5 Non Ultra-Processed Supermarket Breads for a Healthy Diet
Aldi, Ryvita and Crosta & Mollica are brands that feature on the non-ultra processed supermarket bread list.
In search of healthy bread options? Supermarket bread often falls short with its ultra-processed ingredients. Preservatives and emulsifiers are added to most bread to keep it fresher for longer and give it that irresistible soft consistency. While baking bread only requires four ingredients, you’ll usually find 10 or more ingredients on the back of supermarket bread packaging.
So, is there such a thing as non ultra-processed bread? We’ve searched high and low to bring you five non ultra-processed bread options that are not only tasty but also better for your health.
Non Ultra-Processed Bread: At A Glance
Cheapest natural supermarket bread: Aldi's Wholemeal Sourdough Loaf at £1.50 per loaf
Best-tasting non-UPF white bread: Jason's Sourdough White Ciabattin
Natural flatbreads: Crosta & Mollica's Piadina Flatbreads
Best natural snacking option: Ryvita's Dark Rye Crispbread Crackers
Non ultra-processed gluten free option: The Heart of Nature Seedful Slices
Independent Bakeries vs. Supermarket Breads
Independent local bakeries, while not listed here, bake the most natural bread without preservatives. However, these loaves tend to cost at least three times as much as one from a supermarket, making them a luxury for most people. This is why we’ve pulled together a list of the most natural bread options available in your local store.
When looking at supermarket bread, you’ll usually find calcium carbonate, iron, thiamine, and niacin on the ingredient list. You’re might be thinking, does this mean the bread is ultra-processed? By law, these nutrients must be added to any white wheat flour sold in the UK to match the vitamin content of wholemeal flour, which are often lost during the milling of white flours. This was put in place by the government after the war to ensure people got enough of these nutrients. If you want to avoid these, always check the back of pack and go for wholemeal loaves instead.
Aldi Wholemeal Sourdough: An Affordable Healthy Bread Choice
Aldi's Wholemeal Sourdough Loaf is an excellent non ultra-processed option. This supermarket bread is also rich in protein at 5.8g per slice, which helps keep you fuller for longer.
Non ultra-processed
Cost: £1.50
Fibre: 3.4g
Protein: 5.8g
Sugar: 1.1g
Calories: 128
Aldi’s sourdough costs just £1.50 per loaf, coming in as the low-cost choice on this list. The white and seeded sourdough varieties are also free from preservatives, making them great healthy bread options.
Jason’s Sourdough White Ciabattin: A Soft, White Non-Ultra Processed Bread
For white bread lovers, Jason's Sourdough White Ciabattin is a fantastic natural choice. It's part of a wider range of non ultra-processed sourdough and Ciabattin breads.
Non ultra-processed
Cost: £2.00
Fibre: 1.4g
Protein: 4.9g
Sugar: 1.1g
Calories: 111
Note: The rolls in Jason's range do contain some ultra-processed ingredients, so always check the labels.
Crosta & Mollica Whole Blend Piadina Flatbreads - Non-Ultra Processed Flatbread Option
Natural flatbread options are hard to find, but Crosta & Mollica's Piadina Flatbreads are a great non ultra-processed choice.
Non ultra-processed
Cost: £1.85
Fibre: 1.5g
Protein: 3.2g
Sugar: 0.8g
Calories: 119
A unique ingredient in these natural flatbreads is added extra virgin olive oil, which has been shown to have a wide range of health benefits. It reduces inflammation in the body and is rich in antioxidants which, according to Healthline, “may reduce your risk of chronic diseases.”
Ryvita Dark Rye Crispbread Crackers - A Natural Bread Snacking Option
Ryvita's Dark Rye Crispbread Crackers are a light, non ultra-processed addition to this list at just 37 calories per crispbread. Pair them with hummus or peanut butter and banana for a natural afternoon snack.
Non ultra-processed
Cost: £1.60
Fibre: 1.5g
Protein: 1.1g
Sugar: 0.3g
Calories: 37
The Heart of Nature Seedful Slices - A Non-Ultra Processed Gluten Free Bread
Natural gluten-free bread options are particularly difficult to find, as creating gluten-free products often requires the addition of artificial ingredients to mimic the texture and taste of traditional bread.
Seedful Slices from The Heart of Nature is a gluten-free natural bread choice that’s packed with nutrients.
Non ultra-processed
Cost: £3.65
Fibre: 8.9g
Protein: 6.1g
Sugar: 0.4g
Calories: 217
This bread is completely free from wheat, making it suitable for coeliacs. It also contains five different types of seeds for a boost of fibre and healthy fats. It is a higher calorie choice at 217 per slice, so be mindful if you're trying to lose weight.
Remember, bread packaging is designed to make you want to eat more than you should. If you want to eat a real food, low UPF diet, try to minimise the amount of packaged food that you eat and opt for whole, home-cooked foods when you can.
Choose your breads wisely and enjoy the benefits of healthier, non ultra-processed bread.
