FacebookWhat do you reach for in the morning when you need a quick bite to eat or in the afternoon to build a sandwich? Bread is a staple of many diets, including the gluten free diet. When it comes to gluten free bread, however, wheat flour must be replaced with gluten free alternatives like almond flour, rice flour, and buckwheat flour – even flours made from pseudocereals like quinoa.
The tricky thing about gluten free bread is that it doesn’t have the same structure as traditional wheat bread, so it doesn’t last as long on the shelf. Many gluten free food manufacturers get around this problem by selling their breads frozen. Frozen gluten free bread is fine, but you just can’t beat the taste and texture of fresh bread. Here’s what you need to know about fresh vs. frozen gluten free bread.
How Long Does Gluten Free Bread Last?
One of the biggest complaints people have about gluten free bread is that it doesn’t last as long as wheat bread. Some brands sell their gluten free bread in vacuum-sealed packaging to prolong the shelf-life, but many brands opt to freeze their bread instead. Either way, once you open the package you have a limited number of days to enjoy the product before it goes stale or crumbles apart.
But how long does gluten free bread really last?
When shopping for gluten free bread, you should check the date on the packaging. This is particularly important for fresh gluten free breads that are sold in traditional bread bags closed with a twist-tie or bread clip. For vacuum-sealed breads, the product can be stored at room temperature for up to 6 months as long as it hasn’t been opened.
Once opened, you’re unlikely to find a gluten free bread product that lasts more than 5 to 7 days without going stale. This applies to frozen breads as well once they’ve been thawed.
The Benefits of Fresh Gluten Free Bread
If you’re concerned about the shelf-life of your gluten free bread, you may be thinking frozen is the way to go. After all, you can simply take a few slices and thaw them when you’re ready to enjoy and keep the rest frozen for as long as you need. Frozen bread does check several boxes in terms of convenience, but there’s something about fresh bread that you can’t just ignore.
Here are three benefits of fresh gluten free bread:
- The texture hasn’t been compromised by freezing – it still retains its original consistency.
- It has the taste of fresh-baked bread – the longer bread sits in the freezer, the more it loses its original taste.
- You don’t have to worry about waiting for it to thaw or accidentally cooking it in the microwave.
Though fresh gluten free bread has its benefits in terms of taste and texture, it can quickly lose these benefits if you don’t store it properly. Once opened, refrigerate in an airtight bag or container and use within 2-3 days.
Schär Gluten Free Bread vs. The Competition
When it comes to gluten free products, Schär is one of the most experienced bakers in the industry. Not only have we perfected the art of gluten free baking, but our gluten free breads are shelf-stable so they can be sold fresh and not frozen. In the United States, most Schär Gluten Free breads are baked fresh in New Jersey and shipped directly to retailers. Some products that are prepared in the European Union may be shipped frozen to prevent spoiling but are sold fresh.
Here are some of Schär’s most popular gluten free breads:
- Artisan Baker Multigrain Bread – Crafted with sourdough, millet, buckwheat, quinoa, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds, this multigrain bread has a soft texture and irresistible flavor.
- Artisan Baker White Bread – Baked fresh and never frozen, this gluten free white bread is made with a sourdough base enriched with millet, quinoa, this white bread has the perfect texture and taste for any occasion.
- Deli Style Sourdough Bread – Crafted with artisanal techniques, this New York style bread features superb ingredients and a signature deli style texture and taste.
- Artisan Baker 10 Grains & Seeds – For an added depth of flavor, this gluten-free bread features a high-fiber recipe with added chia, pumpkin, flax, and sunflower seeds.
If you’re looking for delicious gluten free bread that can be enjoyed fresh, consider Schär Gluten Free. Not only does Schär offer a wide variety of sliced breads and bread rolls, but they have a selection of sweet breads, crisp breads, and more.
