Is classic french bread Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this bread is strictly off-limits for a gluten-free diet, we need to look at the specific formulation. The primary ingredient listed is enriched unbleached wheat flour. This is the standard base for traditional breads and is the most significant source of gluten. It is derived from wheat, which contains the proteins gliadin and glutenin.

Even if the flour weren't enough, the manufacturer adds vital wheat gluten directly into the mix. This is essentially concentrated wheat protein added to boost the dough's elasticity and chewiness. It significantly increases the total gluten content.

There is also a risk of hidden gluten sources. The malted barley flour listed in the enrichment blend is derived from barley, another prohibited grain for those on a gluten-free diet. While enzymes are generally processed out, they can sometimes be derived from fungal sources grown on wheat or barley substrates, though the primary flags here are the obvious wheat and barley ingredients.

Nutritional Value

While this bread is not suitable for a gluten-free diet, it does provide standard nutritional benefits found in enriched white bread. It serves as a source of quick energy due to the carbohydrates found in the wheat flour and sugar. The enrichment process adds back nutrients like niacin, reduced iron, and B vitamins that are often stripped during processing.

Regarding fats, the inclusion of soybean oil keeps the saturated fat content relatively low, but the sodium stearoyl lactylate and salt contribute to the sodium count. For those monitoring sugar intake, the added sugar and calcium propionate (a mold inhibitor) are standard in commercial baking but add to the overall caloric density without significant fiber content.