Is 647 Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and go straight to the label. 647 is marketed as a 'low glycemic' bread, and its ingredient list is designed to keep blood sugar stable while maintaining texture. Let's analyze the key components to determine the vegan status.

First, the base of the bread consists of Water, Modified Wheat Starch, and Enriched Flour. These are all plant-derived. The inclusion of Wheat Gluten is crucial here; it provides the chewy texture that is often missing in low-carb breads. It is important to note that Wheat and Soy are explicitly listed as allergens, meaning this bread is strictly for those avoiding animal products, not those avoiding grains or legumes.

The primary flag for vegans is the Sugar. In the United States, sugar is often processed using bone char (ground animal bones) to bleach it white. Unless the manufacturer specifies that their sugar is organic, unrefined, or explicitly vegan-certified, there is a statistical chance it is not vegan. Additionally, the sweetener Rebaudioside A (Stevia Extract) is plant-based and safe for vegans.

Finally, we have the additives. Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) is used as a dough conditioner and is synthetic or plant-derived. Enzymes are often derived from fungal or bacterial sources and are generally considered vegan in bread making. The oils used—High Oleic Safflower Oil and Soybean Oil—are plant-based. Therefore, the only significant hurdle is the ambiguity of the sugar source.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, 647 is a fascinating product. It is designed to mimic the mouthfeel of white bread while drastically reducing the carbohydrate load. A typical slice contains roughly 40 to 45 calories, which is significantly lower than standard white bread (which can range from 70 to 100 calories).

The fat content is minimal, usually less than 1 gram per slice, derived mostly from the High Oleic Safflower Oil. This oil is heart-healthy and high in monounsaturated fats. The protein content is moderate due to the Wheat Gluten, providing structure without the heavy calorie count. For those on a calorie-restricted diet or managing blood sugar, this bread fits well within limits, provided you account for the sodium content, which is standard for processed breads.