The 10 Unhealthiest Bread Brands At The Grocery Store & 10 Healthier Options
The 10 Unhealthiest Bread Brands At The Grocery Store & 10 Healthier Options
Loaf Skips And Picks
We all grab a loaf of bread without thinking twice, especially when it says “whole grain” or “multigrain” on the label. But here’s the catch: some of those breads might actually be quietly sabotaging your health. Luckily, there are plenty of tasty, healthier options that really nourish your body. So, let’s start by looking at the popular brands to avoid, and then we’ll jump into the ones that deserve a spot in your cart.
1. Wonder Bread Classic White
Two slices of Wonder Bread deliver 5g of sugar and 180mg of sodium, along with a mix of artificial preservatives. It’s highly processed and light on real nutrients. Calcium might be there, but so is everything your diet probably doesn’t need more of.
Mike Mozart from Funny YouTube, USA on Wikimedia
2. Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Hearty White
Rustic branding suggests fresh-baked quality, but the reality is a processed blend that skimps on protein. Its airy texture comes from refined flour, which burns off quickly and leaves you hungry again.
Unboxin Doxin - Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Hearty White Bread by Unboxin' Doxin
3. Freihofer’s Premium Italian Bread
Freihofer’s Italian Bread packs over 400 mg of sodium into a single sandwich serving. And when combined with its preservatives and minimal fiber, it becomes a heavily processed loaf that leans on salt while offering little to support gut health.
Freihofer's donating 40,000 loaves of bread by WWLP-22News
4. Bimbo Soft White Bread
Bouncy and kid-friendly on the outside, Bimbo Soft White Bread may seem appealing at first glance. However, inside, it lacks the dietary fiber that makes bread good for digestion. As a result, you get a quick spike of carbs that disappears just as quickly.
Bimbo (Beembo) Soft White Bread # The Beer Review Guy by Jerry Fort the Beer Review Guy
5. King’s Hawaiian Sweet Bread
This item on the list is famous for its pillowy sweetness, as it’s engineered for taste over nutrition. Enriched flour leaves it light on fiber, and its extended softness comes courtesy of preservatives. It’s a crowd-pleaser at parties, sure, but not the kind of bread to build a healthy daily habit.
King's Hawaiian Sliced Sweet Bread 🍞🥪 Yum 🥪 😋#kingshawaiian #bread #sweet by Life with Lois
6. La Boulangerie Super Flaky Croissant Toast
With 7g of fat per slice—4.5 of which are saturated—La Boulangerie Croissant Toast packs plenty of buttery flavor. Plus, it contains 240 mg of sodium and 3g of sugar, making it a dense calorie source best enjoyed as an occasional treat instead of a daily staple.
August Product Hero-La Boulangerie-Croissant Toast by NC Whole Foods Market Product Heroes
7. Udi’s Gluten Free Soft White Sandwich Bread
When it comes to nutrition, it often falls short. Its soft, appealing texture is due to processed ingredients, and not the wholesome, natural stuff you’d hope for. So, if you’re after a truly healthy gluten-free option, this one might not quite hit the mark.
Udis Soft White Sandwich Bread | Gluten Free Critic by Gregory Cordova
8. Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Oatmeal
Oats appear in the name, but enriched flour dominates the recipe. That swap dilutes the whole-grain benefits shoppers expect. Even with a slightly heartier feel than plain white bread, it relies on additives for preservation, and this pushes it a step behind truly wholesome options.
Vanilla Almond Pear Toast featuring Pepperidge Farm Swirl Oatmeal Bread by With Kids And Coffee
9. Martin’s Potato Bread
Beloved for its softness, this bread uses enriched flour that’s been stripped of natural nutrients. The potato element also doesn’t boost nutritional content meaningfully. With multiple preservatives in play, it’s all about achieving a long-lasting shelf life.
The History of Martin's Famous Potato Rolls and Bread | 2024 by MartinsPotatoRolls
10. Nature’s Own Honey Wheat Bread
Nature’s Own Honey Wheat Bread actually uses refined flour instead of 100% whole grain. That smooth, fluffy texture comes from processing rather than natural density. On top of that, sweeteners and texture enhancers fill the loaf, leaving fewer real benefits in every bite.
Food Review: Nature's Own Honey Wheat Bread by Alex Tastes Food
Now, here are ten options that might just redeem your bread faith.
1. Dave’s Killer Bread Organic Whole Wheat
The nutty aroma alone hints at what’s inside—100% organic whole grains, rich in antioxidants from seeds and cereals. With roughage and protein, it helps you stay full longer. Plus, USDA Organic and Non-GMO certification backs up its health-focused reputation.
Dave's Killer Bread: Overrated or Worth the Hype? Honest Review by AttaboyCowboy Health
2. Silver Hills Sprouted Power Bread
Sprouted grains here deliver a hearty flavor along with a boost of vitamins and minerals your body can absorb efficiently. Plus, each slice offers protein and fiber for lasting energy, while the absence of preservatives and added sugars keeps it clean fuel.
Review - Silver Hills Sprouted Wheat Bread by Starting Over Vegan
3. Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Whole Grain Bread
This loaf blends sprouted grains and legumes in a way that forms a complete plant protein. It’s naturally fermented, giving it a digestibility edge without adding sweeteners. At 6g of protein and 4g of fiber per slice, it’s a nutrient powerhouse.
4. Alvarado Street Bakery Sprouted Wheat Bread
Complex carbs in wheat release energy gradually, which keeps mid-morning crashes at bay. Also, no preservatives means the freshness comes straight from the bakery’s whole-grain approach.
Alvarado St. Bakery Freshly Sprouted Wheat California-Style Bread Review by Glenn's Fast Reviews ᵀᴹ
5. Nature’s Own 100% Whole Wheat Bread
Crafted entirely from whole wheat flour, this bread supplies 13g of whole grains per slice. The moderate sodium keeps it heart-friendly, while 2g of fiber assists digestion. It also avoids artificial flavors and high fructose corn syrup.
Nature's Own Whole Wheat Bread 11/21/22 by Cousin Vinny NYC
6. Dave’s Killer Bread Thin-Sliced Powerseed
Seeds do the heavy lifting here—flax, sunflower, and pumpkin bring omega-3s and a satisfying crunch. Despite being thin-sliced for calorie control, each slice still holds 5g of protein. Sweetened only with organic fruit juice, this bread contains no artificial sugars.
I Tried Every BREAD & Ranked Them Best To Worst by Bobby Parrish
7. Sara Lee 100% Whole Wheat Bread
Familiar branding meets a smarter recipe here, with 13g of whole grains in every slice. It avoids artificial flavors and high fructose corn syrup, making it a cleaner choice. The mild taste is perfect for picky eaters, all while packing in solid nutrition.
Unboxin Doxin - Sara Lee 100% Whole Wheat Bread by Unboxin' Doxin
8. Arnold Whole Grains 100% Whole Wheat Bread
Recognized by the American Heart Association, this loaf leans into its whole grain base for cardiovascular benefits. And since it is free of added sugars and high fructose corn syrup, it easily delivers 5g of fiber in two slices.
9. Roman Meal Original Bread
A heritage brand that still focuses on whole grains, Roman Meal blends wheat, oatmeal, and barley for a hearty texture. Its slow-digesting carbs can help maintain steady blood sugar. Made without high fructose corn syrup, it remains a trusted choice for sustained daily energy.
10. Canyon Bakehouse 7-Grain Bread (Gluten Free)
This loaf uses grains like sorghum and millet to bring both flavor and substance. Higher fiber and protein content also make it more satisfying than most gluten-free breads. Certified gluten-free and preservative-free, it works well for those with celiac or gluten sensitivity.
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