Is Thin-Sliced Organic Bread Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, the first thing I do when analyzing a product claiming to be healthy is look at the flour blend. In the case of this Thin-Sliced Organic Bread, the verdict is immediate: it is packed with gluten. The ingredient list is not hiding this fact, but the 'organic' branding can sometimes lead consumers to assume otherwise.

The primary ingredients listed are organic wheat flour, organic whole wheat flour, organic barley flour, organic rye flour, and organic spelt flour. This is a 'five-grain' assault on a gluten-free diet. Wheat, barley, and rye are the three main grains strictly prohibited on a gluten-free diet. Spelt, while an ancient grain, is also a form of wheat and contains gluten. The presence of organic barley flour is particularly concerning for those with high sensitivity, as barley contains hordein, a form of gluten that can be difficult to digest.

Furthermore, the list includes organic wheat gluten. This is often added to bread to improve texture and rise, essentially doubling down on the gluten content. Even the non-gluten flours listed, such as organic millet flour and organic quinoa flour, are mixed in a facility or batch that handles heavy gluten sources. While these specific flours are naturally gluten-free, they cannot be considered safe for Celiacs unless processed in a dedicated facility, which this product is not.

Finally, we see organic cultured wheat flour and enzymes. Cultured wheat flour is a natural preservative, but it is derived from wheat. The enzymes (often amylase) are usually derived from fungal or bacterial sources, but in conventional baking, they can sometimes be processed on equipment shared with wheat. The bottom line is that every major component of this bread's structure is derived from gluten-containing grains.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this bread offers standard benefits typical of a whole-grain wheat product. It provides a decent amount of fiber and protein due to the inclusion of organic whole wheat flour and organic cracked whole wheat. A single slice likely falls in the range of 60-80 calories, with roughly 2-3 grams of protein and 2-3 grams of fiber. This makes it a reasonable carbohydrate source for the average active person.

However, we must address the organic cane sugar and organic expeller pressed canola oil. While organic, these are still added sugars and fats. The sugar contributes to the glycemic load, meaning it can spike blood sugar levels faster than a slice of 100% whole grain bread without added sweeteners. For those on a low-carb or diabetic diet, this bread is not ideal. The canola oil is a source of fat, though 'expeller pressed' indicates a chemical-free extraction method, which is a positive.

Regarding the '553-111219 assurano' listed at the end, this appears to be a proprietary code or specific batch identifier rather than a standard food additive. It does not flag as a known allergen. Overall, the nutritional profile is that of a standard organic wheat bread: decent fiber, moderate calories, but with added sugar that keeps it from being a 'superfood'.