Great feature from CNBC about the comeback of high quality, healthy and artisanal breads.
The Rise of Sourdough
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What's Healthier: New York Bagel vs. Montreal Bagel vs. Regular Bagel vs. Gluten-Free Bagel?
By Dr. Jorge, Ph.D. Wildgrain, opens in a new tab is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. New York bagels, Montreal bagels, store-bought bagels, gluten-free bagels — the bagel world is more complicated than it may seem. Whether you're focused on weight loss, managing a dietary restriction, or simply trying to find the best bagel for your preferences, understanding the differences between different bagel varieties can help you make a more informed choice. Read on as we break down everything you need to know to find the best bagel for you. What’s the difference: New York bagel vs. Montreal bagel? What’s so special about a New York bagel? New York bagels and Montreal bagels have some key differences. Most notably, Montreal bagels are sweeter, smaller, and denser, with a larger hole than a New York bagel. Ingredient-wise, New York bagels include salt while Montreal bagels traditionally do not, contributing to the savory quality of NY bagels and the sweeter profile of Montreal bagels. The two also differ in cooking style — New York bagels are boiled in barley malt water before being baked in a conventional oven, while Montreal bagels are boiled in a honey water mixture and traditionally baked in a wood-fired oven. New York bagels, like Wildgrain’s New York Everything Bagels, are largely considered special for their unique chewy texture, which is achieved through a slow, cold fermentation process and boiling in a barley malt water solution before baking. Some also credit New York City's naturally soft tap water as a contributing factor, though this is widely debated and considered by many to be a minor influence at most. What’s the difference: New York bagel vs. regular bagel? The main difference between New York bagels and regular store-bought bagels is that New York bagels undergo a boiling step prior to baking, whereas most store-bought bagels skip this step entirely. Boiling the bagel before baking is what gives New York bagels their signature chewy texture and shiny crust. Store-bought bagels, by contrast, are typically steamed or baked directly, resulting in a softer, more bread-like texture. Which is healthier to eat, New York bagel or Montreal bagel? Whether a New York bagel or Montreal bagel is healthier ultimately depends on the specific bagel, including its size and the type of flour it is made with. Bagels made with whole grain or whole wheat flour are a more nutritious option than those made with refined white flour. From a calorie and carbohydrate perspective, size plays a significant role, and Montreal bagels, being smaller and denser, tend to be lower in calories than the larger New York bagel. Those watching their sodium intake may also prefer Montreal bagels like Wildgrain’s Wood-Fired Plain Bagels, as they are traditionally made without salt. As with any food, checking the nutrition label is the best way to determine which option best fits your dietary needs. Is a gluten-free bagel healthier than a regular bagel? Gluten-free bagels are not necessarily healthier than regular bagels. Since gluten-free bagels are often made with refined starches such as tapioca, corn, and potato starch to mimic traditional textures, they can lack the nutritional benefits of bagels made with whole grain flour. Gluten-free options can also be higher in calories, fat, and sugar compared to traditional bagels. That said, gluten-free bagels such as Wildgrain’s Gluten-Free Slow-Fermented Plain Bagels are an essential option for those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. As always, the best way to compare options and find the best bagel for your needs is to carefully check the nutrition label. Which bagel is best for diabetics, New York bagel or Montreal bagel? Which bagel is better for diabetics, regular or gluten-free bagel? For diabetics, the best bagel is one made with whole grain flour, as it is higher in fiber and lower on the glycemic index than bagels made with refined flour, helping to prevent blood sugar spikes. Whether choosing a New York bagel, Montreal bagel, or gluten-free bagel, the most important factor is the nutritional profile of the individual bagel rather than the style. Gluten-free bagels, while necessary for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, are often made with refined starches that can cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly, making them a less ideal choice for diabetics unless made with whole grain or high-fiber ingredients. To be sure you’re choosing the healthiest bagel option for you, scan the nutrition label for fiber, carbohydrate, and sugar content. Which bagel is best for weight loss, New York bagel or Montreal bagel or regular bagel or gluten-free bagel? Like the best bagel for diabetics, the best bagel for weight loss is one made from whole grains, as the higher fiber content helps you feel full for longer and can prevent overeating. Since weight loss depends on the balance between calories consumed and calories burned, being mindful of the calorie content of your bagel of choice is important. From a calorie standpoint, Montreal bagels have a natural advantage over New York bagels due to their typical smaller size, while gluten-free bagels can sometimes be higher in calories than traditional options due to the refined starches used. That said, if you have a preference for one bagel style over another, you can still enjoy it by cutting the bagel in half or choosing a lighter, nutrient-dense topping like peanut butter or avocado. Do bagels have high histamine? Are gluten-free bagels high in histamine? Traditional bagels are generally not considered high in histamine, though it is worth noting that yeast, a common ingredient in bagels, can contribute to histamine levels in the body. Gluten-free bagels will vary in histamine levels depending on their ingredients, and like traditional bagels, those made with yeast may be a concern for individuals with histamine intolerance. For those managing histamine intolerance, checking the ingredients list carefully and consulting a doctor or dietitian is always recommended. Is it healthy to eat bagels every day? Is it ok to eat bagels every day? Can I eat a bagel every day and lose weight? It can be healthy to eat bagels every day if they are enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. As with any food, the key to an overall healthy and nutritious diet is to incorporate a variety of foods in moderation. You can still eat a bagel every day and lose weight, provided you remain mindful of your overall calorie intake and choose bagels made with whole grain flour for added fiber and nutritional value. Opting for lighter toppings and watching portion sizes can also help make your daily bagel a more weight-loss-friendly choice. How do I choose a great bagel for home delivery? What is the best bagel that I can get at home? To choose a great bagel for home delivery, it is important to be selective about the source and quality of the bagels you order. The best bagels you can get at home are those baked fresh by a specialized bakery and delivered straight to your door. Wildgrain makes this easy, offering bagels like Wildgrain’s New York Bagels that are crafted by skilled bakers and frozen at peak freshness, so all you need to do is bake them straight from frozen for a fresh-tasting bagel at home. Where can I buy the best fresh bagels online for home delivery? At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh baked goods that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular breads and bagels include Wildgrain's Wood-Fired Plain Bagels, Wildgrain's Wood-Fired Cinnamon Raisin Bagels, Wildgrain’s New York Bagels, and Wildgrain’s Gluten-Free Slow-Fermented Plain Bagels. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods. About the Author Dr. Jorge has been a public health researcher for many years, holding both a Bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. in Chemistry. They presently work as a medical writer and love being able to assist others in understanding various health and scientific topics. 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.
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Hummus: Healthy or Unhealthy?
By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D. Wildgrain, opens in a new tab, is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. Hummus has gone from a niche Middle Eastern staple to a mainstream refrigerator fixture, and the conversation about its nutritional profile has followed. Some embrace it as a health food, while others eye its caloric density with suspicion. The truth, as with most foods, is more nuanced than either extreme and worth understanding clearly. Is hummus healthy or fattening? How healthy is hummus? Hummus is a nutritious food, with the idea that it is fattening missing the bigger picture. Traditional hummus is made primarily from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic and delivers plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and heart-healthy fats in every serving. It is calorie dense relative to its serving size, with a quarter cup containing anywhere from 110 to 130 calories. However, calorie density alone does not make a food fattening, especially when it is also high in fiber and protein which promotes satiety. What does eating hummus do for your body? What are the downsides to eating hummus? Eating hummus, like Wildgrain Traditional Hummus, regularly supports digestive health, blood sugar regulation, heart health, and sustained energy thanks to the combination of fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein. The soluble fiber in chickpeas feeds beneficial gut bacteria, while monounsaturated fats from olive oil and tahini support healthy cholesterol levels. On the downside, some experience bloating or gas when eating chickpea-based foods, particularly if legumes are not a regular part of their diet. To help minimize this, start with smaller portions and build up gradually. Additionally, store bought varieties of hummus can be high in sodium, so checking the label and choosing lower-sodium options, or making your hummus at home is worth the extra time. Does hummus help with inflammation? Is hummus good for arthritis? Traditional hummus, like Wildgrain Traditional Hummus, contains several ingredients with well-documented anti-inflammatory properties. Extra virgin olive oil is rich in oleocanthal, a compound that research has shown to function similarly to ibuprofen in reducing inflammation. Chickpeas also contribute polyphenols and fiber, both of which support a healthy gut microbiome, which is increasingly linked to lower systemic inflammation. For people managing arthritis, incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, such as hummus as part of their broader diet is a strategy well supported by research. Is hummus ok for prediabetes? Is hummus ok for diabetes? Hummus is generally a smart choice for people managing prediabetes or diabetes.The fiber and protein in chickpeas slows the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, which helps prevent sharp spikes in blood sugars that are problematic for those with diabetes. Research on legume consumption has consistently found associations between regular intake and improved blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity. Pairing hummus with Wildgrain Sourdough Bread or Wildgrain Slow-Fermented Artisanal Pita makes for a blood-sugar friendly combination since the long fermentation process produces a lower glycemic response than conventional bread. How much hummus can I eat per day? Does hummus act as a laxative? A quarter-cup to a half-cup of hummus a day is a reasonable and healthy amount for most people, delivering 3 to 7 grams of fiber, alongside protein and healthy fats. Hummus does not act as a laxative in a traditional sense, but its fiber content does support regular bowel movements by adding bulk to stool and feeding the gut bacteria that keep digestion moving efficiently. For people who are not accustomed to eating much fiber, a sudden large increase in hummus consumption can cause temporary digestive discomfort. Be sure to gradually increase portion size alongside adequate water intake to avoid this. Is hummus good to snack on for weight loss? Is hummus or avocado better for weight loss? Hummus is a smart snack for weight loss because it combines fiber and protein, which promote satiety, reduce cravings, and ultimately leads to reduced overall caloric intake. Research has found that people who regularly eat chickpeas and hummus tend to have healthier body weight and better diet quality overall. Avocado shares similar satiety-promoting qualities through its fiber and healthy fat content. Dipping Wildgrain Slow-Fermented Artisanal Pita into hummus, like Wildgrain Traditional Hummus, and topping it with sliced avocado is the perfect snack for those trying to lose weight. What ingredients in hummus are healthy? What ingredients in hummus are unhealthy? The core ingredients in traditional hummus - chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic - are all healthy. Chickpeas provide fiber, protein, iron, and folate. Tahini contributes calcium, healthy fats, and additional protein, and olive oil brings monounsaturated fats and anti-inflammatory compounds. Hummus starts to drift into the less healthy territory when manufacturers add preservatives and stabilizers that have no nutritional value. The ingredient list is the clearest signal of quality - the shorter and more recognizable, the better. At Wildgrain, we believe in making our Wildgrain Traditional Hummus without additives like preservatives and artificial stabilizers. Is store-bought hummus healthy? What is the healthiest store-bought hummus? Store-bought hummus can absolutely be healthy, and several widely available brands do a good job of keeping their ingredient list clean and simple. Brands like Hope Foods, Cedar’s, and Ithaca, are frequently cited by dietitians for their minimal ingredient list and quality fat sources. Another great option for a healthy hummus is the Traditional Hummus from Wildgrain. How do I pick out the healthiest hummus? When scanning labels, look for chickpeas and tahini listed as the primary ingredients, olive oil rather than other oil sources, and sodium content between 150 and 200 grams per serving. The single most reliable strategy for finding the healthiest hummus is to treat the ingredient list like a checklist - chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. If there is anything you don’t recognize, put it back and grab another brand. At Wildgrain, we believe in making our Wildgrain Traditional Hummus without additives like preservatives and artificial stabilizers. Where can I buy the best fresh hummus for home delivery? At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh breads and pastas that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, pastries, fresh pastas, and more. Some of our popular items include Wildgrain Traditional Hummus, Wildgrain Slow-Fermented Artisanal Pita, and Wildgrain Plain Sourdough Loaf. 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.
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Best Hummus for Fiber
By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D. Wildgrain, opens in a new tab, is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. Hummus has become a staple in refrigerators everywhere, praised for its creamy texture and versatility as a spread, dip, and sauce. Although it feels indulgent, hummus is actually very nutrient dense. This often gets overlooked, especially regarding how much it has to offer on the fiber front. As most people are not meeting daily fiber recommendations, hummus could be an easy addition to your diet to help get you to your goals. Does hummus have fiber? Is hummus a good source of fiber? Yes, hummus does have fiber. A standard two tablespoon serving of hummus contains approximately 1 to 2 grams of fiber, with a quarter-cup serving providing closer to 3 to 4 grams. A food is considered a “good” source of fiber when it provides at least 3 grams per serving, so hummus earns that designation when eaten in a reasonable portion. Paired with Wildgrain’s Pita Bread, which adds its own fiber into the equation, Wildgrain Traditional Hummus is a good source of fiber and can be part of a snack that helps meet your daily fiber goals. Is hummus good for gut health? Is hummus good for bowel movements? Hummus is beneficial for gut health, largely due to the type of fiber found in chickpeas. Chickpeas are rich in soluble fiber which ferments in the large intestine and feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut. This process produces beneficial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, which support your gut lining and reduce inflammation. Chickpeas also contain some insoluble fiber which adds bulk to stool and helps keep things moving in your digestive tract, reducing constipation. Paring Wildgrain Traditional Hummus, with sourdough or slow-fermented breads that have a long fermentation process making them more gentle on your gut like Wildgrain’s Sourdough Bread or Wildgrain’s Slow-fermented Artisanal Pita, are smart combinations for overall digestive comfort. Which has more fiber, hummus or avocado or white beans? Of the three, white beans have the most fiber by a significant margin, with approximately 9 to 10 grams per half-cup serving. Hummus and avocado are closer in fiber content to each other, with a half cup of hummus providing around 6 to 7 grams, and a half of a medium avocado providing around 5 grams. Each food delivers fiber alongside a distinct nutritional package. Avocado brings heart-healthy fats, white beans add plant-based protein, and hummus offers a combination of both alongside other key micronutrients such as iron and folate. Rather than choosing one, keeping all three as part of your diet is a practical way to diversify your fiber intake. Which is better for fiber, chickpeas or hummus? Chickpeas and hummus are nutritionally very close when it comes to fiber, which makes sense since hummus is made from chickpeas. A half-cup of cooked chickpeas contains around 6 to 8 grams of fiber, and the same amount of hummus contains roughly 6 to 7 grams. The small difference reflects the dilution that occurs when chickpeas are blended with other ingredients into hummus. Which type of hummus has more fiber? What can I add to hummus for more fiber? Hummus made with white beans, lentils, or edamame tends to offer more fiber per serving than traditional hummus made from chickpeas. These legumes are naturally denser in fiber than chickpeas. If you want to boost the fiber of chickpea hummus, stir in ground flaxseed, which adds about 2 grams of fiber per serving and has almost no impact on flavor. Blending in extra chickpeas or steamed cauliflower can also bump up fiber content while keeping the texture smooth. Topping your hummus with hemp seeds or enjoying it with raw vegetables adds both fiber and texture as well. If you prefer pita, Wildgrain’s Slow-fermented Artisanal Pita can contribute a meaningful addition of fiber to your overall snack too when paired with hummus, like Wildgrain Traditional Hummus. Is hummus ok to eat every day? What happens when you eat hummus every day? You can eat hummus everyday, and in fact there is meaningful evidence to suggest that eating it regularly is beneficial to your health. Studies on legume consumption have found that people who eat chickpeas and hummus regularly tend to have a better overall diet quality, higher fiber intake, and healthier body weight. Eating hummus daily can contribute to steadier blood sugar levels, improved cholesterol profiles, better digestive regularity, and greater satiety between meals. However, be mindful of the sodium content in store-bought varieties of hummus. Choosing lower-sodium options or making hummus at home easily keeps this in check. Is hummus healthy for you? Is hummus considered junk food? Hummus is not junk food. Traditional hummus is made from a short list of whole, minimally processed ingredients - chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic - each of which brings nutritional value to the table. Be sure to avoid hummus made with unnecessary additives, and choose a hummus made only from simple ingredients, like Wildgrain Traditional Hummus. Hummus provides meaningful amounts of plant-based protein, fiber, folate, iron, and heart-healthy fats, which mirrors the nutritional profile of a whole food, not a packaged junk food. Paring hummus with an equally quality dipper, like Wildgrain Sourdough Bread or Wildgrain Slow-Fermented Artisanal Pita, means your whole snack is providing a high standard of nutritional quality. How to get 100% of daily fiber? How much hummus is healthy per day? The recommended daily fiber intake is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men, though most adults only consume about half of that on a daily basis. Getting 100% of daily fiber requires a consistent, whole-diet approach that builds meals around legumes, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Hummus fits naturally into that framework as an easy high-fiber staple. Anchoring a daily snack around hummus and pita, like Wildgrain Traditional Hummus and Wildgrain Slow-Fermented Artisanal Pita, is a simple habit that will meaningfully contribute to closing the fiber gap. How do I find good, healthy hummus? Can store bought hummus be healthy? Store-bought hummus can be healthy, but quality varies widely, so knowing what to look for on the nutrition label matters. The gold standard is a short, recognizable ingredient list, such as in Wildgrain’s Traditional Hummus. Checking sodium content is also worth an extra few seconds, since it can easily add up. If you want complete control, making hummus at home only requires a blender and about ten minutes. Where can I buy the best fresh hummus and pita bread online? At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh breads and pastas that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, pastries, fresh pastas, and more. Some of our popular items include our Wildgrain Traditional Hummus, Wildgrain Slow-Fermented Artisanal Pita, and Wildgrain Plain Sourdough Loaf. 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.
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