For this taste test, we chose a variety of whole-wheat, whole-grain breads and scored them on a 10-point scale (10 being the highest). We focused on nutritional value, taste and texture. All of the breads come from the Whole Foods Market, UWS, and are part of our test drive through 105 of their new food products. Enjoy!
Whole Wheat Country Boule
9
Nutritional Info: The first ingredient is organic whole-wheat flour. Contains about 160 calories, 0.5 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and 1 gram of sugar for two slices (that’s two large slices). The bread is more filling than most store-bought brands, so it’s an excellent bread to pack for lunch.
Verdict: This is a delicious, golden-brown whole-wheat bread that is baked in-house. Comes in a round loaf, but the market will slice it thinly for sandwiches. Incredibly fresh, with a chewy crust and soft inside. Crisps up nicely in the toaster and sandwich press. This bread received the highest rating because it is good for you and tastes great.
Flax Quinoa Wheat Bread
8
Nutrition Info: This bread is also made predominantly with whole-wheat flour. This is exactly what you want because it is full of natural fiber. The bread is also made with quinoa (pronounced keen-wa), an excellent source of protein, and flax seeds, one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. All of the ingredients are organic. The bread has no sugar, no preservatives, and no sweeteners. All of the ingredients are clearly posted on the bag. If you want the nutritional info for the breads made in-house, all you have to do is ask the bakery staff. They have a book with all of the info you could possibly want to know.
Verdict: This hearth bread has a wonderful, whole-grain nutty flavor and a nice, substantial crust. The inside is moist and tastes great with PB&J. Great for vegetarians and those watching their weight.
Whole Wheat Naan
5
Nutrition Info: 260 calories and 7 grams of fat per flat bread. The good news is that the whole grain whole wheat flour is listed as the largest ingredient, but there’s still some wheat flour. Again, it sounds healthy, but doesn’t provide all of the health benefits of whole grain.
Verdict: Tasty and light. Not as flaky as freshly baked naan. Also comes in plain and garlic. The whole-wheat flavor is definitely your best bet in terms of nutrition. Try grilling the flat bread and then adding your favorite topping.
Oatmeal Bread
4
Nutrition Info: This bread is made with a combination of “wheat flour” and organic “whole-wheat flour”, which means that the bread isn’t entirely whole grain. Ideally, the bread contains 100 % whole wheat flour. When you see “wheat flour” on the ingredient list, you know the bread is made using some white flour and processed grains (don’t let the word “wheat” fool ya). 100 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of fiber (per slice).
Verdict: Tastes like white bread, and while the oats make the bread look wholesome and hearty, they don’t add much in the way of flavor or texture. Overall, this was a good, standard sandwich bread, but it wont tempt your taste buds after a slice.
Whole Wheat Pita
3
Nutrition Info: This is the healthiest of these choices in terms of ingredients and calories, but it tastes like health bread. The first and only flour listed is organic 100 percent stone ground whole -wheat. There are only 80 calories per pocket and 0 grams of fat. Good choice with some humus for a healthy snack.
Verdict: If you are looking for a flavorful, fluffy pocket, then trying making your own homemade pita. On the other hand, if you are satisfied with a simple envelope for fillings, then this bread will do. Flexible enough to open without cracking. Stores well in the refrigerator. Toasts well over low heat.
As an aside, our all-time favorite is called “Seduction Bread”– the best bread we’ve ever bought in a supermarket. As its name implies, it’s not so good for you, so we didn’t include it in the healthy bread taste test.
Print This Post
{ 1 trackback }
{ 0 comments… add one now }