By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D.
Bread is a staple in most diets, be it in the form of loaves, bagels, or buns. However, if you do not or cannot eat dairy, it is important to be weary of the ingredient list. Many bread products contain milk or dairy in some form, so be sure to check the ingredients prior to enjoying bread if you are sensitive to dairy.
Can you eat bread if you are dairy-free? What type of bread is dairy-free? Can bread contain dairy?
You can eat bread if you are dairy-free, however it is important to read the ingredients prior to enjoying a slice. The most common types of bread that do not contain dairy are those with simple ingredients including sourdough, ciabatta, focaccia, and baguettes. Bread can and does contain dairy, including in the form of butter and milk. For example, a popular bread that typically contains bread is brioche (though Wildgrain’s Gluten-Free Brioche Rolls do not contain any dairy!)
Is white bread dairy-free? Is sliced bread dairy-free?
Some white breads are dairy-free, including sourdough, ciabatta, focaccia, and baguettes made with white flour. Some sliced bread is dairy-free, but it is important to always read the ingredient list. Often, pre-sliced bread contains casein, whey, non-fat milk powder, or all three. If you want to see if a food has milk in it, check the bottom of the ingredient list, you will see “contains: milk” in bold. This is the easiest way to check if a food has dairy in it without knowing every ingredient that can be classified in the category.
Is wheat bread dairy-free? Is whole grain bread dairy-free?
Breads that can be made with white or wheat flour, such as sourdough, ciabatta, focaccia, and baguettes, are usually dairy-free. Whole-grain breads can be dairy-free, but may also contain dairy. Be sure to read the ingredient list, or substitute dairy for a plant-based version if you are trying a recipe at home.
Is sourdough bread dairy-free? Is milk in sourdough? How much dairy is in sourdough bread?
Sourdough bread is usually dairy-free because it is made with simple ingredients – flour, water, salt, and sourdough starter. There is typically no dairy in sourdough bread, however, in some sweet sourdough varieties, milk is used in place of water. It is important to always check the ingredients of sourdough bread to determine if it is dairy-free or contains milk.
Are bagels dairy-free?
Traditional bagels are dairy-free. However, this does not mean that all bagels are dairy-free. Flavored bagels often contain dairy, such as those that include cheese or sweet bagels that often incorporate butter. Be sure to ask the baker if you are buying bagels at a shop, or read the ingredients if you are buying them at the store.
What is the best bread for dairy-free? How do you know if bread is dairy-free?
The safest option for those who are dairy-free is to opt for breads that do not use dairy in their traditional recipes. These include sourdough, baguettes, ciabatta, and focaccia. However, it is important to always read the ingredient list, even when buying breads that do not typically contain dairy in their recipes. Bread is dairy-free if the ingredients do not have any dairy-derived products. If bread contains dairy, the label will say “contains: milk” in bold at the bottom, keep an eye out for this.
What happens when you cut out dairy? Can eliminating dairy help you lose weight?
Cutting out dairy often leads to benefits such as a reduction in bloating and improved digestion, especially if you are sensitive to dairy or are lactose intolerant. Some people also report that eliminating dairy has helped clear up acne. Excluding dairy from your diet may also aid in weight loss if eliminating dairy has led to reducing consumption of foods high in sugar and saturated fat, such as ice cream, and cheese. However, it is always important to discuss eliminating a food group from your diet with your doctor before you do so.
What is the best bread for dairy-free and gluten-free?
Breads made with brown or white rice flour, potato flour, chickpea flour, and tapioca flour are gluten free by nature, and if they do not contain any milk or milk products, they will be dairy-free, too. Although it is often hard to find both dairy-free and gluten-free bread that is edible, they do exist. For example, Wildgrain makes a gluten-free slow-fermented brioche roll that pairs perfectly with a burger, or can be enjoyed warm with butter
Where can I buy the best dairy-free breads online?
At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh breads that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, rolls, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular dairy-free breads include plain sourdough loaf, gluten-free slow-fermented brioche rolls, and sourdough whole wheat loaf. We are proud to offer healthy breads, made with non-GMO flour and without added sugar or preservatives. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods.
About the Author
Lucy Yanckello received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She currently works as a medical writer and enjoys being able to help people better understand nutrition and science.
This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
