The best gluten-free bread – Chicago Tribune

Features

Flavor

Gluten-free breads have distinctive natural tastes, depending on the type of flour used. However, some brands also feature “flavors,” such as sourdough, cinnamon raisin, or honey “wheat,” that we associate with conventional breads.

Allergen-free

As with many other health-conscious products, numerous GF-bread brands are also free of common allergens, such as nuts and soy. Be sure to check the labeling for cross-contamination risks, like if the bread was made in a facility that also processes dairy, nuts, soy, or wheat.

Price

Depending on the quality of the ingredients used, gluten-free breads can range in price from $5 to $10 a loaf.

FAQ

Q. Are gluten-free breads nutritious?

A. Depending on the flour used, many gluten-free breads contain a good amount of iron, fiber, protein, and calcium as well as essential vitamins and minerals. They are, however, higher in carbs and fat than regular bread.

Q. Are there benefits of being on a gluten-free diet if you don’t have celiac disease or a wheat sensitivity?

A. Many nutrition experts believe that going gluten-free can improve your overall health by reducing inflammation (including inflammatory diseases), increasing your overall energy and mood, enhancing nutrient absorption, and improving digestion (especially issues with bloating, constipation, and gas).



Gluten-free breads we recommend

Best of the best: Canyon Bakehouse’s Gluten-Free Bread Variety Pack

Our take: This popular brand has mastered the art of gluten-free bread with their chewy, light, and soft loaves.

What we like: Comes in a variety of flavors, including cinnamon raisin and deli rye. Free of nuts, dairy, soy, and peanuts. No potato starch means bread is less dense.

What we dislike: On the pricey side. Better when stored in the fridge.

Best bang for your buck: Pamela’s Products’ Gluten-Free Bread Mix

Our take: An easy-to-use mix to make homemade gluten-free bread.

What we like: Just requires eggs, oil, water, and yeast to be added to this cost-effective mix. Can be used with a bread machine. Kosher in addition to being GF.

What we dislike: Not ready-to-serve like premade breads.

Choice 3: Glutino’s Gluten-Free White Sandwich Bread

Our take: You don’t have to forgo sandwiches with this sliced white gluten-free bread.

What we like: Perfect for sandwiches, strong enough for toppings. Both toasts and freezes well. Taste and texture similar to regular white bread.

What we dislike: Bread dries out quickly, so we recommend freezing if you’re not going to finish it quickly.

Ana Sanchez is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money. BestReviews never accepts free products from manufacturers and purchases every product it reviews with its own funds.

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