As much as we love bread, they aren’t exactly the best option when it comes to nutrients—good thing wheat bread exists! Second to rice, bread is probably the quintessential Filipino food. Almusal just wouldn’t be complete without pan de sal, and merienda wouldn’t be as satisfying without monay, Spanish bread, or ensaymada freshly baked from the local panaderya.
If you’ve already made the switch from white bread or are just starting to consider doing so, you’ve come to the right place. We will provide you with a list of the best wheat bread available in the market as well as buying guide fact-checked and reviewed by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales.
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
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Here are some key points to consider:
Unlike white bread that is made from refined grains, wheat bread is valued for its whole grains that contain higher fiber and nutrients. Unfortunately, some brands disguise their bread as wheat even when it has only a percentage of whole grain. Get the most out of your wheat bread by looking into the label.
You can reap the benefits of wheat bread if it’s labeled “whole wheat.” This means it must contain 100 percent whole wheat with no white flour. Don’t let the color of the bread trick you; some manufactures add coloring to darken the bread.
Because of regulation, the ingredients are listed on the food labels in order according to weight. So the first thing you see on a 100% whole-wheat bread should be whole grain wheat flour.
If the first ingredient is listed as “wheat flour” or “enriched wheat flour,” the product is primarily white flour. Also, making bread is straightforward, therefore, its ingredients should be simple. If you see ingredients on the list that you’re not familiar with, the chances are high that the bread is highly processed.
Your next stop on the label is to check the serving size. Bread products are not created equally, thus their nutrient content will also vary. Some bread slices will be larger than the others.
Be wary of bread labeled as “light.” Often, this can mean smaller servings. As a result, you may reach out for more slices because you don’t feel full with the servings they recommend, thereby making the “light” label pointless.
When comparing bread products, carefully check the dose of sodium on each label. It is usually added to help control yeast activity and enhance the flavor. However, too much of it can counter the benefits of eating whole wheat bread.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends not consuming more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium daily. That’s about a teaspoon of salt a day. You want to go for bread with less than 200 mg of sodium per slice as the best measure. This way, you can still enjoy other food that contains sodium without going over the recommended limit.
Whole wheat bread usually delivers more flavor than its counterparts, all thanks to the sweet and nutty whole grains. However, you should still look out for added sugar. The National Health Service (NHS) suggests that adults must not have more than 30g of sugar a day. When buying bread, try to look for loaves that contain no more than 4g of sugar per slice.
Additionally, pick a bread that's made with natural sweeteners like honey and molasses. Avoid those that are highly processed, like fructose corn syrup. This sweetener helps in prolonging shelf life, however, it comes with unnecessary added sugar that may be harmful.
Whole wheat bread is already a healthier alternative than other types of bread. But you can still reap more benefits if you buy wheat bread with added nutrients, such as iron and fiber. You can verify these when you check the label.
Fiber is good for the gut and digestion. It can also reduce the risk of chronic disease. On the other hand, wheat bread with iron can aid in growth and development. Plus, it is beneficial for women who are having hormonal issues.
Luckily, we live in an age with a lot of options, including bread. If you want the traditional feel, go for the OG pan de sal. Meanwhile, for those who can't go without spreads, loaf bread is the best option. This is also the most convenient since it's available in most stores.
Another option to consider is sourdough. If you want to amp up the health benefits, this is optimal. It is nutritious and good for digestion. For a hearty option, you will enjoy whole grain wheat croissants. Just note that these two may not be readily available in your local bakeries and supermarkets.
Others may find the flavor of wheat bread too bland compared to white bread. If you’re not fond of the taste, you can still enjoy wheat bread by buying those with add-ons. These may vary from fruits to nuts. Some of the most common you’ll find in the market are raisins, cranberries, and nuts. Other brands add chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor.
These add texture to the bread and complexity of the flavor. The best part is, they also provide you extra nutrients. For instance, raisins and cranberries are packed with antioxidants that help keep the skin cells young. On the other hand, including nuts in your diet promotes heart health.
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Gardenia is one of the OG bread brands Filipinos continue to love. It's no wonder why: their products are true to their branding, and their bread tastes good, even when eaten on its own. Of course, their Whole Wheat Hi-Fiber loaf bread is not exempted from this.
Gardenia's healthier take on the white bread has a soft texture with a nutty aroma and taste. And just like their other products, it is also folate-enriched and bromate-free. Those who don't like the earthy flavor of wheat bread will enjoy the subtle sweetness of natural honey in this product.
When it comes to bread, you can count on The French Baker to give you the best. Take their whole wheat loaf, for example. It is made of natural and simple ingredients so you can enjoy your bread in its purest wheat glory.
The French Baker uses whole wheat grain as their base. In addition to this are seeds and grains, such as rye, rolled oats, flax seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds. All these make for bread with a low glycemic index, zero grams trans-fat, and an excellent source of fiber.
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If you like your bread on the softer side, Fuwa Fuwa products are for you. Try their range of loaf bread, especially the whole wheat variant. It has the same soft texture and smooth mouthfeel but is healthier with its whole ingredients.
As if this bread couldn't be any more premium, it's part of Fuwa Fuwa's The Gold Series along with their Premium Loaf, Mini Loaf in Butter, and Chocolate with Orange Peel. You'll notice the trademark softness and fluffy texture of Japanese bread, unlike the usual wheat breads that are on the drier side.
Malunggay pandesal is out; whole wheat pandesal is in. Whether it's filled with cheese or dipped in tsokolate, everyone loves having pan de sal in the morning! Lucky for us, Monde Nissin's Walter Bread offers a healthier option for this breakfast staple. And it even has a unique sweetness that you won't find in other whole-wheat products.
What's more impressive is that Walter's wheat pandesal has no sugar and cholesterol! For those who are managing their weight, this product is an excellent addition to your diet. Aside from being sugar-free, it is also packed with vitamins and minerals. Of course, this doesn't take away the satisfying taste and texture of the bakery pan de sal we all love!
Gardenia's whole wheat loaf bread has a taste profile that is not too sweet. For some, this is a good thing, while some may not be fond of it. If you belong to the latter group, you might like their whole wheat bread that comes with raisins. You still enjoy the bread's softness and generous wheat with the added sweetness of raisins.
Gardenia embeds their bread with California raisins that are packed with vitamins. Add this to the goodness of whole wheat, and you'll get a highly nutritious meal without tasting bland. A slice is already good on its own, but it also goes well with other spreads, such as peanut butter and jam.
Monde is a trusted brand of many Filipinos, especially moms. Who could ever forget the Monde snacks we had as our baon back in school? Now, health-conscious Filipinos will love them even more with their wheat bread product. It contains protein and fiber and has no cholesterol!
This wheat bread has a soft and smooth texture that the kids will like. Plus, the taste is not overpowering! This product is perfect for those who are just starting to venture into the world of wheat bread.
If you're tired of the usual whole wheat loaf bread, The Baikery sure knows the way straight to our hearts with their signature bread, Whole Wheat Cranberry Flat Loaf. Their wheat bread offering is a healthier alternative that is not so bland and traditional!
They add a generous serving of almond slivers on top for added flavor and texture. Plus, you'll enjoy freshly baked bread for every order. For the best eating experience, heat your bread in the oven for about five minutes. You may store it at room temperature for 3 days, inside the fridge for a week, and for up to a month inside the freezer.
With Wildflour's Whole Wheat Sourdough, you get to have a filling and healthy meal. And it is as whole as it can get with only wheat, water, rye flour, salt, yeast, and malt as its ingredients. Did we mention the gut benefits? Sourdough has prebiotic and prebiotic-like properties that aid digestion.
This bread has a tangy flavor profile that will leave you wanting more. Even those who don't like wheat will be keen on tasting this. While good on its own, sourdough also makes for a good toast. The resulting slightly burnt and delightful taste of this bread will amp up any of your meals!
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Marby’s bread products surely don’t disappoint even with their affordable price. True to their tagline, their products are indeed Para sa Bayan. Their whole wheat bread variant has the same soft and fine texture as their Super Loaf but with high fiber content.
This product is also a good choice for those who want to make smarter food choices as it is cholesterol-free and bromate-free. Also, you will never run out of sandwich recipes to try since it goes with anything!
Croissants have gained popularity here in the Philippines. And if you're looking for a healthier version, check out The French Baker's whole-wheat croissants! It has the same buttery taste and flaky texture but with the added richness of wheat.
And thanks to its whole ingredients, this croissant variant is high in iron and vitamin A as well as a good source of calcium. Surely, this is the best way of indulging and eating healthy! In doing so, you can never go wrong with the Parisian way of drinking coffee with your croissants.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Whole grains present in wheat bread are naturally low in fat and cholesterol-free. Its nutrients also provide many health benefits like reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Whole wheat bread is also linked to weight loss since it helps maintain regular bowel movement and promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.
Calories in wheat bread vary per product. Based on our top 10 list, it ranges from 113 to 200 calories. For more info, check out the bread's nutritional label.
The best whole wheat bread brands from our picks are Gardenia, The French Baker, Fuwa Fuwa, and Walter.
Looking for something new to add to your bread? Perhaps something to enhance your wheat bread? We got the right products to amp up your sandwich dining experience. Below are our highly recommended spreads that will go with whatever type of bread you prefer.
Author: J Ausa
Editor: A. Mangulabnan
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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