Here’s a typical bread display at any mass market grocer. And here’s a typical list of ingredients (this one from Dave’s Killer Bread’s 100% whole wheat loaf):
- Organic whole wheat (organic whole wheat flour, organic cracked whole wheat)
- Water
- Organic dried cane syrup (sugar)
- Organic expeller pressed canola oil
- Organic wheat gluten
- Organic molasses
- Organic cultured whole wheat
- Sea salt
- Yeast
- Organic vinegar
I’d say this is among the better ingredient lists I’ve come across. They go downhill from here. Bread is a simple food that takes more time and effort than ingredients. So why add sugar, oil, gluten, molasses, vinegar and more? I understand people desire bread that won’t go stale after a day or two, but at what cost to taste (not to mention all the extra crap that goes into your body)?
Yes, this all sounds elitist and unworkable in our busy daily lives. I too buy the same shitty store breads you do out of convenience, but I sure do anticipate and enjoy those days when I find freshly baked, simple bread.