Great Harvest Bread Nutrition Facts: Are Their Whole Grain Breads Healthy?

Understanding the Nutrition Profile of Great Harvest Breads

Great Harvest Bread Company is a popular bakery chain known for serving freshly baked whole grain breads, sweets, and other treats. But are their products healthy? Here is an in-depth look at Great Harvest Bread nutrition facts.

About Great Harvest Breads

Great Harvest Bakeries are independently owned franchises that use simple, natural ingredients to make their baked goods. They are known for:

• Stone-ground whole wheat breads
• Sourdough breads
• Freshly milled ancient and sprouted grain breads
• Sweet bakery items like cookies, bars, and muffins

Their breads are generally denser and heavier than commercial white breads. The coarser texture comes from using whole grains and less processing.

Macronutrients in Great Harvest Breads

Here is the typical macronutrient profile in a standard 1-2 slice serving of Great Harvest bread:

Carbohydrates

15-30g per serving

Protein

3-5g per serving

Fat

1-3g per serving

Calories

100-200 calories per serving

This shows their breads are a rich source of carbs and protein, with minimal fat and moderate calories.

Micronutrients in Great Harvest Bread

Here are some of the key vitamins and minerals found in Great Harvest bread products:

Fiber

3-6g per serving, mostly insoluble from whole grains

B Vitamins

Thiamin, niacin, folate, etc. from whole grains

Iron

5-10% DV, essential for oxygen transport

Magnesium

15-25% DV, aids bone and muscle health

Selenium

15-40% DV, antioxidant that protects cells

Their breads provide a range of important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients.

Analysis of Specific Great Harvest Breads

Nutrition varies among their different bread offerings. Here is a detailed comparison:

1. Dakota Bread

This signature whole wheat bread contains:

• 100 calories per slice
• 3g protein
• 20g carbs
• 1g fat
• 3g fiber

It's a lighter bread low in calories and fat, but with filling fiber.

2. Cinnamon Chip Bread

With added sweetness from cinnamon chips, a slice provides:

• 120 calories
• 3g protein
• 21g carbs
• 2g fat
• 1g fiber

The cinnamon chips give it more sugar and fat than Dakota Bread.

3. Honey Whole Wheat Bread

The honey content increases the sugariness of this bread:

• 110 calories
• 3g protein
• 22g carbs
• 1g fat
• 2g fiber

The core nutrition profile is similar to Dakota Bread, with slightly more carbs.

4. Nine Grain Bread

This dense, hearty bread contains 9 different whole grains:

• 120 calories
• 4g protein
• 24g carbs
• 1g fat
• 3g fiber

The whole grains provide more fiber, protein and micronutrients.

5. Cinnamon Swirl Bread

With added sugar in the cinnamon swirl, this bread has:

• 140 calories
• 2g protein
• 26g carbs
• 2g fat
• 1g fiber

The sweet swirl significantly increases the carb and sugar content.

Choosing the Healthiest Great Harvest Breads

When prioritizing nutrition, look for their 100% whole grain breads without added sweetening like honey or cinnamon chips. Options like:

• Dakota Bread
• Montana Wheat
• U.S. No. 1 Bread
• 100% Whole Wheat

These provide excellent nutrition from whole grains without extra sugars.

Using Great Harvest Bread in a Balanced Diet

Here are some tips for enjoying Great Harvest Bread as part of a nutritious diet:

• Pair bread with lean protein, veggies, and healthy fats
• Use nut butters instead of butter for spreading
• Limit sweet bread varieties and treats
• Stick to 1-2 slices of bread per meal
• Skip the bread occasionally to reduce carbs

Their breads can fit into a balanced approach, when consumed alongside other whole foods and in moderation.

How Great Harvest Bread Compares to Other Bread

Great Harvest breads are significantly healthier than most commercial white breads. Here's how they compare:

Fiber and Micronutrients

With 3-6g of fiber per serving, Great Harvest breads provide more fiber than white breads, which average 1-2g per slice. The whole grains also supply more B vitamins, iron, magnesium and selenium.

Sugar Content

While their honey and cinnamon swirl breads are higher in sugar, most Great Harvest breads contain under 5g of sugar per slice. White bread often has 1-3g per slice.

Glycemic Index

Dense whole grain breads have a lower GI than white bread, meaning they don't spike blood sugar as quickly. This helps control energy levels.

Satiety

Thanks to fiber, protein and complex carbs, whole grain breads like Great Harvest are more filling than refined white breads.

Is Great Harvest Bread Healthy Overall?

Great Harvest Bread Company offers a healthy alternative to standard commercial breads by using whole grain flour instead of refined white flour. Their traditional whole wheat breads provide nutrients like fiber, protein, B vitamins and minerals.

However, those looking to limit carbs or sugar should be mindful of breads with added sweeteners. Sticking to 100% whole grain varieties in moderation can be part of a balanced diet. Great Harvest breads are a better option than white bread when choosing packaged bread products.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.