Pepperidge Farm Breads for Diabetes Management

Pepperidge Farm Breads for People with Diabetes

Bread is a staple food for many people. However, choosing the right breads can be challenging for those with diabetes. Pepperidge Farm offers a variety of bread options that can fit into a diabetic diet when consumed in moderation. Understanding nutrition facts and ingredients is key to selecting the best Pepperidge Farm breads for diabetes management.

Carb Counting with Bread

Counting carbohydrates is important for managing blood sugar with diabetes. Pepperidge Farm breads contain between 15-25 grams of net carbs per regular slice, coming mostly from the wheat flour they are made with.

Here are some tips for fitting bread into a diabetes carb budget:

• Count each slice of bread as 15-25 grams of carbs
• Limit bread servings to 1-2 per meal
• Pair bread with protein foods to blunt blood sugar spikes
• Use thinner slices to reduce carbs
• Avoid eating bread alone as a snack

Fiber Content in Bread

Fiber plays an important role in managing diabetes. It helps slow digestion and the absorption of carbohydrates to prevent blood sugar spikes. Soluble fiber may also reduce insulin resistance.

Most Pepperidge Farm breads provide 2-4 grams of fiber per slice, coming from the whole grains used. Opting for high fiber varieties can better control blood sugar.

Whole Grain Breads

Whole grain breads are better diabetes choices because they digest more slowly and contain more fiber. Here are some of the top Pepperidge Farm whole grain bread options:

• Pepperidge Farm 100% Whole Wheat Bread - Provides the nutrition of whole wheat flour with 3g fiber per slice.
• Pepperidge Farm Whole Grain 15 Grain Bread - Made with whole grains like oats, rye, and barley plus seeds.
• Pepperidge Farm Whole Grain Honey Wheat Bread - Wheat bread sweetened lightly with honey.
• Pepperidge Farm Whole Grain Oatmeal Bread - Contains gluten-free oats with 4g fiber per slice.

Sprouted Grain Breads

Sprouted grain breads are made from whole grains that are allowed to sprout before baking. This boosts nutrients and lowers the glycemic index. Pepperidge Farm sprouted breads for diabetes include:

• Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Hearty White Bread - Made with sprouted wheat flour.
• Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Sprouted Whole Grain Bread - Sprouted wheat, barley, millet, spelt and oats.
• Pepperidge Farm Swirl Sprouted Grain Cinnamon Bread - Sweeter option with sprouted grains.

Light Breads

Pepperidge Farm’s line of light breads contain around 45 calories a slice and have reduced carbs and sugars. Good light bread choices include:

• Pepperidge Farm Light Style Wheat Bread - Lower carb wheat bread.
• Pepperidge Farm Light Style Whole Grain Bread - Similar to wheat but with whole grains.
• Pepperidge Farm Simply Nature Light Multigrain Bread - Lower carb multigrain.

Avoid: Refined White Breads

It’s best to avoid any refined white breads made with enriched wheat flour, like:

• Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Hearty White Bread (non-sprouted)
• Pepperidge Farm White Bread
• Pepperidge Farm Swirl Cinnamon Bread (non-sprouted)

These digest very quickly and can spike blood sugar levels. They also lack important nutrients like fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Rye and Pumpernickel Breads

Dense, dark rye or pumpernickel breads are slower digesting options. The caraway seeds add antioxidants. Try:

• Pepperidge Farm Swirl Rye Bread - Marble rye with caraway and whole grains.
• Pepperidge Farm European Style Dark Pumpernickel Bread - Made with rye and whole grains.

Gluten-Free Breads

Those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can try:

• Pepperidge Farm Gluten Free Cinnamon Swirl Bread - Made without gluten.
• Pepperidge Farm Artesano Golden Wheat Gluten Free Bread - Gluten-free bread with teff flour.

But note that gluten-free breads often have more carbohydrates than wheat bread. Portion sizes need to be controlled.

Best Practices for Storing Bread

Properly storing bread helps maintain freshness and reduce mold growth. Recommendations include:

• Store unused bread at room temperature up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate unused bread in a plastic bag up to 7 days.
• Freeze extra bread for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen bread in the refrigerator overnight before eating.
• Avoid storing bread in the refrigerator long-term since it can dry out.

Tips for Incorporating Bread into a Diabetes Diet

Here are some tips for enjoying bread in a diabetes-friendly way:

• Opt for whole grain, sprouted grain, hearty seeded or nut breads.
• Use bread for open-faced sandwiches to reduce carb load.
• Try bread as croutons or breadcrumbs to extend a little further.
• Look for light, thin sliced bread options to control portions.
• Pair bread with protein and healthy fats like peanut butter.
• Limit bread to one slice if having pasta or starchy sides.

The Bottom Line

With mindful carb counting and portion control, many Pepperidge Farm breads like whole grain, sprouted and light varieties can be part of a healthy diabetes diet. Avoid refined white breads, but enjoy seeded, sprouted or gluten-free options in moderation paired with proteins. Read labels and count carbs to fit breads into your daily meal plan.

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.