Mixing The Ingredients And Kneading The Dough
First, mix the yeast and sugar with some warm water to activate the yeast. After 5 10 minutes, it will become bubbly and frothy, which means that the yeast is active. If theres no bubbles and/or foam formation, youll know that its inactive and you should open a new yeast package.
Next up, prepare the psyllium gel by mixing the psyllium husk with some water. The gel will begin to form within seconds.
Then:
Now, we come to the mixing and kneading stage theres really no right or wrong way to knead gluten free bread, as you dont have to go though the stretching motions youd typically use to build up the elasticity in a gluten-containing wheat bread.
Once the wet and the dry ingredients are combined, I tend to squeeze the dough through my fingers until smooth and homogeneous. After a few minutes youll notice the dough coming away from the sides and it will be easy to form it into a rough ball.
While it wont have the same super-stretchy elasticity of a gluten-containing wheat dough, theres enough elasticity there that you can stretch portions of it without them breaking off.
Once you complete one 360 degree rotation of the dough, you should be left with a ball of dough. Flip it seam side down and rotate in place to seal the seams.
What Bread Is Gluten Free
There are many options for buying gluten free sandwich bread at the store. In addition to national brands that you can now find throughout the country, like Udis and Schar, there are also numerous small manufacturers that sell to only certain regions.
After polling you, my readers, and doing a bit of research and taste-testing myself, I think there are the best store bought gluten free bread options:
- Trader Joes sliced Italian
- Three Bakers
- Little Northern Bakehouse
Livegfree Wide Pan Gluten
LiveGfree is Aldi’s in-house gluten-free line that is wildly popular with Reddit users and bloggers alike who are seeking comparable alternatives to favorite gluten-based foods. The brand uses a gluten-free flour blend containing tapioca, potato, and corn starches, along with rice flour, according to Fooducate, to create this popular bread that’s fit for your favorite sandwich.
However, not every review of the bread is positive. Baking blogger Better Batter says she found the taste was bland, the quality was low, and the size of the bread was too small for replacing a standard loaf’s duties. However, this is the most budget-friendly pick on the list. As with the rest of these brands, you’ll have to test them out for yourself to find the best one for your needs and taste preferences.
LiveGfree Wide Pan Gluten-Free White Bread is available at Aldi locations nationwide, and you won’t be able to purchase it anywhere else. It retails for $3.99 for a 20-ounce loaf.
Recommended Reading: Is Aldi Keto Bread Gluten Free
Bread Srsly Classic Gluten
Though Bread Srsly isn’t as widely available in stores as most of the other breads on this list, it was still worth mentioning. Its high praise from the press and reviewers, as well as our growing willingness to shop for specialty food products online, contributed to its place on this list. Plus, it’s one of the best gluten-free sourdough breads we could find for the price. The brand relies on alternative flours like white rice, millet, and sorghum, along with a sorghum-based sourdough starter to create a tangy, fluffy loaf.
Customers that reviewed Bread Srsly raved about the bread’s texture, taste, and size, which makes it a valuable purchase for those who can’t have gluten or are looking to try something new. Refinery 29 said Bread Srsly had one of the 10 best loaves in San Francisco in 2013.
Bread Srsly has a product locator feature to see if its products are available near you, and there’s also a product request form to fill out and give to your favorite local grocer if you are interested in buying the brand’s breads in person. You can also shop for breads via the brand’s online store. The Classic Gluten-Free Sourdough retails for $39 for a three-pack of 16-ounce loaves.
Where To Buy Gluten Free Bread
Whether youre shopping for the gluten free bread brands on my list or others, I first suggest that you head to your local supermarket. Many national and regional chains carry at least one brand, with the larger ones offering a few choices.
After the grocery store, where I think youll find lower prices, you can try your local health food store. Store bought gluten free bread options arent actually a health food, but these types of stores tend to cater to niche products, which gf bread still sort of is.
If you dont have luck finding non-gluten bread locally, head online. First go directly to the websites of gluten free bread companies. Some will let you order for shipping to your home, while others will provide a store locator.
Of course, Amazon and Walmart.com are also options. Just be sure to double-check shipping prices before checking out as they can sometimes be quite outrageous.
Read Also: Gluten Free Sugar Free Cake Mix
What Gluten Free Bread Options Arent Included
There will always be a special place in my heart for Udis Gluten Free Bread since it was one of the very first. And their larger loaves of bread are still the king of a properly sized piece of bread that isnt more melba toast than sandwich bread.
But they changed their formula, and although my children love the taste, Im going mad trying to separate the slices of some of the loaves. I think that the real difficulty occurs when the loaf has been frozen, defrosted and then frozen again before purchase.
Theres some sort of fusing that goes on and you simply cant separate the slices whether you try it defrosted or frozen. So Udis is just not on this list. You also wont find some of the more obscure brands that dont seem to be intended for mass market distribution.
Specialty types of bread like cinnamon raisin and shaped loaves, baguettes, and pizzas also arent included. This is a post about sliced sandwich breads.
Looking For A Genuinely Decent Alternative To The Wheat
Toast for breakfast and a sandwich for lunch doesnt have to be a distant dream with our pick of the best gluten-free bread. Gone are the days when gluten-free alternatives tasted like cardboard nowadays, there are some truly tasty options out there to be explored.
But where do you start? Fortunately, weve tried just about every different type and brand of gluten-free bread over the years , so we know what to recommend. Weve included some of our favourites, as well as loaves that we think come closest to replicating the taste of traditional wheat-based bread.
Our buying guide below will give you pointers on what to look for when it comes to choosing gluten-free bread, or you can just skip straight to our recommendations further down the page.
Read Also: Bee Free Gluten Free Bread
Is Homemade Gluten Free Bread Cheaper Than Store Bought
Generally, it costs 35% to 50% less to follow a gluten free bread recipe and make your own bread than buy it from the store. You may experience a little sticker shock when compare the price of gluten free flour to traditional wheat flour, but that upfront cost will afford you cheaper bread in the long run.
Canyon Bakehouse Heritage Style Whole Grain Gluten
Canyon Bakehouse’s gluten-free breads can be found in the freezer aisle of most grocery stores and can also be purchased online through major retailers like , Thrive Market, and the brand’s site. The Heritage Style Whole Grain variety is a large-sliced bread made from ingredients including brown rice, sorghum, and sunflower seeds for a hearty gluten-free base. The bread doesn’t contain dairy, soy, or nuts, though it does contain egg.
Canyon Bakehouse’s Heritage Style Whole Grain bread has an average 4.7-star rating on the brand’s website and an average 4.5-star rating on . Reviewers like the size of the bread, as many gluten-free breads are produced in small loaves that aren’t built for sandwiches, as well as for its affordability compared to traditional whole-grain sandwich breads. Reviewers also noted that it wasn’t as gummy as many other gluten-free breads they’ve tried and that this Canyon Bakehouse pick compares well flavor-wise to the gluten-laden versions.
Plus, this bread has a nice shelf life: It can be enjoyed fresh out of the bag for up to 10 days, or it can be stored frozen for up to three months. Canyon Bakehouse Heritage Style Whole Grain Bread retails for $7.99 for an 18-ounce loaf via its Amazon storefront.
You May Like: Gluten Free Options At Olive Garden
A Note On Measurements
While Ive included the volume measurements in the recipe card below, if at all possible : USE METRIC GRAM MEASUREMENTS IF YOU CAN.
Theyre much more precise and produce more reliably delicious results. This is true for pretty much all of baking a kitchen scale will invariably give better results than cups and tablespoons.
Who Is This List For
This list of 9 packaged kinds of the best gluten free bread available is primarily for U.S. residents who are already inclined to buy some bread in a store or online. If you absolutely refuse to buy gluten free bread, or refuse to order anything online, then this list may not be very useful to you.
I order plenty of things online, from gluten free flour to dairy free hazelnut spread that even in my enormous NY metro area, I cant find in a store. And since some of the brands you recommended are simply not available in my area, I ordered some of these online.
If you live outside the U.S., as I know many of you do, Im afraid that many of these brands wont be available to you. I promise this isnt turning into a product review blog or anything, and there are still over 900 free gluten free recipes here on the blogwith more to come next week and forever more.
So if youre interested in seeing what my experience has been with your favorite gluten free bread, or in learning about a few other brands and how they stack up, read on!
Don’t Miss: Gluten Free Bread Maker Recipe
Little Northern Bakehouse Whole Grain Wide Slice Gluten
Little Northern Bakehouse is about more than just providing gluten-free options to those who need them, as many of their products are also vegan and allergen-friendly. From a variety of bread loaves, bagels, and pizza crusts, Little Northern Bakehouse is also a great pick for those looking for organic offerings. We are taking a closer look at the brand’s Whole Grain Wide Slice Bread that uses a blend of brown rice, teff, millet, and quinoa flours to create a wholesome gluten-free loaf.
Little Northern Bakehouse’s Whole Grain Wide Slice Bread has an average 4-star rating on , with rave reviews saying it’s both kid-friendly and a comparable alternative to regular bread. However, some reviewers noted that while this bread is delicious when toasted, the crumb and flavor are strange when eaten fresh. It’s also a nice size compared to many other gluten-free breads, as it’s wide and sturdy enough to build any sandwich.
Use Little Northern Bakehouse’s Store Locator to find a loaf of Whole Grain Wide Slice Bread at a major supermarket or health food store near you. It’s also available for purchase in bulk via Amazon and retails for $81.99 for an 8-pack of 20-ounce loaves. Don’t worry, loaves can be stored in the freezer for up to three months, but the brand advises against storing in the fridge, as the bread will dry out faster.
The Ultimate Gluten Free Bread Recipe
Bread lovers, rejoice. This gluten free bread is the real deal with a soft, chewy open crumb and a deliciously crisp caramelised crust. Its also super easy to prepare, and it behaves similarly to regular wheat bread: it can be kneaded and shaped, and goes though two rounds of rising. And its vegan no eggs or dairy products needed!
This post may contain affiliate links, which allow me to make a small commission for my referral, at no additional cost to you. For more info, check out the Disclosure Policy. Thank you for supporting The Loopy Whisk.
Before we get to the gluten free bread recipe, Ive got some news: I am writing a book.
Wait, lets put that in all-caps because this definitely feels like a shouting from the rooftops moment: I AM WRITING A BOOK.
I will have more details to share with you soon, but heres the short of it: its a gluten free baking book, covering everything from cakes and cupcakes, through brownies and cookies, all the way to pies and tarts and bread. In fact, there will be over 15 different bread recipes, from artisan loaves to enriched doughs like cinnamon rolls and babka.
To say that I am over-the-moon excited would be an understatement. And I cannot wait to share more book details with you over the coming weeks and months!
But for now: lets talk gluten free bread.
Before we get to the nitty gritty of how to make your own gluten free bread, heres a quick overview of the many reasons why its absolutely amazing.
Read Also: How To Know If Something Is Gluten Free
Deland Bakery Gluten Free Bread
Buy Online: Whole Foods | Instacart
Deland Bakery is another popular choice of GF bread as they have many gluten free options to choose from! Some of their options include Chia Bread, Cinnamon & Raisin bread, Oatmeal Bread, Rice bread, and Vegan gluten-free bread! Most of these are also soy-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and Kosher.
You can buy Deland Bakery bread at stores like Publix, Whole Foods, Hy-Vee, Native Sun, and more! Use their store locator to find the closest retailer to you!
Is Bread Gluten Free
With so many varieties of gluten free bread out there, use this list to help you find the best GF bread brand for you and where you can buy it!
All of the bread brands on this list are gluten free, but some of them have other certifications like vegan, organic, Kosher, and more! Read the descriptions for each brand to find the one that best suits your diet.
In the descriptions, you can also find out what varieties the brand offers. Some only have a few selections, but others offer white, wheat, whole grain, and different flavor varieties.
If you are interested in one of these gluten-free bread brands, you can see where to order it online in the buy online section. If you prefer to shop in-store, some popular retailers that carry that brand are listed in the description, and you can find the closest store to you by clicking on the link to a brands store locator!
Ingredients are subject to change, so be sure to read the most updated label information before purchasing any of the products on this list.
Buy Online: Whole Foods | Instacart
Food for Life has a large selection of gluten-free bread, including brown rice, rice almond, rice millet, yeast-free multi-seed rice, raisin pecan, cinnamon raisin, and more! If you are looking for plant-based bread, some of these are vegan gluten free bread options. Note: This brand makes Ezekial bread, but none of the Ezekiel bread varieties are gluten-free.
Recommended Reading: Is Philadelphia Cream Cheese Gluten Free
Udis Gluten Free Bread
Buy Online: Whole Foods | Instacart
Udis products are all certified gluten-free, and they have many sandwich bread options to choose from! Some varieties include Hearty 7 Seeds & Grains, Soft White, Cinnamon Raisin, Omega Flax & Fiber, and Millet-Chia Bread!
You can find Udis GF bread products in many major grocery stores, including Kroger, Albertsons, Meijer, HEB, Walmart, Publix, and more! Use Udis product locator to find the closest store to you!
Whats The Healthiest Gluten Free Bread
In most cases, gluten free bread isnt any healthier than traditional bread. So when deciding which might be healthier, think about any other health concerns you may have.
If you have multiple food allergies, for example, BFree is a good option. If youre looking for more protein, considered a seeded variety like Little Northern Bakehouse.
Read Also: Gluten Free Bakery San Diego
Why Im Reviewing Packaged Gluten Free Bread
If youre on my email list, I asked you what your favorite brands are, and you poured your gluten-avoiding hearts out! Ive been through many loaves of bread. If it was a total dud , Im not reviewing it here.
My intention in publishing these reviews is not to stir up controversy, harm anyones business or even support anyones business to be honest. When I posted something on my Facebook page about how Udis bread is hard to separate, someone angrily accused me of endangering their business.
Clearly, that isnt my purposebut I also have no obligation to pretend that reality isnt what it is. My intention is simple. I want to help you, the consumer, spend your money wisely.
Packaged gluten free products are more expensive than conventional products, and always will be. The market for these products is smaller, and the ingredients are more expensive .
But weve come a long way since 2004 when my family first went gluten free. Back then, we ordered some bizarre gluten free packaged bread from Canada that not only couldnt be eaten untoasted but lost its toast within minutes. And the cost was insane. Well, weve come a long, long way since then.
Everyone knows that I love baking fresh homemade gluten free bread. My children adore it when they have it for their school lunches, and my husband loves it because its cheaper.
That isnt the stuff really of my dreams, but it is of theirs. But its just not realistic.
