Does Dakota Style 12 Grain contain dairy or gluten?

It contains Wheat Gluten and is not gluten-free. It does not appear to contain dairy ingredients, but the mono/diglycerides may be of animal origin.

Is Dakota Style 12 Grain good for weight loss?

At roughly 100-110 calories per slice, it can fit into a calorie-controlled diet, though the added sugars make it less ideal than zero-sugar breads.

Where can I buy Dakota Style 12 Grain?

It is widely available at major grocery chains in the US and can be purchased online via Amazon or Walmart delivery.

Is Dakota Style 12 Grain safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for children, though parents should be mindful of the sugar content and potential peanut cross-contamination if the child has allergies.

Is Dakota Style 12 Grain Vegan?

No, Dakota Style 12 Grain bread is not considered vegan. While it may appear to be a simple grain loaf, a closer look at the ingredient label reveals two specific items that exclude it from a strict plant-based diet. The primary culprit is honey, an animal byproduct, but there are also concerns regarding the source of certain dough conditioners used in the manufacturing process.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look beyond the marketing buzzwords like "12 Grain" to the actual formulation. When analyzing the ingredient list for Dakota Style 12 Grain, we find a standard enriched bread formula with a few specific additions that are problematic for vegans.

The most obvious flag is Honey. Honey is produced by bees, which classifies it as an animal byproduct. Strict vegans avoid honey because it involves the exploitation of insect labor and resources. While some "flexitarians" might debate the ethics of honey, in the context of a vegan diet, it is universally excluded.

Another ingredient to scrutinize is DATEM (Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Monoglycerides). DATEM is an emulsifier derived from glycerol and tartaric acid. While tartaric acid comes from grapes, the glycerol can be sourced from either plants or animals (tallow). Unless the manufacturer explicitly states that the monoglycerides are plant-derived, they are considered non-vegan by many strict standards.

Finally, the label mentions Soybean Oil and Wheat Gluten. While these are plant-derived, the facility warning is crucial. The label states that sunflower seeds are roasted in a facility that processes Peanuts. While not a vegan issue, it is a critical allergen warning for consumers.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

honey

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Dakota Style 12 Grain is a moderate-calorie option, with each slice containing approximately 100 to 110 calories depending on the specific slice size. The fat content is relatively low, primarily coming from the Soybean Oil and Sunflower Seeds, which provides a small amount of unsaturated fat.

The carbohydrate count is standard for bread, but it is important to note the inclusion of High Fructose Corn Syrup and Raisin Juice Concentrate. These added sugars contribute to the glycemic load of the bread. While it offers a decent amount of fiber from the whole grains, the presence of added sugars means it should be consumed in moderation, especially by those monitoring blood sugar levels.

Regarding micronutrients, the bread is enriched with Niacin, Iron, Thiamine, and Folic Acid. This boosts the vitamin profile significantly compared to unenriched white bread, making it a better source of B vitamins.