For that reason, I set out on a mission to find the best tasting gluten and dairy free breads. With so many brands, I wanted to find the best tasting ones. Therefore, I decided on doing a taste test. I bought every GFDF bread I could find. It used to be that only Whole Foods would carry these brands but I am happy to see that Target, Walmart and Mariano also carry them.

It should be noted that many gluten free breads are often kept in the freezer section. Reasons are that they spoil quickly and many brands ship frozen bread to places where gluten-free products are not readily available.

I looked online for defrosting instructions and there was a lot of contradictory information. For example, some sites recommended defrosting in the fridge while others were against it saying it would actually stale the bread. In contrast, some swore by microwaving while others said slices become dry and chewy. Indeed, this was the case as I first microwaved the frozen breads and they became gummy. In the end, a method all agreed on was heating bread in the oven or toaster which I found to be best in preserving the texture.

“Freezing bread is by far the best way to preserve it in the exact state you bought it in: crusty crust, soft interior. Freezing greatly slows down the staling process, and — bonus! — reheating the bread in an oven or toaster actually re-gelatinizes the starches and makes the bread springy and chewy again.” (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-best-ways-to-keep-bread-from-going-stale_b_5947eef3e4b04d8767077a4d)

However, a few companies like Trader Joe’s and Schar do sell bread that is shelf ready. As a result, I do think that companies that sell them “fresh” on the shelf do have a slight advantage because defrosting them impacts the original texture. In addition, frozen breads loaves are often hard to separate into individual slices.

Below are the results of the taste test, by category, along with allergen information.

Just because you are gluten and dairy free doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy bread

White Bread on Shelf

Trader Joe’s White Gluten Free Bread

  • Dairy, soy, nut, and gluten-free
  • Contains egg
  • Small slices
  • Soft and fluffy with crunchy crust
  • Good bread taste
  • So fresh that the expiration date is usually within a few days

Essential Baking Company Deli Slice Classic White

  • Gluten free, kosher, dairy free, nut free, soy free
  • Made in a dedicated gluten-free bakery
  • Big slices
  • Dense texture
  • Bland flavor

Frozen White Bread

Rudi’s Homestyle

  • Gluten free, soy free, dairy free, nut free
  • Difficult to separate
  • Small slices
  • Somewhat chewy
  • Plain taste

Three Bakers White Whole Grain

  • Gluten free, soy free, dairy free, non-GMO
  • Contains egg
  • Small slices
  • Good bread taste
  • Smells like buttered bread

Udi’s Soft White

  • Gluten and dairy free
  • Soft texture, somewhat grainy
  • Small slices
  • Nice mild taste

Multigrain Bread

Schar Artisan Baker Multigrain

  • Gluten free, dairy free, non-GMO, no preservatives
  • Contains soy
  • Big slices
  • Looks like wheat bread
  • Sold on shelf
  • Bland taste
  • Dense texture

Canyon Bakehouse Heritage Style

  • Dairy, soy, and nut free, non-GMO
  • Contains egg
  • Large deli style slices
  • Soft and fluffy
  • Texture and taste of multigrain bread

Not Reviewed

Glutino White Bread- their website states no gluten, no wheat, no casein but does NOT say dairy free so I have not included them although I did buy the bread.

Top White and Multigrain Breads

In conclusion, my top three picks for white bread are Trader Joe’s White Bread, Three Bakers White Whole Grain, and Udi’s Soft White. Trader Joe’s has a slight advantage being sold on the shelf. However, if not consumed in the same week it is bought it will ironically have to be frozen. While Trader Joe’s package states their bread is gluten free, it doesn’t emphasize that it is also dairy, nut and soy free. I discovered this on their website and many with other allergies/sensitivities might pass up this tasty bread by thinking it is only gluten free.

Secondly, Three Bakers bread has an aromatic buttery smell and a nice bread taste. Lastly, Udi’s Soft White has a nice mild bread taste. Undoubtedly, all three are great choices. However, all three brands have small bread slices. Yes, your luncheon meat will be larger than the bread used to make the sandwich.

As for the multigrain bread, I really like Canyon Bakehouse. It tastes like regular multigrain bread and the slices are large and deli-style.

Finally, I am happy to find that there are many GFDF brands and the breads are sold next to wheat bread which is a good sign that they becoming mainstream.

Fun Food Fact

In Romania, eating the corners of bread ensures a good relationship with your mother-in-law. 

Did You Know

Scientists in Vienna have saved time and energy in making gluten free bread by using  electric shocks to heat the bread from the inside (https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a29613942/make-gluten-free-bread)

Quote

“I don’t eat white breads, and I’m off dairy due to an allergic reaction and because of what it does to the body. I’ve learnt a lot about different foods and how the body breaks it down and what happens when we eliminate or incorporate certain foods, and it’s pretty fascinating!” Nargis Fakhri

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