FacebookWhether you’re whipping up a sandwich for lunch or looking for a hearty side dish to serve with a fresh salad, there’s no substitute for bread. While going gluten-free may limit your options, there’s no reason you can’t continue to enjoy bread. You just have to be a little more mindful about which bread products you buy.
If you’re newly gluten-free (or considering the switch), you may be wondering what to expect as you make the transition. Here’s what you need to know about gluten-free bread and how it differs from regular bread.
It’s All About the Ingredients
Just like regular bread, gluten-free bread can be made with a wide variety of different flours. The most important difference between gluten-free bread and regular bread is, of course, the absence of gluten. That primarily excludes wheat-, barley-, and rye-based flours from the list but sensitive individuals may also want to avoid ingredients that are frequently cross-contaminated through shared equipment (oats are a prime example).
While it’s easy enough to make a loaf of bread from gluten-free ingredients, the resulting product may differ from regular bread in a few noticeable ways.
Gluten-free bread tends to less airy than regular bread. Without gluten to give it the characteristic “spongy” texture bread is known for, gluten-free bread may be denser and might not rise as much. Flavor varies greatly depending on the ingredients and gluten-free bread often has a shorter shelf-life than regular bread.
Is Gluten-Free Bread Healthier?
For about 1% of the world’s population (those with Celiac disease) eating gluten-free bread rather than regular bread is a necessity, not a preference. But there are plenty of people who follow a gluten-free diet because they believe it’s a healthier option. Is it really? It depends.
When it comes to bread, there’s a lot of variation. Whole-grain bread is generally more nutritious than bread made with highly processed flours and starches. That said, both gluten-free bread and regular bread can be calorie-dense and high in carbohydrates. Gluten-free bread in particular may also be high in fat, salt, or sugar—these ingredients are often added to make the flavor of the bread more appealing in the absence of gluten.
Bread of any kind should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. There’s nothing inherently healthier about gluten-free bread versus regular bread unless you have a medical condition or dietary intolerance triggered by gluten.
Tips for Enjoying Gluten-Free Bread
With so many varieties to choose from, there’s a gluten-free bread out there for every preference. If you’re new to the gluten-free diet, try a few different types to get a feel for what flavors you enjoy. You may find, for example, that you prefer the nutty flavor of almond flour bread over the mild flavor of breads made with tapioca or cassava flour.
In addition to exploring your preferences with gluten-free bread, don’t be afraid to experiment with different preparation methods.
Here are some simple tips for making your gluten-free bread even tastier:
- Buy gluten-free bread in small quantities or keep it in the freezer to ensure it’s as fresh as possible when you’re ready to enjoy it.
- Toast your bread to maximize the flavor and to give it a more familiar texture if you don’t like the dense texture of fresh gluten-free bread.
- Try making your own gluten-free bread at home to achieve the taste and texture that best suits your preferences. (Check out these gluten-free bread recipes.)
- Serve gluten-free bread with a moist topping like butter, jam, or mayonnaise if you find the bread too dry or if you don’t like the dense texture.
As awareness of celiac disease and gluten intolerance continues to spread, gluten-free products—especially bread—have become more readily available. You may find it in a dedicated gluten-free aisle at your local grocery store or in the freezer section. If you’d rather save yourself the hassle of scouring the shelves, shop online.
As awareness of celiac disease and gluten intolerance continues to spread, gluten-free products—especially bread—have become more readily available. You can find Schär products at a grocery store near you using this handy tool. If you’d rather save time and effort, consider shopping online.
The Schär shop offers a generous selection of gluten-free breads, rolls, and buns, all of which are gluten-free and allergen-friendly. Here are some customer favorites you can try:
- Artisan Baker White Bread
- Artisan Baker Multigrain Bread
- Deli-Style Sourdough Bread
- Hamburger Buns
- Hot Dog Rolls
- Ciabatta
- Baguettes
The Schär shop has a generous selection of sliced breads, rolls, and buns—all gluten-free and allergen-friendly.
By exploring different types and preparation methods, you can continue to enjoy bread as part of your meals. Enjoy experimenting and discovering your favorites!
