Bread

Bread is a staple food, which is popular all over the world. It is made from a dough, usually containing flour and water, and is most commonly baked in a loaf shape or separated into rolls, which are perfectly portioned for one serving.

Bread can come ready sliced for convenience or in a whole loaf.

So you can choose how thick to make the slices. Did someone say doorstop?!

Different varieties of bread

There are lots of different varieties of bread available and which one you will choose will depend on a number of factors including your tastes, your dietary requirements and what sort of nutritional profile you are looking for.

Common types of bread include white, wholemeal, rye and sour dough.

Bread can be used to make sandwiches or toast, eaten on its own with a spread, or dipped into soup.

There are also some breads available which are sweet, rather than savoury, such as malt loaf and these make for a delicious treat.

What is organic bread?

Organic bread is bread which has been made by natural methods in both the farming and the processing of its ingredients.

To be certified organic, foods must be free from genetically modified ingredients, hydrogenated fats, and artificial colours and preservatives.

Lots of the bread products that we offer at Holland & Barrett are certified organic, including Everfresh Sprouted Wheat Bread, Biona Pumpernickel Bread and Profusion Protein Bread.

Is bread suitable for a gluten free diet?

As bread is traditionally made from wheat, it is not gluten-free and therefore is unsuitable for coeliacs or anyone with a gluten intolerance.

However, there are lots of gluten-free breads available which, vitally, are not made with wheat.

Seedful Organic Gluten Free Rolls are baked without using any flour or yeast.

These organic gluten free bread rolls are also free from sugar, as well as being high in fibre which helps to support a healthy digestive system.

Although they contain no gluten, there is no compromise on flavour. This wholesome bread is tasty, moist and satisfying.

The high fibre content means that this bread, so grab a couple of slices to toast for a breakfast that will see you all the way through until lunchtime.

Seedful has a range of bread products including rolls and loaves and they also do a gluten free loaf with added green olives.

This gluten free olive bread is perfect for getting that little taste of the Mediterranean. Enjoy in the garden with some aioli dip as an appetiser.

Speaking of Mediterranean, Amisa Focaccia Rolls, inspired by Italian cuisine, are also suitable for anyone following a gluten free diet.

These rolls are also high in fibre and make a great accompaniment to a fresh salad or soup. They can also be made into sandwiches, for a delicious lunch.

Ooh la la! Amisa also offers gluten free baguettes and seeded baguettes, inspired by the French favourite.

Are there any breads suitable for vegans?

Quite a lot of bread products are suitable for vegans since bread is traditionally made with just yeast, flour, water and salt, none of which are derived from animal products.

However, quite a few bread products nowadays also contain dairy products such as whey or eggs, in order to keep them fresh for longer, and to help them keep their shape.

Therefore, if you are following a vegan diet, it is important to ensure that you check the ingredients on any loaf of bread before you buy it.

Biona Rye Omega 3 Golden Linseed Bread is suitable for vegans.

It is wheat free, has no added yeast and is also high in fibre. This rye bread is baked using traditional artisan skills and can be served with a variety of sweet or savoury toppings.

Amisa Organic Spelt Melba Toast is a crunchy alternative to traditional bread.

This thinly sliced toast is great for an accompaniment to soups or salads or is delicious when spread with vegan alternatives to cheese or pâté.

If you have got a sweet tooth, then malt loaf is a delicious sweet bread.

Everfresh Sprouted Malt Loaf with Raisins is made without sugar, eggs, dairy or animal products.

Malt loaf has a chewy texture and can be spread with a dairy free spread and enjoyed with a cuppa for elevenses!