Best Bread Types For A Plant-Based Diet

A plant-based diet is one that focuses on healthy, whole, unprocessed foods, with an emphasis on plants and whole grains. This means that meat is avoided altogether, and other animal-based products are consumed in moderation. Vegans, a type of plant-based eater, do not consume any animal products, including meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. As such, it is important for vegans to be mindful of the ingredients in their food. Bread, for example, can be challenging to determine if it is vegan or not. While the simplest form of bread—flour, water, yeast, and salt—is vegan, some breads include animal products or byproducts, such as eggs, milk, butter, or honey. To ensure that their bread is vegan, individuals on a plant-based diet should opt for breads with minimal processing and simple ingredients. Some examples of vegan bread include sourdough, pita, ciabatta, focaccia, baguettes, and sprouted grain breads.

Characteristics of bread for a plant-based diet

Breads to avoid

It is important to note that not all bread is vegan, and some types include additional ingredients like sweeteners or fats, which can be of animal origin. For instance, some recipes may use eggs, butter, milk, or honey to modify the flavor or texture.

• Challah – a type of Jewish bread that often contains eggs.
• Brioche – a fluffy, enriched bread that often contains dairy, eggs, or both.
• Naan – an Indian-style flatbread that often contains milk or clarified butter (ghee).
• White bread – while some varieties are vegan, others may contain dairy or eggs. It is important to check the ingredients list.
• Whole-wheat bread – some brands of whole-wheat bread may contain honey, which is not suitable for vegans who abstain from honey.
• English muffins – these are usually not vegan, but there are a few "accidentally" vegan brands available.

When choosing bread for a plant-based diet, it is always important to carefully read the ingredient list. Avoid breads that contain eggs, honey, royal jelly, gelatin, or dairy-based ingredients like milk, butter, buttermilk, whey, or casein.

Breads to include

When following a plant-based diet, it's important to choose breads that align with your dietary preferences and health goals. Here are some types of bread that you can include:

Multigrain Breads

Multigrain breads are an excellent option for a plant-based diet as they are packed with health benefits. They are made using a variety of whole grains, such as wheat, rye, barley, or oats, which provides a good source of fibre and protein. Fibre is essential for regulating digestion, supporting heart health, and lowering cholesterol levels. Additionally, protein is crucial for plant-based diets as it needs to be obtained from plant sources.

Whole Grain Breads

Whole grain breads offer similar benefits to multigrain breads. They are made from grains that still contain the bran, germ, and endosperm, resulting in higher levels of fibre and protein compared to refined grains. Look for breads that use whole grain flour, such as whole wheat flour, to ensure you're getting the full nutritional benefits.

Sprouted Grain Breads

Sprouted grain breads, such as Ezekiel bread, are another nutritious option for plant-based diets. These breads are made from whole grains that have been allowed to sprout, which increases their nutritional value. Sprouted grains retain more of their nutritional benefits compared to refined grains, and they can be easier to digest. Sprouted grain breads are a good source of protein and other essential nutrients, making them a healthy choice.

Sourdough Bread

Sourdough bread is a popular choice for plant-based diets as it is typically made with a simple combination of flour, water, salt, and sometimes commercial baker's yeast. It undergoes a fermentation process that gives it a unique flavour and adds to its nutritional benefits. Sourdough bread is generally vegan, but it's always a good idea to check the ingredient list to ensure it doesn't contain any animal-derived products.

Pita Bread

Pita bread is a flatbread that is usually vegan-friendly. It is typically made with a simple mixture of flour, water, yeast, and salt. However, some varieties may include milk, eggs, or honey, so it's important to check the ingredients. Pita bread is versatile and can be used for sandwiches, as a base for pizza, or as a side for dips.

Baguettes

Baguettes, including the popular French baguette, are often suitable for plant-based diets. They have a crispy crust and a tender crumb, making them a delicious choice for sandwiches or as a side to meals. Like other types of bread, it's important to check the ingredients, as some baguettes may include animal-derived products.

When choosing bread for a plant-based diet, it's essential to read the ingredient lists and nutrition labels carefully. Avoid breads that contain animal products such as eggs, dairy, or honey. Additionally, consider the processing and nutritional content of the bread, opting for options with minimal processing and higher fibre and protein content.

How to identify vegan bread

Identifying vegan bread is not always easy, as some bread may contain animal products or by-products. However, there are several ways to ensure that the bread you are purchasing or baking is vegan-friendly.

Firstly, it is important to check the ingredients list. Breads that are typically considered vegan-friendly are usually made from flour, water, salt, and yeast. While these four ingredients are a good indicator of vegan bread, it is still crucial to check for additional ingredients that may not be suitable for vegans. Some common non-vegan ingredients to look out for include eggs, milk, butter, honey, gelatin, and casein. These ingredients are often found in enriched or sweetened breads, such as brioche or challah, so it is essential to read the label carefully.

If you are unsure about certain ingredients, checking the allergy warnings can be helpful. Dairy and eggs, for example, must be listed in the allergy information, making it easier to identify if the bread contains non-vegan items. Additionally, purchasing certified vegan bread can simplify the process, as these products are guaranteed to contain zero animal products. Some brands that offer vegan bread include Bloomfield Farms, Food for Life, and Dave's Killer Bread.

When in doubt, opting for simpler, natural breads with fewer ingredients can increase the likelihood of finding vegan options. Buying bread from a local bakery can also be advantageous, as you can inquire about the ingredients used and how the bread is made. Asking questions such as whether the bread is enriched or sweetened and what type of sweetener is used can provide valuable insight into the vegan status of the bread.

Lastly, baking your own bread at home is the best way to ensure it aligns with a vegan diet. By choosing vegan ingredients and following a vegan recipe, you can create delicious and cruelty-free bread in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Vegan bread brands

While bread in its simplest form is vegan, many store-bought breads contain animal products. Ingredients such as eggs, butter, milk, whey, gelatin, honey, and casein are sometimes added to bread to change its flavour and texture. In addition, some additives, such as monoglycerides and diglycerides, may come from animal sources. As such, vegans should carefully check ingredient lists before purchasing bread.

Food for Life

Food for Life offers a range of vegan sprouted breads, including Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Sesame Bread and Ezekiel 4:9 Cinnamon Raisin Bread. Their breads are made from sprouted organic grains and lentils, which provide more calcium, fibre, iron, and protein than a regular slice.

Nature's Own

Nature's Own is a popular vegan-friendly bread brand. Their 100% Whole Wheat Bread and Perfectly Crafted Thick Sliced Multigrain are vegan options.

Dave's Killer Bread

Dave's Killer Bread offers a variety of vegan loaves, including 21 Whole Grains and Seeds, Thin-Sliced, and Raisin' The Roof! Their breads are made with 100% whole grains, making them naturally higher in plant protein and fibre.

Little Northern Bakehouse

Little Northern Bakehouse's Gluten-Free Seeds & Grains Bread is a hearty and protein-rich option for vegans. It contains a combination of seeds, including sunflower, chia, and flax.

Brownberry

Brownberry's Whole Grain Oat Nut Bread is a delicious vegan option, free from artificial flavours, high fructose corn syrup, and animal products.

La Brea

La Brea's Take & Bake French Baguette Twin Pack allows you to finish baking the baguettes at home, resulting in warm, aromatic, and vegan-friendly bread.

Angelic Bakehouse

Angelic Bakehouse offers a range of low-sodium bread products, including their Take-and-Bake Demi Baguettes.

Schar

Schar's Gluten Free Artisan Baker Multigrain Bread and Multigrain Ciabatta Rolls are 100% vegan and gluten-free.

Manna Organics

Manna Organics has a variety of vegan bread options, including Fruit & Nut, Banana Walnut, Carrot Raisin, Cinnamon Date, Fig, Fennel and Flax, Multigrain, Sunseed, and Whole Rye.

Brioche Gourmet

Brioche Gourmet offers plant-based brioche products, including Hot Dog Buns, Burger Buns, and a Sliced Brioche Loaf.

Canyon Bakehouse

Canyon Bakehouse's 7 Grain San Juan Gluten-Free and Hawaiian Sweet Gluten-Free breads are vegan-friendly options.

Tribeca Oven

Tribeca Oven's French Pull-Apart bread is another vegan option to consider.

Boulart

Boulart's Ciabatta Red Pepper Onion and Ciabatta Olive buns are vegan-friendly choices.

H&H Bagels

H&H Bagels offers vegan options such as their Everything Bagel 6-pack and Cinnamon Raisin Bagel 6-pack.

Making your own vegan bread

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plant-based milk (such as oat or soy)
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (one packet)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt

Method:

• Activate the yeast by mixing the plant-based milk and water together and heating in the microwave for about 60 seconds until warm. Pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl, add the sugar and yeast, and whisk. Cover and set aside for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
• Make the dough by adding the flour, melted vegan butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to form a shaggy dough.
• Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and knead for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Lightly grease a large mixing bowl and drop the dough ball into it. Turn the dough to coat it in oil, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
• Shape the loaf by punching down the dough and rolling it out into a rectangle of about 8" x 15". Starting from the shorter side, roll the dough up into a log.
• Lightly grease a 4" x 8" loaf pan and place the dough inside. Cover and let rise in a warm place for another hour.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove the dish towel and bake the dough for 30-35 minutes until dark golden brown.
• Carefully remove the bread from the pan and allow it to cool on a rack.

You can also make a simple crusty vegan bread with just three ingredients: flour, water, and instant yeast. Here is a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3.25 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups warm water
• 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
• 1.5 teaspoons sea salt

Method:

• Add the flour, yeast, and salt to a large mixing bowl. Mix in the water and stir well until incorporated.
• Cover the bowl loosely and let the dough rest at room temperature for 2-3 hours.
• After about 2 hours, you should see bubbles on the surface of the dough. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf by folding it over a few times. Do not knead the dough.
• Preheat your oven to 450°F with a pizza stone or cast iron Dutch oven inside. Place a baking dish with a couple of inches of water on the bottom rack to create steam.
• Sprinkle a pizza peel or cardboard box with flour and place the dough on top. Let it rest for 45 minutes while the oven warms up.
• Using a serrated knife, make a few slits on top of the loaf.
• Sprinkle the pizza stone with a little semolina flour, then gently slide the dough onto it. Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown.
• Transfer the bread to a cooling rack and allow it to cool down before slicing. For an even crispier crust, let the bread cool inside the oven with the door slightly open.

Frequently asked questions