If you follow a gluten-free diet or limit the amount of gluten you eat, you’ll be happy to know that bread is still on the table! Because gluten helps give bread its soft and chewy texture, gluten-free bread traditionally has a denser, more crumbly, or gritty texture than wheat bread, says registered dietitian Wan Na Chun, MPH, RD. Thankfully, gluten-free options have undergone immense improvements over the past 10 to 15 years as more people have become aware of the health benefits of this diet.

Though, our experts say take note: Just because gluten-free foods are more popular than ever, it’s important not to give gluten-free bread the 'health halo,' as there’s nothing that makes it better or healthier for you if you do not have celiac disease or another condition that benefits from eliminating gluten, says registered dietitian Dru Rosales. Anyone diagnosed with celiac disease, gluten ataxia, or dermatitis herpetiformis should be eating gluten-free bread exclusively, and those with a wheat allergy, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), atopy or other health conditions could also benefit from eating no gluten or less gluten if recommended by your doctor or registered dietitian, Rosales says.

Best Gluten-Free Breads

“Often people who have issues tolerating gluten steer clear of bread altogether and may not consume enough carbohydrates,” says registered dietitian Katie Schimmelpfenning, RD. “I encourage my clients to keep trying gluten-free bread products to find the right fit for them." To find the best gluten-free breads, we consulted with registered dietitians, and tested a few slices ourselves.

What to consider

The most important thing to look for when choosing a gluten-free bread is the gluten-free certification to ensure that the product has been third-party tested to contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten, says Rosales. This is especially important for anyone who has celiac disease and needs to avoid contact with gluten completely. However, if you don’t see a gluten-free seal, it doesn’t mean the product isn’t safe. Adding “gluten-free” to the front of a package isn’t a requirement of the FDA, so you can also review the ingredient list for the presence of gluten or any gluten-containing ingredients.

Fiber

Choosing bread with at least two to three grams of fiber, whether you’re choosing gluten-free bread or not, can help you reach your daily fiber goals. Only five percent of adults get enough fiber daily, and bread and bread products can be a significant source of this important nutrient. Selecting bread with at least two to three grams of fiber per slice can help you meet the recommended 28 grams per day (on a 2,000-calorie diet), feel more full after eating, slow digestion, improve your gut microbiome, and help you have regular bowel movements.

Budget

Since gluten-free products have become more available over the past decade, you’ll be able to find gluten-free bread at a better price point than you could in the past. However, some gluten-free bread brands can still be rather pricey compared to gluten-containing options. If you're on a tight budget, start by trying the cheapest gluten-free bread products first, says Schimmelpfenning. Store-brand gluten-free breads are typically cheaper and still safe to eat.

How we chose

We interviewed registered dietitians who follow gluten-free diets and advise their clients on gluten-free diets and products. Based on their recommendations, we researched over a dozen gluten-free bread options and reviewed the ingredients, certifications, and nutrition to find the six best gluten-free breads.