Best Natural Breads

For millennia, bread has been at the heart of nearly every culture on earth. Unfortunately, in recent years, the demand for convenience and low costs has diminished much of the wholesome goodness of the bread we eat. That’s why we’re thankful for companies dedicated to restoring not only the deliciousness, but also the nutritious-ness of this staple food. Here are a few of our favorites.

Sprouted Grains

Our pick: Food for Life Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted 100% Whole Grain

Why we like it: There’s no flour in this thin-sliced bread—instead it uses freshly sprouted whole grains (all organic), which make for a grainier texture. In addition, the sprouted grains contain 18 amino acids, including all nine essential ones. Bonus: In case you’re counting, there are 0 grams of sugar.

Bonus points for: organic, vegan, low-sodium, low-sugar

Whole-grain

Our pick: Dave’s Killer Bread 21 Whole Grains and Seeds

Why we like it: A lot of 100% whole-grain breads taste like cardboard. Not Dave’s. Its texture is a pleasant blend of soft and crunchy, and every slice packs a lot of good nutrients, such as 5 grams each of fiber and protein, plus 22 grams of whole grains per slice—almost half of your RDA of whole grains.

Bonus points for: organic, vegan, soy-free, dairy-free

Organic

Our pick: Eureka! Grainiac

Why we like it: Name your favorite grain—it’s probably in this tasty loaf. It’s loaded with 12 certified-organic grains, including quinoa, millet, spelt, buckwheat and amaranth. You’ll also find a host of seeds, such as pumpkin, flax, poppy and sesame, which give the bread a pleasant crunch and burst of nutrients.

Bonus points for: organic

Gluten-Free

Our pick: Udi’s Gluten Free Whole Grain

Why we like it: Udi’s achieves what most gluten-free breads do not: the familiar smooth-and-slightly-chewy texture of non-GF loaves. This bread’s pleasant but neutral taste and mere 70 calories per slice make it a good fit for any situation when you desire bread.

Bonus points for: soy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, low-sugar

Multigrain

Our pick: Oroweat Healthfull Flax& Sunflower

Why we like it: If you don’t mind a little crunch, eating seeded bread is a no-brainer. The seeds add omega-3s, protein and a complex flavor to every bite. This thinner-sliced loaf comes in at just 80 calories and 2 grams of sugar per slice.

Bonus points for: organic, low-sugar

Seeded

Our pick: Franz Willamette Valley Organic Great Seed

Why we like it: If you don’t mind a little crunch, eating seeded bread is a no-brainer. The seeds add omega-3s, protein and a complex flavor to every bite. This all-organic bread also provides 5 grams of protein and 12 percent of your daily fiber needs in each slice.

Bonus points for: organic