365 By Wholefoods

Rating: 2/5 Green Leaves

The 365 by Wholefoods Sandwich Bread, Classic White, earns a modest 2 out of 5 green leaves on our scale for cleaner food options. This product is not organic, which immediately detracts from its clean food status. Its inclusion of organic cane sugar, while a step above conventional sugar, still contributes to the product’s lower rating due to the presence of added sugars. The cane sugar is also a concern as it represents a more harmful type of added sugar.

The use of unbleached enriched wheat flour raises additional health concerns. Enrichment typically indicates that the natural nutrients have been stripped during processing and synthetic vitamins and minerals have been added back in. This process often results in a less wholesome product compared to its whole grain counterparts. Furthermore, the presence of expeller pressed palm oil is problematic. While expeller pressed indicates a mechanical method of oil extraction without the use of chemical solvents, palm oil production is associated with environmental concerns, such as deforestation and habitat destruction, and it can be less desirable from a health perspective compared to other plant-based oils.

The product does use non-GMO ingredients, which is a positive aspect, but it does not outweigh the other issues found within the ingredient list. The use of vital wheat gluten and microbial enzymes are less concerning but still contribute to the product’s overall score.

The 365 by Wholefoods Sandwich Bread, Classic White, does not meet the standards for those seeking the cleanest food options available. The inclusion of added sugars, enriched flour, and palm oil detract from its potential to be a healthier bread choice. While it avoids the use of GMOs, this bread could benefit from a reformulation that focuses on whole, organic ingredients to improve its standing in a market where consumers are increasingly seeking out pure, unprocessed, and environmentally friendly food products.