Taste Test

Gluten-free white sliced bread

PureBred White Loaf, 400g, €3.19 7/10

The only bread tested made in the Republic of Ireland, PureBred manufactures in Ardara, Co Donegal. Our testers felt that this was the closest to ordinary white bread — and therefore the best — of those tested, but still wouldn’t be thrilled to eat it in a sandwich. Toasted, they found it more acceptable. 65 calories per slice.

Kelkin White Bread, 400g, €3.69, 7/10

This bread has the best flavour of all those tested, with good colour and a nice dark crust, but our testers found its very dry texture off-putting. As with all the gluten-free breads tested, the ingredient list is long — and contains plenty that one doesn’t necessarily expect to find in bread. Vegans in particular need to check labels carefully — this bread contains egg white powder. 77 calories per slice, pretty good as toast but not great for sandwiches.

Schar Wholesome White Loaf, 300g, €4 6/10

Schar claims to be Europe’s No 1 gluten-free brand; this long-life loaf is manufactured in Germany and the packaging emphasises that the bread is made with millet and honey; there is a sweetness to the bread that is quite pleasant, although the texture is stodgy. Better toasted than not. 64 calories per slice.

BFree Soft White Sandwich Loaf, 400g, €3.15 5/10

BFree’s bread is manufactured in Portadown, Northern Ireland. The texture is dense, the flavour unappealing, and like the other breads tested, this is infinitely more pleasant when toasted. 60 calories per slice.