I've spent countless hours (and way too much money) taste-testing every gluten-free bread I could get my hands on. Some made me question my life choices, while others genuinely surprised me. Today, I'm sharing my hard-earned wisdom about the 15 best gluten-free breads you can actually buy at the store.
My Gluten-Free Bread Testing Method
Before we dive in, let me explain how I tested these breads. I didn't just nibble them plain (though I did that too). Each loaf went through what I call "The Sandwich Gauntlet":
- Fresh out of the bag
- Toasted with butter
- PB&J sandwich test
- Grilled cheese challenge
- French toast potential (because weekend mornings matter!)
I also considered price, slice size, texture, and that all-important factor: does it actually taste like bread?
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Yes, I want to learn more!The Top 15 Gluten-Free Breads, Ranked
1. Canyon Bakehouse Country White
Price: Around $6-7 per loaf
Where to find it: Most major grocery stores, freezer section
This is it, folks – the holy grail of gluten-free bread. Canyon Bakehouse consistently ranks as the top choice in multiple taste tests, and after trying it myself, I understand why. The texture is remarkably close to regular white bread, with just enough chew without being gummy.
What sets it apart? The slices are actually a decent size (not those tiny appetizer-sized slices some brands give you), and it doesn't fall apart when you're making a hearty sandwich. I discovered this bread during my early days of gluten-free eating when I was desperately searching for something that wouldn't crumble into my soup.
Best for: Everything! Sandwiches, toast, French toast – this bread does it all.
2. Schar Artisan Baker White Bread
Price: Around $6-8 per loaf
Where to find it: Freezer section or shelf-stable area
Schar appears to have updated its recipe recently and it's now "the most convincing bread" according to multiple taste tests. I have to agree – this European brand knows what they're doing. The texture is firm but not dense, and it has that satisfying bread-like chew.
Fair warning though: the slices are on the smaller side. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in flavor and reliability. I actually wrote about my experience with European gluten-free options when I was researching different brands, and Schar consistently impressed me.
3. Canyon Bakehouse Sweet Hawaiian
Price: Around $7-8 per loaf
Where to find it: Freezer section
Plot twist! This sweet bread actually ranked highest overall in comprehensive testing. I was skeptical at first – sweet bread for sandwiches? But hear me out. The subtle sweetness works beautifully with savory fillings like turkey and cheese, and it makes incredible French toast.
The texture is soft and slightly spongy (in a good way), and it doesn't have that weird gluten-free aftertaste that haunts some brands.
Best for: Ham sandwiches, French toast, anything where a touch of sweetness enhances the flavors.
4. Three Bakers Whole Grain
Price: Around $6-7 per loaf
Where to find it: Freezer section
This bread surprised me with its hearty texture and nutty flavor. It has lots of seeds and feels very soft with good air bubbles, which gives it an artisan-like quality. The slices hold up well to chunky sandwich fillings, and it makes excellent toast.
5. Carbonaut White Bread
Price: Around $9-10 per loaf
Where to find it: Freezer section
This was my "wow, this is actually like Wonder Bread" moment. Carbonaut is remarkably soft and Wonder Bread-like, the kind that could get stuck to the roof of your mouth in the best way. If you're craving that nostalgic white bread experience, this is your answer.
The larger slices are a huge plus, though it can get a bit gummy when toasted too long. I learned this the hard way during a particularly ambitious grilled cheese experiment.
6. Rudi's Gluten-Free Original
Price: Around $7-9 per loaf
Where to find it: Freezer section
Rudi's offers that traditional bread taste with a decent texture. It's not groundbreaking, but it's reliable. The flavor is great with a good crust, though it tends to be pricier than other options. Still, when you want something dependable for your morning toast, Rudi's delivers.
7. Aldi's LiveGFree White Bread
Price: Around $4-5 per loaf (best value!)
Where to find it: Fresh bread section at Aldi
Here's your budget-friendly champion! While not perfect, it looks and feels like traditional white bread and offers great value. The slices are small, but at this price point, I'm not complaining. It's perfect for simple sandwiches and toast.
8. Little Northern Bakehouse Cinnamon Raisin
Price: Around $6-7 per loaf
Where to find it: Freezer section
This bread is much less dense than many gluten-free options and the raisins add needed moisture. While I wouldn't use it for a turkey sandwich, it's absolutely perfect for French toast or just toasted with butter for breakfast.
9. Glutino Gluten-Free Multigrain
Price: Around $5-7 per loaf
Where to find it: Freezer section
Glutino has a tight crumb with slightly spongy texture and mild flavor. It's not offensive, but it's not exciting either. Think of it as the reliable friend of gluten-free breads – always there when you need it, even if it doesn't wow you.
10. Sam's Choice Gluten-Free Multigrain (Walmart)
Price: Around $6-7 per loaf
Where to find it: Walmart, fresh bread section
This Walmart brand had potential but fell short for me. The flavor came off as strange, almost having the bitter essence of dirt. However, some people love its soft texture and the fact that it doesn't disintegrate. Your mileage may vary!
11. 365 by Whole Foods Gluten-Free Multigrain
Price: Around $5-6 per loaf
Where to find it: Whole Foods, shelf-stable section
If you shop at Whole Foods, this organic option offers good value. It uses ancient grains and has positive reviews for tasting like real bread with light texture. It's not my top pick, but it's a solid choice for the health-conscious baker.
12. BFree Gluten-Free White
Price: Around $7-8 per loaf
Where to find it: Fresh bread section
BFree has long, narrow slices and can be a bit bland with some aftertaste, but makes good toast. It's one of those breads that really needs toasting to shine. The unusual slice shape takes some getting used to.
13. Base Culture 7 Nut & Seed Bread
Price: Around $8-10 per loaf
Where to find it: Health food stores, online
This paleo-friendly option is more for the low-carb crowd than bread lovers. It has a spongy texture and is pretty expensive and small. If you're following a specific diet that requires it, it's fine, but don't expect traditional bread vibes.
14. Against the Grain Baguettes
Price: Around $7-9 per pack
Where to find it: Freezer section
While Against the Grain received the highest star rating in some tests for their specialty items, their regular bread options don't match up to the top contenders. Their baguettes are decent for specific uses though.
15. Udi's Gluten-Free White
Price: Around $5-6 per loaf
Where to find it: Freezer section
I know this might be controversial since Udi's is everywhere, but honestly, the slices are ridiculously small with a dry, hard crust and the texture is like couch foam. I wanted to love it because it's so widely available, but it consistently disappoints me.
What Makes Great Gluten-Free Bread?
After all this tasting, I've learned a few things about what separates the winners from the losers:
Size matters. Those tiny slices might look cute, but they're useless for actual sandwiches. You need real-sized slices that can handle fillings.
Texture is everything. Good gluten-free bread should have some chew without being gummy or falling apart. It's a delicate balance that the best brands have figured out.
Freshness counts. Most gluten-free breads are frozen for good reason – they don't have the preservatives regular bread does. Always check dates and store properly.
Toast transforms. Even mediocre gluten-free bread often improves dramatically when toasted. Don't judge until you've tried it both ways.
Where to Shop and What to Expect
Frozen vs. Fresh: Most of the best gluten-free breads are sold frozen. This isn't a bad thing – it keeps them fresh longer. Just plan ahead and defrost what you need.
Price reality: Yes, gluten-free bread is expensive. Expect to pay $5-10 per loaf. As I discovered when I compared Costco's gluten-free bread options, buying in bulk can help with costs.
Storage tips: Once opened, keep gluten-free bread in the fridge or freezer. It molds faster than regular bread because it lacks preservatives.
My Personal Baking Adventures
Speaking of making your own bread, I've experimented with homemade gluten-free baking quite a bit. When I was researching the science behind gluten-free flour substitutions, I learned why store-bought often beats homemade for sandwich bread – it's incredibly difficult to get the texture right without commercial equipment and stabilizers.
That said, if you want to try baking your own, I found that King Arthur's gluten-free bread flour produces some of the most reliable results at home.
The Bottom Line
Don't let anyone tell you that gluten-free bread can't be delicious. Yes, it's different from wheat bread, and yes, it's more expensive. But brands like Canyon Bakehouse and Schar prove that you don't have to sacrifice taste or texture just because you can't eat gluten.
My advice? Start with Canyon Bakehouse Country White – it's the most universally appealing option I've found. From there, experiment with different brands to find your personal favorites. And remember, even if a bread doesn't work for sandwiches, it might be perfect for French toast or stuffing!
Trust me, after five years of this gluten-free journey, I can confidently say: you will eat good sandwiches again. You just need to know where to look.
Quick tip: Always check the ingredients if you have other food allergies. Most gluten-free breads contain eggs, and many have other allergens. When I was helping a friend navigate multiple food allergies, I learned to always double-check labels – something I should have mentioned in my guide about safely identifying gluten-free baking ingredients.
Happy sandwich making, friends! Your taste buds (and your lunch routine) will thank you.
