The two questions I get asked most are “What’s your favorite gluten-free pasta?” and “What’s your favorite gluten-free bread?” I answered the pasta question in a blog post about a year ago and will update that list soon. Today I’m finally sharing our favorite gluten-free breads. I can’t wait to hear yours!
Background
Finding great-tasting gluten-free bread can be one of the harder parts of switching to a gluten-free diet. In regular bread, gluten acts like glue, providing structure, rise, and that familiar texture. That means some gluten-free breads struggle to replicate those qualities.
But following a gluten-free diet doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy really good bread. Over the ten years since my son was diagnosed with celiac disease, we’ve tried many gluten-free breads. Some have tasted like cardboard or been gritty, but others have surprised us with excellent flavor and texture.
Favorites sometimes change as bakeries or companies close, but we always seem to find new options. Below I share the gluten-free breads we currently keep in our fridge and freezer and why we like each one.
An overall tip
In our experience, most store-bought gluten-free breads taste best when toasted. Untoasted slices can sometimes feel gritty, but toasting improves texture and brings them closer to their gluten-containing counterparts.
That said, we’ve had exceptional gluten-free bread at restaurants, bakeries, and homemade loaves that taste great without toasting—so don’t give up hope if you prefer fresh slices.
Disclosures
Below I list our favorite store-bought breads for sandwiches, french toast, stuffing, plus bakery loaves and bread mixes for making your own. These are brands we buy regularly. Occasionally brands send sample products, and I always note when that happens.
Currently I don’t have business relationships with the brands mentioned here, except GF Jules, whose sandwich bread mix I love and for which I’m an affiliate. Purchasing through affiliate links generates a small percentage that helps support this site; it does not increase your cost.
Our Favorite Breads
Right now our fridge and freezer hold seven different brands and two bread mixes. We keep a variety because each works well for different meals and purposes. Here’s what we love about each:
Schar Gluten-Free Artisan Bread: We’ve used Schar since my son’s diagnosis. It’s widely available, reliable, and sold unrefrigerated in the gluten-free aisle. The slices are a good sandwich size, the texture is pleasant, and my son likes it toasted with eggs. They offer multiple varieties—my son prefers Artisan White, while I like Artisan Multigrain or 10 Grains & Seeds. We also enjoy their ciabatta for garlic bread. Note: we’ve collaborated with Schar occasionally because we genuinely use and enjoy their products.
Canyon Bakehouse: Another longtime favorite, Canyon Bakehouse breads are usually found in the freezer section. They offer many varieties with consistently good flavor and texture. We’ve received samples of new products and enjoyed them all—recently their bagels and Hawaiian bread stood out.
Against the Grain: We’ve enjoyed this brand for years. They were the first we found that made a gluten-free baguette, and we keep coming back to it. Available in the freezer section, their baguettes have great shape, texture, and flavor—perfect for garlic bread and ideal with homemade Italian meatballs.
Everybody Eats: We first discovered this Brooklyn bakery’s bread at a restaurant and tracked it down because we loved it so much. Their frozen baguettes arrive quickly and retain excellent texture and flavor. We often use this bread for gluten-free stuffing.
Udi’s: Udi’s is one of the most widely known brands in the U.S. We used their bread for years. While we now prefer other brands, Udi’s still works well toasted or for grilled cheese. Their hamburger buns are dependable and don’t have the “holes” sometimes found in sandwich loaves.
The Gluten-Free Bakery Bread: Made in upstate New York and sold regionally, this bread resurfaced in my pantry when a friend recommended ordering it through a local grocery delivery service. It’s my current favorite: large slices with great texture and flavor.
Bakery bread: Some of the best gluten-free loaves we’ve had come from restaurants and dedicated gluten-free bakeries. Examples include Georgies Diner and Shoreline Diner in New Haven, CT, which used to sell loaves, and Modern Bread and Bagel in NYC. Modern Bread and Bagel is a 100% gluten-free bakery with bagels that taste like classic New York bagels and loaves that slice thick for perfect french toast. If you have a local gluten-free bakery, it’s worth exploring their offerings.
Bread mixes: We recently added a bread maker and have loved the fresh loaves it produces—the texture is closer to traditional gluten bread. We use Pamela’s bread mix and are excited to try GF Jules Sandwich Bread Mix, which we’ve used before in the oven and found easy and delicious. No bread maker is required to make GF Jules loaves.
Addendum: Tortillas
We’ve tried many gluten-free tortillas; our current favorite is Siete Foods Almond Flour Tortillas.
Wrap up
Have you tried any of these brands? What are your favorites? Are there any breads we should try next?
PIN it!
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!