Ranking the Best and Worst Whole Wheat Breads: A Comprehensive Review
By Editor • September 7, 2026 • 2 min read
When navigating the world of whole wheat bread, discerning which options truly deliver on nutrition and taste can be a daunting task. While whole wheat bread is generally regarded as healthier than its white counterpart, the various labels can be misleading. A recent evaluation ranked 14 whole wheat breads based on flavor, texture, and overall quality, offering consumers a guide to making informed choices in the supermarket bread aisle.
Understanding Whole Wheat Labels
Whole wheat bread includes the entire wheat kernel, making it a more nutritious choice. However, consumers should be wary of terms like 'multigrain' or 'wheat' that may not guarantee the presence of whole grains. To ensure you're purchasing true whole wheat bread, check the ingredient list, looking for whole wheat flour as the first item. Additionally, seek out breads labeled '100% whole wheat,' which are regulated and more reliable. The Whole Grains Council's Whole Grain Stamp is another positive indicator, though not all brands use it.
The Rankings: From Worst to Best
Among the breads evaluated, Sara Lee's Delightful Soft & Smooth Wheat was particularly disappointing, characterized by an artificial flavor reminiscent of diet sodas due to the inclusion of maltitol. Despite its low calorie count of 45 per slice, the reliance on sugar substitutes detracted from its appeal. In contrast, Sara Lee's 100% whole wheat was more palatable, though still lacked the artisanal qualities of better options.
Nature's Own, the best-selling loaf brand in the U.S., fared better with its whole wheat bread, which contained no artificial preservatives and offered a more authentic wheat flavor, despite its small size and low fiber content. Other brands like Pepperidge Farm and Trader Joe's provided mixed results, with some breads suffering from texture issues or excessive sweetness. Overall, while many of the breads ranked are decent options, there are notable distinctions that could sway consumer preferences.
Source: www.thetakeout.com
