Complete Bread Guide
Comprehensive analysis of 51352 bread products from 194 brands. Compare whole grain vs white bread, understand preservatives, learn about sourdough benefits, and find the healthiest options.
51352
Products Analyzed
194
Brands
8.9
Avg Processing Score
6.5/10
Avg Nutrition Score
Bread by Processing Level
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally Processed115
Simple ingredients: flour, water, salt, yeast. Artisan or sourdough style.
Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed
Level 2
Processed6229
Added honey, oils, or natural preservatives. Whole grain varieties.
Processing Level: 3 out of 4 - Highly Processed
Level 3
Highly Processed17971
Multiple preservatives, dough conditioners, or added sugars.
Processing Level: 4 out of 4 - Ultra-Processed
Level 4
Ultra-Processed27037
Highly processed with many additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.
Healthiest Bread Options
Top-rated bread products with minimal processing and high nutrition scores
How to Choose Healthy Bread
✓What to Look For
- •Simple ingredients: Best bread has 4-6 ingredients - whole grain flour, water, salt, yeast
- •100% whole grain: Look for "100% whole wheat" or "100% whole grain" as first ingredient
- •Low processing score: Look for bread with processing scores under 3.0 (artisan bread typically scores 1.0-2.0)
- •Sourdough fermentation: Authentic sourdough with natural fermentation may improve digestibility and lower glycemic index
- •Minimal sugar: Bread should have less than 2g sugar per slice (whole grain naturally contains minimal sugar)
✗Red Flags to Avoid
- •Preservatives: Calcium propionate, sorbic acid, and other preservatives
- •Dough conditioners: DATEM, azodicarbonamide, and other chemical conditioners
- •Enriched wheat flour: Refined white flour with added nutrients (look for "whole" grain instead)
- •Added sugars: Sugar, honey, molasses, or HFCS to improve taste and browning
- •Hydrogenated oils: Trans fats from partially hydrogenated oils