were experimenting with recipes in their kitchens. Its bread is gluten-free and is free of allergens, such as nuts, soy and dairy.
It isn't always an easy brand to track down, but it's worth a try if you ever see it.
Worst: Freihofer's
Freihofer's Premium Italian looks and tastes how Italian bread should: thick, stretchy and white. However, this product sits above most other varieties in one category: sodium. Each slice contains a whopping 230 milligrams of sodium.
On the plus side, Freihofer's doesn't have too many additives, and it's free of stuff like high-fructose corn syrup and artificial colors. Unfortunately, factoring in its high sodium content, along with the preservatives, make this one a brand to consider avoiding.
Best: Ener-G
Ener-G's gluten-free keto offering might seem like a newcomer to the bread game (after all, products catering to keto and gluten-free diets are relatively modern), but the brand actually has lineage going all the way back to Seattle's first flourmill in 1887!
Most Ener-G products are low in sodium and sugar, and all of them are free of both gluten and nuts, making them an ideal choice for people with dietary issues and allergies.
Worst: Home Pride Butter Top Wheat
Home Pride's Butter Top Wheat variety seems on first glance to be a good option, but delving into the nutritional information tells a different story. This brand is full of enriched flour, corn syrup, artificial additives and preservatives.
There's also the fact that, while one serving of the bread seems reasonable from a nutritional standpoint, said serving is just one piece of bread. If you eat a full sandwich, you're doubling those 70 calories and 140 milligrams of sodium.
Best: Panera Bread at Home
Most of us have probably been in a Panera before and sampled a few of the breads. Panera definitely knows a thing or two about bread, and this becomes clear if you tries a take-home option, branded "Panera Bread at Home."
These breads tend to be made with quality ingredients like oats, bulgur and cracked wheat. While some varieties are higher in sodium, the ingredients are generally natural in origin.
Worst: Country Hearth
Looking at a loaf of this multigrain bread, covered in seeds and whole grains, one would think it was a healthy brand, but its first ingredient - enriched flour - goes against this narrative.
Country Hearth also includes an impressive amount of sugar, coming from four sources: Brown sugar, molasses, raisin juice and honey. While these are all natural sweeteners, it seems like an unnecessary amount to add to any loaf of bread.
Best: The Essential Baking Company
The Essential Baking Company has kept true to its mission of sourcing quality ingredients from local sources, such as naturally-occurring yeast, rather than lower-quality options. The brand offers conventional breads, along with gluten-free varieties.
Some of its gluten-free loaves incorporate bamboo fiber, an interesting addition that can help lower cholesterol and give a boost to general gut health. It also comes with the added bonus of being rich in vitamins and minerals.
Worst: The Rustik Oven
We've already gone over Bimbo bread, and the Rustik Oven is a subsidiary of Bimbo Bakeries - one that positions itself as being healthier - or, at least, heartier - than the company's mainstream offerings.
While this is comparatively more healthy than other Bimbo products, it's still full of calories, coming in at a whopping 170 per slice. Each slice also contains 280 milligrams of sodium, which is bad news for anyone on a low-salt diet.
Best: Mestemacher Bread
Mestemacher produces a rye bread that's a definite cut above other loaves in this category. Unlike regular rye bread, which is chock full of refined flour and low in fiber, Mestemacher uses whole rye - a carb that acts like fiber and helps to keep you full.
It's worth noting that, in contrast to some of the other breads seen on this list, Mestemacher rye has a refreshingly simple ingredient list, consisting of just five items.
Worst: Open Nature
Open Nature has a few things going for it, such as containing no dyes and being made from largely natural ingredients. It also uses expeller-pressed canola oil, which is a cut above other oils in terms of health benefits.
Unfortunately, the brand has quite a few things going against it - most notably, an unnecessary amount of added sugars and just one gram of fiber per slice. Despite its hearty appearance, it doesn't have much nutritional value.
Best: Bread Alone
While homemade sourdough was a trend for awhile, the effort involved is a turn-off for many people (including us).
If you want a store-bought sourdough that's also good for you, try Bread Alone's whole wheat sourdough. The fermentation that makes sourdough what it is makes it easier to digest than other bread types, and the fact this one is of the whole wheat variety just makes it a healthier product in general.
Worst: Food Club
With a name as generic as "Food Club," it's hard to have high expectations for this store brand.
Food Club makes a number of "healthier" multigrain loaves, but they're still full of the same cheap additives - like unbleached flour and sugar - as other store brands. The list of negatives just goes on and on, as Food Club's breads are high in sodium, low in fiber and full of preservatives.
Best: Equii
For those who want a bread that's as good post-workout as it is in a conventional sandwich, Equii's classic wheat is a must-try. Each slice contains an impressive 10 grams of protein, meaning a sandwich has just as much - if not more - protein than a typical protein bar you'd grab off a store shelf.
Unlike other protein-packed products, Equii doesn't have a particularly dry, crumbly or chalky texture. It still looks and tastes like bread.