People checking organic claims
If you’re choosing bread for an organic range, you’ll want to understand how it’s certified. Alongside the EU organic logo, check the pack for details of the inspection body, origin and ingredients.
Who is this choice relevant to?
People looking for bread to serve with deli toppings
You’re choosing a sliced loaf to go with cheese, spreads or savoury toppings. Whether the recipe contains spelt, rye or seeds matters more to your choice than whether it’s a gluten-free speciality loaf.
Households looking for gluten-free bread
You need bread that’s explicitly labelled gluten-free, and you’ll also check the other ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings. For example, Schär lists soya as an ingredient in its Meisterbäckers Mehrkorn loaf.
What should you look for when buying?
First, check your organic and dietary requirements. Then compare the grains and sourdough recipe, and finally check whether the specific loaf is sliced and how it should be stored.
| What to check | What to look for when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Organic certification | Check the EU organic logo and details of the inspection body and origin on the pack. | When choosing bread for an organic range, I want to be able to verify its certification rather than rely on the packaging design. For around 29% of consumers, this organic certification is the top priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and check which allergens are highlighted. If needed, look for an explicit gluten-free label and check for ‘may contain’ warnings. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, my main concern is whether the specific recipe is suitable for me. Ingredients and suitability are the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Grains and sourdough | Compare the types of grain, any stated sourdough content and other ingredients, such as yeast or seeds, with the toppings you have in mind. | I’m looking for a bread with grains and seeds that complement my deli toppings. This is the main consideration for around 24% of consumers. |
| Slicing and storage | Check that the bread is actually sliced and follow the storage instructions after opening. | If I regularly make sandwiches, I want to be able to take out individual slices and store the rest as directed on the pack. This is the main priority for around 18% of consumers. |
Which misconceptions can make choosing harder?
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‘Sourdough’ doesn’t mean ‘yeast-free’
The name alone doesn’t tell you everything about the recipe. EDEKA also lists yeast as an ingredient in its Bio Dinkelbrot.
If you’re looking for bread with no added yeast, check the ingredients list on the current pack.
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Organic and gluten-free are two different things
EDEKA Bio Dinkelbrot contains spelt and rye. Likewise, a gluten-free label on sourdough bread doesn’t in itself mean that it’s organic.
Check the organic certification separately from the information you need about gluten and other allergens.
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Online information doesn’t replace checking the current pack
EDEKA notes that product information for its Bio Dinkelbrot may differ from the details on the packaging. The pack you actually buy is the one to check for ingredients, allergens and storage instructions.
Read the label in store or again when your order arrives, especially if particular ingredients affect your choice.
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A product page doesn’t guarantee local availability
EDEKA notes that its Bio Dinkelbrot isn’t stocked in every store. At REWE, the listed bread’s availability depends on the selected location.
Before making a special trip, check that the bread you want is available at your chosen store.
Brands and product ranges to consider
EDEKA Bio
The range includes loaves made with a variety of grains and seeds.
- EDEKA says its Bio Dinkelbrot is made with 90% spelt in the grain content and contains 27% natural sourdough.
- The bread contains gluten-bearing grains, including spelt and rye. EDEKA recommends checking the details on the specific pack and notes that availability varies between stores.
Schär Meisterbäckers
Meisterbäckers Mehrkorn is a sliced sourdough loaf for people specifically looking for a gluten-free product.
- Schär describes the bread as gluten-free and lactose-free, and lists rice sourdough in the recipe.
- The ingredients include rice and maize starch, as well as soya. A gluten-free label doesn’t indicate organic certification.
Lenes Bio Backstube
The organic sourdough bread listed by REWE is a wheat-based option for people who prefer a short ingredients list.
- REWE lists wheat flour, sourdough, water and salt as ingredients in the bread.
- It’s a wheat bread. Before buying, check the specific listing to see whether it’s sold sliced.
Related Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
How can I identify pre-packed organic sourdough bread?
Look for the EU organic logo and read the information on the pack. According to Oekolandbau.de, the logo is mandatory for pre-packed organic food in the EU. Also check the details of the inspection body, origin and ingredients.
Is ‘sourdough’ enough if I need to avoid gluten?
No. Sourdough bread can still contain grains that contain gluten. For example, EDEKA Bio Dinkelbrot contains spelt and rye. If you need gluten-free bread, look for an explicit gluten-free label and check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings.
Where can I find allergen information on packaged bread?
Allergens in pre-packed foods must be emphasised in the ingredients list, as explained in the European Union’s food labelling rules. So check the ingredients list on the specific pack, and also look for any ‘may contain’ warnings.
How should I store sliced sourdough bread after opening?
Follow the storage instructions for the product. For Schär Meisterbäckers Mehrkorn, the manufacturer recommends resealing the pack and using the bread within a few days or freezing it straight away. Other breads may have different instructions.
Is sourdough bread listed online available in every store?
Not necessarily. EDEKA notes that availability of its Bio Dinkelbrot varies between stores, while REWE’s listed Lenes bread depends on the selected location. Check your chosen store if you want to buy a particular loaf.