The 8 Best Store-Bought Whole-Grain Breads, According to Dietitians

Whether you're craving a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a grilled cheese , or some toast for breakfast, you're going to need a loaf of bread . There's a time and place for white bread, milk bread , sourdough and a nice loaf of seeded rye, but for our everyday sandwiches and toast-making we often reach for a loaf of whole-grain bread. It's nutty and flavorful but not too flavorful and the hope is that it has a little added nutrition thanks to the whole grains.

But with all of the options in the grocery store, how do you choose a whole wheat bread that tastes good and is also good for you ? We reached out to a handful of registered dietitians and quizzed them about which whole wheat breads you should keep an eye out for the next time you're at the store. With their help, we compiled this list of the 8 best store-bought whole-grain breads . Add any of these to your next shopping list and your sandwiches will thank you.

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What's the Difference Between Whole Wheat Bread and Whole-Grain Bread?

Whole wheat breads are whole grain breads but not all whole grain breads are whole breads. Why? Because whole wheat breads are made using whole wheat flour, whereas whole-grain bread might (and often do) include wheat, but they also include other whole grains, such as oats, barley, brown rice, etc. Both types of breads can be good for you. Just take a look at the ingredients list to see what they're made of.

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What to Look for in Store-Bought Whole-Grain Bread

Choosing the right whole wheat bread can enhance your diet with a blend of flavor and nutrition and you'll want to keep an eye on a few key ingredients. "Opt for a bread that is truly whole grain to benefit from a variety of minerals like iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and B vitamins, as well as fiber," says Sapna Peruvemba, registered dietitian and founder of Health By Sapna.

"Breads that contain whole grains, are high in fiber, have little or no added sugar and are low in sodium make the healthiest choice," says Dawn Menning, registered dietitian and director of digital health with the new Nutu App . "Look for simple ingredients that don’t include artificial ingredients, partially hydrogenated oils or high fructose corn syrup."

When you're looking at the ingredients, also look for added sugars, as some brands include them. The calorie count can also vary widely, so make sure to note that, especially if you're trying to eat in a calorie deficit.

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Seeded vs. Sprouted Bread: What's the Difference?

Some breads, particularly ones that are positioned as a more healthful choice, may use the term "seeded" or "spouted" on the label, but what does that mean? Seeded whole wheat bread has nutrient-dense seeds like flax, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds to give it a boost of healthy omega-3 fats and protein compared to other whole wheat breads.

"On the other hand, sprouted whole wheat bread is made from grains that have begun to sprout, a process that activates enzymes to break down starches and antinutrients," says Peruvemba. "This makes the nutrients in sprouted bread easier for your body to digest and absorb, offering a wholesome and gut-friendly option."

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How We Ranked These Whole-Grain Breads

First and foremost, this list is less of a ranking and more of a list of good options to keep your eyes peeled for in the grocery store. Every shopper has slightly different needs when it comes to whole wheat bread (nutrition, if your kids will eat it, etc.) so this guide is just a way to help you be a more informed shopper.

We interviewed six different dietitians to get their picks on the top breads to look for when you're shopping. When suggesting brands, they kept in mind fiber, protein, vitamins and other nutritents.

We also looked for online reviews on the winning breads to see what shoppers were saying about these loaves.

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The 8 Best Whole-Grain Breads, According to Dietitians

1. Dave’s Killer Bread Sprouted Whole Grain Thin Sliced

According to Alyssa Pacheco, registered dietitian at The PCOS Nutritionist Alyssa , Dave's Killer Bread is a great whole-grain bread option that doesn't make you sacrifice flavor for nutritional value. "One slice of Dave's Killer Bread will give you 5 grams of fiber plus 5 grams of protein," says Pacheco. "These nutrients help keep your blood sugar levels more stable and keep you feeling full for longer. An added benefit is that these breads also contain seeds, which provide a good amount of vitamins and minerals that aren't normally found in most whole grain breads."

Target shoppers are fans of this bread, giving it 4.5 out of 5 stars. Many call out the deep flavor and good texture of the bread. "This is my late-night dessert bread," says one fan. "I toast it and put a blob of apple butter or pumpkin butter on it and it's perfect!"

2. Food For Life Ezekiel Bread

Another top option is Food For Life's Ezekiel Bread. "This Ezekiel bread excels in nutrition with 5 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and no added sugar," says Mariana Dineen, registered dietitian and founder of Elemento Health . "The ingredient list is clean, short, and based on sprouted grains, making it ideal." In addition to wheat, this bread also includes barley, spelt, millet, lentils and soybeans.

Bree Phillips, registered dietitian at UCSF Health and owner of The Art of Appetite , adds that Ezekiel bread has a subtle nutty flavor and a more textured feel than most breads, but the taste of the soybeans is undetectable.

This bread has a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Amazon, where fans mention the bread's texture and deep flavor. "It has a rich deep taste and a fantastic texture. It toasts up beautifully, makes for a great sandwich, or a snack," says on Amazon reviewer. It is on the expensive side, though, which is something to keep in mind.

3. Milton’s Hearty Whole Grain

This widely available option from big bread brand Milton's is a solid choice. It has a good balance of 5 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and only 1 gram of added sugar. Its ingredient list includes recognizable, whole grains like brown rice and oats, according to Dineen.

Walmart shoppers are fans of this bread, and many are thrilled that it's often available at Sam's Club too. "My family and I have been eating this for years," said one reviewer on the Walmart website. "It is a staple in our household. Best texture, taste, crumb and crunch when toasted."

4. Hero Bread Seeded Bread

This seeded bread is another whole wheat option recommended by our dietitians. Aside from containing lots of fiber and protein per serving, it is also keto-friendly and only has one net carbohydrate. "This version of Hero Bread contains pumpkin, sunflower, and flax seeds which makes it hearty and chock-full of nutrition," says Rauch.

Online reviewers give it high marks, too. It's "the best low-net carb bread I've ever tried," said one person on the Hero site. "I couldn't tell I was eating low-carb bread," added another. The addition of seeds and nuts add texture and flavor to the bread and it's made with olive oil, which helps keep it tender.

5. 365 by Whole Foods Market Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread

The next whole wheat bread on our list comes from Whole Foods and is packed with protein (5 grams) and fiber (3 grams). "While it contains 2 grams of added sugar, the ingredient list is clean and includes whole grains like oats," says Dineen. In terms of taste, it's has just the right amount of thickness and is smooth enough to spread toppings like butter, peanut butter and cream cheese.

Amazon shoppers call out the fact that this bread has a mild flavor, but is a solid choice. "The best whole wheat bread. Very nice fresh-baked wheat/grain aroma + taste and great not-too-soft texture. Great plain or for toast." said one fan. Other commenters wish it had a more robust wheat flavor but noted that it might be a good choice for those with kids who might not be fans of more intensely flavored whole wheat bread.

6. Beckmann's Old Fashioned Whole Wheat

Beckmann's Old Fashioned Whole Wheat Bread stands out with its clean, straightforward ingredient list. "It provides 3 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein, though it has slightly higher calories (127 calories per slice) and more sodium than some other whole wheat options," says Phillips. "This is a good option for those looking for a more traditional whole wheat bread with its soft, chewy texture that makes it an excellent choice for sandwiches."

Beckmann's has a solid fan base, but the bread doesn't have wide distribution. If you live in the San Francisco Bay area, as Phillips does, definitely keep an eye out for this one. You can also order the bread online directly from the bakery, if you want to give it a try.

7. Oroweat Organic Thin-Sliced 100% Whole Wheat Bread

This option is recommended by Phillips. She likes the thin slices, which make this bread an excellent choice for those seeking fewer calories and carbohydrates. "Each slice provides 3 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein with only 70 calories," she says. "Despite its thinness, it holds up nicely, and toasting it can offer a firmer texture if needed."

Walmart shoppers have good things to say about this widely available bread. "Good bread! It's smooth, fresh and very tasty. My kids and I like it!" said one commenter.

8. Old Tyme 647 Wheat Bread

Michelle Rauch, registered dietitian for The Actors Fund , has a soft spot for this whole wheat sandwich bread from Old Tyme. "Two slices meets over half your recommended daily amount of fiber," she says. "Additional bonuses of using Schmidt’s Old Tyme 647 bread is that it's keto-friendly, only 40 calories, and 1 point per slice for those on Weight Watchers."

Amazon shoppers are a bit mixed on this option. "Loved the bread and lower net carbs! Pretty pricey compared with supermarket availability, however, when you can’t get it this is a great alternative!" said one commenter. Others also commented on the high price, though some folks mentioned they can find it at their local grocery store for less.

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