We Tried Over 150 Breads To Find The Healthiest—And Yummiest—Options

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The grocery store aisles overflow with packaged slices of bread—many claiming to be nutritious. But there are so many loaves that are packed with sodium and sugar, plus other ingredients that you could be trying to avoid, depending on your diet. So what is the healthiest bread to eat? First things first, it's time to demystify the word "healthy."

"There isn't an FDA definition of 'healthy'," says Marisa Moore, RDN, and cookbook author. "Though it is a content claim that would appear on packaging, in practice, using the word healthy is tricky." That's one of the reasons it's best to check out the nutrition label and ingredients listed instead of relying on marketing claims!

First rule of thumb for buying the healthiest bread: Pick breads that are made with whole grains, suggests Valerie Agyeman, RD. "Whole grain breads provide a range of nutrients, including zinc, manganese, phosphorus, calcium, iron, selenium, and vitamin E," says Agyeman.

Healthy breads that are higher in protein and fiber, with whole grains listed as the first ingredient, will typically be more nutritious and keep you fuller for longer. If you follow a gluten-free diet, or have Celiac disease, finding a gluten-free bread is necessary, and even better if it's super delicious. Also important: sodium and sugar amounts. "When choosing bread, check labels for lower sodium content, and be mindful of added sugars as some brands contain more than others," says Agyeman. Her rule of thumb: "Aim for bread with less than 2 to 3 grams of added sugar per slice."

The healthiest breads for you will depend on your diet. "Finding a bread that works for your specific taste preference, dietary needs and culinary use determines which one will be the best fit," shares Moore.

So The Women's Health Test Kitchen tasted over 150 loaves to find the best and healthiest bread brands. From sweet cinnamon-scented slices to super savory rye bread and even low-carb bread options, these picks are worth a spot in your cart. Not sure where to start? Consider this your cheat sheet to the most lovable loaves.

100% Whole Wheat Bread

Tasters tried dozens of loaves of whole wheat bread and this brand won everyone over. Each hearty, dense slice boasts a sweet flavor and 90 mg of omega-3s per serving, a fatty acid found in fish like salmon that helps in a host of bodily functions, including hormone regulation.

Per serving: 100 calories, 1.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 21 g carbs, 4 g sugar, 160 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 4 g protein

Gluten Free Seeds and Grains Bread

Made with a gluten-free flour blend and a combo of seeds (including sunflower, chia, flax, and pumpkin) that give each piece its sturdy-but-still-tender texture, Little Northern Bakehouse's wheat-free bread is anything but dry and crumbly (score!).

Per serving: 170 calories, 5 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 31 g carbs, 4 g sugar, 220 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 2 g protein

Low Carb Artisan Bread

With a mild taste, toasty crust, and 11 grams of fiber, each slice of this low-calorie bread keeps you fuller longer and helps prevent blood sugar spikes. Try it with a spread of nut butter and sliced berries.

Per serving: 30 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 13 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 150 mg sodium, 11 g fiber, 3 g protein

Sprouted Whole Grain Bread

The seven grains that make up this soft guy are sprouted, which gives your body a head start in absorbing essential nutrients. "Sprouted grain bread is typically higher in protein and fiber than most common bread types," says Moore. And its slightly sweet flavor complements basically anything you put on top.

Per serving: 90 calories, 1 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 18 g carbs, 4 g sugar, 170 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 5 g protein

Organic Ezekiel 4:9 Cinnamon Raisin Whole Grain Flourless Bread

When you’re craving something a little special first thing in the morning, toast a slice of this slightly sweet and spiced bread. It’s packed with ingredients you don’t often find in other breads, like lentils and soybeans, which add vital vitamins and minerals like selenium, manganese, and niacin, a key nutrient to support a healthy digestive system.

Per serving: 80 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 18 g carbs, 5 g sugar, 65 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 4 g protein

Organic Righteous Rye Bread

Make a standout sandwich with this protein-packed pick (clocking in at five grams per slice!). The punch of caraway seeds—a classic inclusion in rye bread—adds nutty, herbal notes that pair perfectly with any filling. Each serving also serves 8% of your daily iron needs, a key mineral for preventing anemia.

Per serving: 110 calories, 2 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 22 g carbs, 4 g sugar, 220 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 5 g protein

No Added Salt Sprouted Whole Grain Bread

Bread can often be a sodium bomb, and while this mineral is key for body processes like hydration, too much can cause high blood pressure and other health concerns. While this loaf contains no additional salt, WH's tasters found it far from bland. The crust has a deep toastiness, and it's the perfect canvas for a PB&J.

Per serving: 90 calories, 1 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 18 g carbs, 4 g sugar, 5 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 5 g protein

Flourless Sprouted Grain Bread, Sesame

Fan of sesame? Check out this healthy loaf, coated in nutty white sesame seeds, which serve up some calcium, important to maintain strong bones. Each slice has tangy flavor and makes for delicious toast.

Per serving: 80 calories, 1 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 15 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 80 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 5 g protein

How We Tested The Healthiest Breads

Women's Health curated a list of all the nationally available store-bought breads, then narrowed down that list per nutritionist’s recommendations (opting for loaves with whole-grain as a first ingredient, capping sodium and sugar amounts). A team of tasters tried over 150 loaves—some toasted as well as in sandwiches.

Meet The Experts

Marisa Moore, RDN, is a registered dietitian and author of The Plant Kitchen, based in Atlanta, GA.

Valerie Agyeman, RD, is a dietitian and host of women's health podcast, Flourish Heights.

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