With a plethora of bread options available in supermarkets, all making various health claims, finding the 'healthiest' bread for your little one can be overwhelming. It’s important to remember that there isn’t a single 'best' bread, as choosing the right bread involves considering several factors unique to your child's needs and family circumstances. Understanding these factors can help simplify your decision and ensure you're making the most nutritious choice for your little one.

Here’s why a one size fits all approach doesn’t work when it comes to bread selection.

Considerations for Choosing the Right Bread

Does Your Little One Get Enough Iron?

Iron is crucial for your child’s growth and development, especially in their early years. If your little one isn't consuming many iron rich foods like meats and legumes prioritising a bread that's fortified with iron could be beneficial. Fortified breads can help fill this nutritional gap, ensuring your child gets the necessary iron for healthy development. However, while fortified breads can be helpful, they should be part of a balanced diet that includes various iron sources to ensure your child’s needs are fully met.

Will Your Picky Toddler Eat Dense Brown Bread?

If your toddler eats dense brown bread, that’s awesome! Wholegrain breads are generally more nutrient dense, providing more fibre and vitamins. However, if your picky eater refuses to eat brown bread, it's better to choose a less nutrient-dense option rather than having them not eat at all. In such cases, the key is to find a balance between nutritional value and your little ones preferences.

Can You Afford to Spend $9 on a Loaf of Bread?

The cost of living can make buying expensive specialty breads challenging. Fortunately, there are many nutritious and lower cost bread options available. It’s possible to find bread that fits within your budget without compromising too much on nutritional value. While some premium breads might offer additional benefits, many affordable options still provide essential nutrients and can be part of a healthy diet for your little one.

Do You Have Time to Make Sourdough from Scratch?

Sourdough bread is known for its unique nutritional benefits due to the fermentation process. But most of us don’t have time to have a shower let alone make sourdough. And that's okay. If you don’t have the time or inclination to bake your own, don’t worry. There are plenty of nutritious bread options available in supermarkets. 

What’s Important for You?

Every family has different priorities when it comes to feeding their children. Some may focus on specific ingredients, while others might prioritise cost or convenience. Understanding your own priorities and what works best for your family’s lifestyle is crucial. It’s about finding a bread that aligns with your family’s needs, preferences, and budget while still offering good nutritional value.

The Main Things to Look for in Bread

When selecting bread, consider these key factors to ensure you’re choosing a healthy option:

• Wholegrains: Look for breads where wholegrains such as rye, spelt, barley, or wholemeal are listed as the first ingredients. Wholegrains are richer in nutrients and fibre compared to refined grains, which are stripped of many beneficial components during processing.
• Fibre: Aim for bread with more than 3 grams of fibre per serving. Fibre is essential for healthy digestion.
• Seeds: For younger children under 4, avoid breads with whole seeds, as these can pose a choking hazard. Instead, opt for breads with finely ground seeds or those without seeds.
• Low in Salt: Choose bread with less than 400mg of salt per 100g, and ideally less than 120mg per 100g. High salt intake can be harmful to young children’s health, so monitoring salt content is important.
• No Added Sugar: Avoid breads with added sugars. Excess sugar can contribute to various health issues, flavour preferences and  dental problems.
• Minimal Ingredients: Generally, breads with fewer ingredients are preferable. A simpler ingredient list often means fewer additives and a more wholesome product.

Things to Avoid if Possible

While it may not always be possible to avoid all of these, it’s worth trying to steer clear of:

• Preservatives: Some breads contain preservatives to extend shelf life. Opting for breads without these additives can be healthier for your child.
• Additives: Ingredients like emulsifiers and artificial colours can be found in some breads. These additives may not be necessary for a nutritious loaf and can be avoided when possible.
• Using No Oil or Olive Oil: Breads that don’t use any oil or use olive oil can be better options. 
• Wheat Flour (White Bread): White bread made from refined wheat flour lacks the fibre and nutrients found in wholegrain options. Opting for wholegrain varieties is generally a better choice for nutritional value.

Good Options for Breads with Fortified Iron

For those who prefer breads fortified with iron, consider:

• Wonder Bread Wholemeal Plus Iron: Available at Coles and Woolworths, this bread provides an additional iron boost, which can be beneficial if your child’s diet lacks other iron sources.
• Tip Top Bakery The One Wholemeal: Also available at Coles and Woolworths, this bread combines wholemeal goodness with added iron.
• Coles High Fibre Wholemeal Bread: This option offers a good mix of fibre and fortified iron.

These breads usually have some additives and oils, but they are typically in very small quantities and unlikely to impact your child’s health significantly.

Good Options for Breads with Fewer Additives, Preservatives, and Oils

For a bread with a shorter ingredient list and fewer additives:

• Vitality Spelt Wholemeal Chia: Found at Coles this bread offers a combination of spelt and chia seeds with a little bit of olive oil.
• Edwards Range: Available at Coles and Woolworths, this range features breads with simple and wholesome ingredient list.

These options might come with a higher price tag but offer a more straightforward ingredient profile.

Good Options for Those on a Low Budget

Even on a tight budget, there are healthy bread options:

• Happy Gut Wholemeal Bread: Available at Coles for $3.30, this bread provides good value while still being nutritious.
• Coles Soft Wholemeal Sandwich Loaf: Priced at $2.70, this loaf is a budget-friendly choice with wholemeal goodness.
• Coles Country Loaf Wholemeal: At $3.90, this option balances cost and nutrition.
• Woolworths Wholemeal Sandwich Hi-fibre Bread: Available for $3.50, this bread offers a good mix of fibre and wholemeal benefits.

These breads might contain some additives and oils, but they remain a cost-effective choice for nutritious bread.

Good Options for Sourdough

Sourdough bread, known for its nutritional benefits due to the fermentation process, can be a great choice:

• Edwards Sourdough Spelt Wholemeal Bread: Available at Coles and Woolworths, this option provides traditional sourdough benefits with a wholemeal twist.
• Coles Bakery Stone Baked Light Rye Sourdough Vienna: This sourdough is a good choice for its traditional preparation.

Traditional sourdoughs made by local bakeries are often the best option, so it’s worth asking your local bakery about their methods to ensure you’re getting a genuinely nutritious product.

In conclusion

Finding the best bread for your family involves balancing nutrition, cost, convenience, and your little ones preferences. By considering factors such as wholegrains, fibre content, and ingredient lists, you can make an informed choice that supports your little one's health and fits your family’s needs.

Please note, our advice is general in nature and should not replace any advice provided to you by your health professional. If you have any concerns about your bub’s development or nutritional status, consult your GP or other health professional.

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