Life before Celiac disease always included a good sandwich! I can still picture biting into a sandwich and enjoying every bite of soft, chewy bread. Can you picture it? It’s been a few years since my diagnosis and I’ve now tried almost every gluten-free bread available. I relate to common complaints like ‘it fell apart so easily’ or ‘I toasted it to make it edible’. Then I tried Little Northern Bakehouse’s Seeds & Grains loaf. Based in Abbotsford (a city near Vancouver, Canada), Little Northern Bakehouse makes surprisingly fluffy 100% gluten-free bread and buns.
Allergies and Intolerances
Their ‘Classic’ Seeds & Grains loaf is suitable for people with allergies, sensitivities and autoimmune conditions like Celiac disease. I was happy (and relieved) that Little Northern Bakehouse has been audited and certified gluten-free by the Gluten-free Certification Organization (GFCO) and the Gluten-free Certification Program (GFCP). The company also promotes regular testing of their own products to ensure that it’s gluten-free. What about other allergies? The Seeds & Grains loaf can also be safely eaten by those with egg or dairy allergies and intolerances.
How Does It Taste?
Okay, you’re glad it’s safe but let’s get to the heart of the matter. Does it taste good? Most online reviewers like it. I really like it too. It has a mild, subtle flavour that’s pleasant but sometimes I do long for a grainier, heartier tasting bread.
So is it good for ‘gluten-free’ or is actually good bread? My friends and family who have no allergies enjoy it and eat it regularly. That might not be scientific but it’s still a sign it tastes good.
What About Texture?
Is toasting necessary? The quick and easy answer is no! It’s almost as soft to touch as a regular loaf. The freshness lasts a few days but you might want to toast it after that.
I found one reviewer who reported it fell apart too easily but I personally feel that it holds its texture well when it’s still fresh.
Nutrition Breakdown
Let’s talk nutrition. Each slice has 90 calories, 2 grams fibre, 1 gram protein, 16 grams carbohydrate, 2 grams of sugar and 2.5 grams of fat. Pretty good right? Yes, it’s good. My only suggestion would be to add more fibre per slice. That said, this loaf is unique because of its seed and grain mix: sunflower seeds, whole millet, brown rice, flax seeds, chia seeds and pumpkin seeds all in one loaf. Now that’s a loaf packed with good ingredients!
Want Recipe Ideas?
The Little Northern Bakehouse website has quite a few recipes for their products. I personally like this Seeds & Grains loaf toast and untoasted. It works well for basic sandwiches, bread crumbs and croutons as well as grilled cheese, garlic bread and stuffing.
Where To Buy It?
It’s available in Canada and the United States at national chains, natural food stores and farmer’s markets. Find out if a store near sells it by using the store finder feature on the Little Northern Bakehouse website. Just enter your postal code or zip code. It retails for $6.98 CDN ($5.34 USD) but if you want the best price, head to Costco. There you can get 2 loaves for about $9.00 CDN ($6.88 USD).
Summary Chart
Overall Rating (Out of 5 Stars)
Taste
★★★★
Texture
★★★★
Nutrition
★★★★
Appearance
★★★★★
Allergen Friendly
★★★★★
Worth the Money
★★★★★