: Many pre-packaged breads contain high-fructose corn syrup or honey. Aim for loaves with under 4 grams of sugar per slice .

Timing and physical characteristics are the best indicators of a loaf's quality and age.

The fewer the ingredients, the closer you are to "real" bread. Traditional bread essentially needs only four things: flour, water, yeast, and salt.

: Look for " 100% whole wheat " or " 100% whole grain " as the first ingredient. Terms like "wheat flour" or "multigrain" often mean the bread is primarily refined white flour with only a small amount of other grains.