What qualities do you look for when buying bread?

Question

e.g. packaging, colour, brown, white

Answer 1

* First ingredient listed should be a whole grain (NOT "enriched" flour)
* Doesn't contain high fructose corn syrup
* Doesn't contain partially hydrogenated oil

If you can find that, you've found a good healthy bread!

Color and labels are deceiving! A brown "wheat bread" may be ordinary white bread with added color and no whole grains at all (white bread is technically still "wheat bread" after all.) Then you may find a "whole wheat bread" that is 95% white flour and 5% whole grain wheat flour. You really do have to read the ingredient label to know what you're buying.

BTW, white flour is called "enriched flour" because they strip 2/3 out of the wheat grain (along with most of the nutrients), then add back in a small amount of nutrients and call it "enriched."

Answer 2

First I look at the shape, whether it is even (then I know i'ts evenly baked.
Then the color, it has to be just brown enough, not too 'blonde' looking.
Then I try to see if it will be too crunchy and messy.

Where I live in Croatia, the bread doesnt come in packages, you buy it from the bakers who just put it in a brown paper bag after you make your selection.
My favourite here is called "polubijeli" which is a big, long loaf, that is a beautiful mix of brown and white. Its soft on the inside with a thick chewy crust. And when it has just come out of the oven it smells divine!

Answer 3

Whole grain (not "bleached enriched") and freshness. No bad oils like "trans fats".

PS I want some of that bread from Croatia in the answer below me. Wish we had fresh baked bread like that around here.

Answer 4

1. Freshness

2. No bran or brown bits due to allergy (makes my tummy AGONY)

3. Thickness of slices

4. Cost

Answer 5

first look at the expiration date, than feel the softness/hardness of the bread, and than look at the color...brown or white...etc

Answer 6

I like whole wheat,soft bread.They sell a seven grain that is delicious.