Harvest whole wheat bread

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Harvest whole wheat bread healthy?

Harvest whole wheat bread scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This bread contains whole wheat flour and honey, which are beneficial ingredients contributing to its nutritional profile.

How processed is Harvest whole wheat bread?

Harvest whole wheat bread is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Harvest whole wheat bread's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Whole wheat flour, Honey, Wheat bran count in its favor; Expeller pressed canola oil, Soy lecithin are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

You might also like

More from Trader Joe's

See more

Harvest whole wheat bread

Trader Joe's
60 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

View on Amazon

Near you

Trader Joe's is carried at Trader Joe stores. Find one within 25 miles.

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 4
Harmful ingredients 2
Owned by Trader Joe's
Category Bread
Summary

This bread contains whole wheat flour and honey, which are beneficial ingredients contributing to its nutritional profile. However, the presence of expeller pressed canola oil, a seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, and soy lecithin, a processed emulsifier, are concerns. The product is also classified as ultra-processed, which limits its overall health rating despite having only a few additives.

Key ingredients 14

Whole wheat flour
Good

Whole wheat flour is a source of dietary fiber and essential nutrients. It is less processed than refined flour, retaining more vitamins and minerals. This contributes to better digestive health and sustained energy levels.

Benefits

Rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

See more about Whole wheat flour →
Honey
Good

Honey is a natural sweetener that provides a mild sweetness and moisture to bread. It contains trace amounts of vitamins and antioxidants. Unlike refined sugars, it offers some nutritional benefits.

Risks

Excessive consumption can contribute to high sugar intake, which may lead to health issues.

Benefits

Contains antioxidants and has a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugars.

See more about Honey →
Wheat bran
Good

Wheat bran is a rich source of dietary fiber and essential nutrients. It supports digestive health and can aid in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Its inclusion enhances the nutritional profile of bread.

Benefits

High in dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and may help lower cholesterol levels.

See more about Wheat bran →
Ascorbic acid
Good

Vitamin C — beneficial even when serving as a preservative.

Benefits

Improves dough quality and acts as an antioxidant.

See more about Ascorbic acid →
Water
Neutral

Water is a fundamental ingredient used in baking to hydrate flour and activate yeast. It does not provide nutritional value but is essential for the bread-making process. Its quality can affect the texture and rise of the bread.

See more about Water →
Wheat gluten
Neutral

Wheat gluten is added to improve the elasticity and texture of bread. It is a protein that helps bread rise and maintain its shape. While beneficial for bread structure, it may cause issues for those with gluten sensitivities.

Risks

May cause adverse reactions in individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Benefits

Enhances the texture and elasticity of bread, contributing to a desirable crumb structure.

See more about Wheat gluten →
Yeast
Neutral

Yeast is a microorganism used to ferment sugars, producing carbon dioxide that helps bread rise. It is a natural leavening agent essential for bread making. It does not provide significant nutritional value.

Benefits

Essential for leavening bread, contributing to its texture and flavor.

See more about Yeast →
Cultured whole wheat flour with vinegar
Neutral

This ingredient is used to enhance freshness and extend shelf life. The vinegar acts as a natural preservative. It does not significantly alter the nutritional profile of the bread.

Benefits

Helps maintain freshness and extends the shelf life of the bread.

Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and control yeast activity in bread. It is a common culinary ingredient with no significant nutritional benefits. Excessive consumption can contribute to high sodium intake.

Risks

High sodium intake can lead to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and helps control yeast activity in bread.

See more about Salt →
Wheat starch
Neutral

Wheat starch is used to improve the texture and consistency of bread. It is a refined carbohydrate with limited nutritional value. It does not significantly impact the health profile of the bread.

Benefits

Contributes to the texture and consistency of bread.

See more about Wheat starch →
Distilled white vinegar
Neutral

Distilled white vinegar is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer. It is a natural product with no significant nutritional value. It helps maintain the freshness of bread.

Benefits

Acts as a natural preservative and flavor enhancer.

See more about Distilled white vinegar →
Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are used to enhance dough handling and improve bread texture. They are naturally occurring proteins that aid in the baking process. They do not provide nutritional benefits.

Benefits

Enhances dough handling and improves bread texture.

See more about Enzymes →
Soy lecithin
Bad

Soy lecithin is an emulsifier used to improve texture and extend shelf life. It is a processed ingredient derived from soybeans. While generally recognized as safe, it is not nutritionally beneficial.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to soy.

Benefits

Improves texture and extends the shelf life of bread.

See more about Soy lecithin →
Expeller pressed canola oil
Very Bad

Canola oil is a seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation when consumed in excess. The expeller pressing method is a mechanical extraction process that avoids chemical solvents. Despite this, the high omega-6 content remains a concern.

Risks

High omega-6 content may promote inflammation and imbalance omega-3 to omega-6 ratios in the diet.

See more about Expeller pressed canola oil →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping

Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play

More in Bread