Against the Grain - A Sampling of Great Gluten Free Breads

Is good gluten free bread an oxymoron? I used to think so. I can recall bringing home loaves of gluten free bread from the grocery store that literally made a "thud" noise when dropped on my kitchen counter. Bread shouldn't do that. I can also recall trying to make a sandwich with two pieces of gluten free bread, only to have them collapse into two useless piles of crumbs. I must say that I have come across some really good tasting breads, english muffins, and bagels lately that rival gluten containing breads. Look for whole grain varieties, and you can boost your fiber intake a bit too. Below are a few of my favorites.

Udi's
I've jumped on the Udi's bandwagon. Their white and whole grain sandwich bread is fabulous. It toasts very well, holds up to sandwich fixins', and tastes delicious. Their bagels are monstrous and my son's favorite. Check on their website for a $1.00 off coupon because a small loaf is usually over $5!

Deerfield's Bakery
Available online through their bakery website, in Whole Foods Markets throughout Chicagoland, and in some specialty stores (All Ways Healthy in Lake Zurich carries the baguettes), the Deerfield's rice bran mini baguettes and dinner rolls are the chewiest, most delectable gluten free breads I've tasted. A real treat.


Kinnikinnick
Tapioca Rice New York Style Plain Bagels are a morning favorite in our house, but Kinnikinnick makes a variety of breads and bagels that are chewy and great when warmed or toasted.

Enjoy Life
Placing one of their Classic Original Bagels next to an Udi's bagel is almost comical. It is half the size with the same amount of calories. This bagel is a little powerhouse though. It is very dense, has a slight sweetness to it, and is loaded with nutrients. It is very good warmed up with peanut butter slathered on top.


Food for Life
The Brown Rice English Muffins are the perfect housing for eggs as a breakfast sandwich or lunchtime snack. They toast up well and are a good source of fiber (4 grams for the whole muffin). The White Rice and Brown Rice breads are dense but yummy too.

Breadsmith
Located throughout Chicagoland, Breadsmith's bakery makes gluten containing breads and pastries, as well as gluten free breads and muffins on certain days of the week. You can buy them and then freeze for later use, but be sure to call ahead to place your gluten free order. I've tried several of their gluten free breads, along with their pizza crusts, muffins, and cookies (these contain dairy). There is a sweetness to their baked goods which makes them great as a dessert bread, in french toast, or topped with sweet spreads such as peanut butter and jelly.