Is Organic 5 Seed Multigrain Bread Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look at the ingredient list to determine safety, and this bread presents a clear picture. The first ingredient listed is ORGANIC WHEAT FLOUR, which is the primary structural component of the bread. This is immediately followed by ORGANIC CRACKED WHEAT and ORGANIC WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR. Wheat contains gliadin, the protein that triggers an immune response in those with celiac disease.

Further down the list, we encounter two other significant flags. First, there are ORGANIC RYE FLAKES. Rye is a distinct grain from wheat, but it contains secalin, another gluten protein that is toxic to those with celiac disease. Second, the list includes ORGANIC ROLLED OATS. While pure oats do not contain gluten, they are almost always cross-contaminated with wheat during harvesting and processing unless certified gluten-free. Furthermore, avenin in oats can trigger reactions in some sensitive individuals.

Finally, the bread contains ORGANIC VITAL WHEAT GLUTEN. This is a concentrated form of wheat gluten added to bread to improve its elasticity and chewiness. It essentially boosts the gluten content of the loaf. The combination of wheat flour, vital wheat gluten, and rye flakes makes this product definitively not gluten-free.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this bread is quite dense. The inclusion of flax, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds contributes healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. However, because the base is primarily wheat flour, the carbohydrate count is high. The bread also contains ORGANIC CANOLA OIL and ORGANIC CORN MEAL, adding to the fat and calorie density.

For the general population (non-celiac), this bread fits well into a balanced diet. The seeds provide micronutrients like magnesium and zinc. However, for anyone monitoring their glycemic index or looking for low-carb options, this is not an ideal choice due to the refined and whole wheat flours. It is a standard, nutrient-fortified multigrain bread, but it does not offer a gluten-free alternative.