A far cry from Wonder Bread, these fiber-rich options contain a short list of recognizable ingredients — think whole wheat, water, yeast, honey, and salt — and no bleached flour, preservatives, or high-fructose corn syrup.
- Gluten free
Sandwiches are no longer off-limits to gluten-free eaters. Popular flour alternatives, such as tapioca and white rice flour, fall short on important nutrients, though, so look for nutritious whole-grain flours such as brown rice or millet, and additions like nuts, which add protein and fiber.
TRY>> Food For Life Wheat & Gluten Free Raisin Pecan Bread, toasted and spread with ghee
- Spelt
Cultivated in southern Europe for thousands of years, spelt contains B vitamins, copper, manganese, and niacin. Some people with wheat sensitivities find they can tolerate spelt because it contains a slightly higher ratio of protein to starch.
TRY>> French Meadow Bakery Organic Spelt Bread, chopped into croutons and toasted, then tossed with salad greens and Caesar dressing
- Sprouted
When grain seedlings sprout, enzymes convert some of the fats and carbohydrates into vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. A complete protein, bread made with sprouted seeds is filling and has less of a spiking impact on blood sugar.
TRY>> Alvarado Sprouted Soy Crunch Bread, spread with crunchy nut butter
- Whole grain
Because their bran and germ are left intact, whole grains retain higher levels of B vitamins, vitamin E, selenium, protein, and fiber. But beware: “Whole wheat” labels don’t always mean bread was made with 100 percent whole grain or wheat. Always check the ingredients list.
TRY>> Rudi’s Organic Bakery Honey Sweet Whole Wheat Bread, layered with sliced turkey and Havarti cheese