Key findings
- 1Panko bread crumbs are generally less processed than traditional American bread crumbs
- 2The main processing concern is the base bread; if it contains 20 ingredients, so do the crumbs
- 3Homemade bread crumbs from quality bread have zero additives
Why is Bread Crumbs ultra-processed on average?
Simple bread crumbs require only bread that has been dried and ground, a straightforward mechanical process. However, most commercial bread crumbs start with industrial bread that already contains dough conditioners and preservatives, then add further ingredients. Panko bread crumbs tend to be simpler, made from crustless white bread with fewer additives. Italian-seasoned bread crumbs add herbs but also commonly include sugar, corn syrup, and vegetable oil. The base bread used is the primary driver of processing. In our analysis, bread crumb products average a Processing Score of 8.3, which is Level 4.
How 466 bread crumbs products break down
Share of products at each processing level, in our analysis.
Bread Crumbs brand comparison
From least to most processed in our database.
How to read a bread crumbs label
- 1
Plain panko often has the simplest ingredient list; sometimes just wheat flour, yeast, salt, and oil
- 2
Watch for bread crumbs listing high fructose corn syrup or hydrogenated oils
- 3
Italian-seasoned bread crumbs frequently contain sugar and corn syrup beyond just herbs
- 4
Making bread crumbs at home from stale bread is the simplest option, with nothing added
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