Sourdough bead

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

Common questions

Is Sourdough bead healthy?

Sourdough bead scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This sourdough bread is made with enriched unbleached wheat flour and malted barley flour, which are processed ingredients.

How processed is Sourdough bead?

Sourdough bead is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Sourdough bead's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Niacin, Riboflavin count in its favor; Wheat Flour is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Sourdough bead

Portland French Bakery
75 Good

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 1
Category Bread
Summary

This sourdough bread is made with enriched unbleached wheat flour and malted barley flour, which are processed ingredients. While it does not contain harmful additives like high fructose corn syrup or artificial dyes, the use of enriched flour indicates a moderate level of processing. The ingredient list is relatively short and free from seed oils, which is a positive aspect, but the processing level limits its score.

Key ingredients 10

Niacin
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Supports energy metabolism and overall health.

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Riboflavin
Good

Essential B vitamin — beneficial micronutrient.

Benefits

Supports energy production and overall cellular health.

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Enriched Unbleached Wheat Flour
Neutral

Enriched unbleached wheat flour is a refined flour that has been fortified with vitamins and minerals. It lacks the fiber and nutrients found in whole grain flour. The enrichment process adds back some nutrients lost during processing.

Risks

May contribute to blood sugar spikes due to its refined nature and lack of fiber.

Benefits

Provides essential vitamins and minerals such as iron and B vitamins due to enrichment.

See more about Enriched Unbleached Wheat Flour →
Malted Barley Flour
Neutral

Malted barley flour is used to enhance flavor and improve dough fermentation. It contains enzymes that help break down starches into sugars. It is typically used in small amounts in bread recipes.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and aids in the fermentation process of bread.

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Reduced Iron
Neutral

Reduced iron is added to enriched flours to prevent iron deficiency. It is a form of iron that is easily absorbed by the body. The fortification helps maintain adequate iron levels in the diet.

Risks

Excessive iron intake can lead to toxicity, but this is unlikely from typical consumption.

Benefits

Helps prevent iron deficiency anemia and supports oxygen transport in the body.

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Thiamin Mononitrate
Neutral

Thiamin mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 added to enriched flours. It plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and nerve function. The fortification ensures adequate intake of this essential vitamin.

Benefits

Supports energy metabolism and proper nerve function.

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Folic Acid
Neutral

Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9 added to enriched flours to prevent neural tube defects. It is crucial for DNA synthesis and cell division. The fortification helps ensure adequate intake of this essential nutrient.

Risks

Excessive intake may mask vitamin B12 deficiency, but this is unlikely from typical consumption.

Benefits

Supports DNA synthesis and is crucial for fetal development during pregnancy.

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Water
Neutral

Water is a basic ingredient used to hydrate the flour and activate yeast in bread-making. It is essential for the dough formation and fermentation process. Water quality can affect the final texture and flavor of the bread.

Benefits

Essential for dough formation and fermentation in bread-making.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used in bread to enhance flavor and control yeast activity. It is a common ingredient in baking that also strengthens the gluten network. Excessive consumption of salt can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and improves dough texture in bread.

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Wheat Flour
Bad

Refined grain flour stripped of bran and germ.

Risks

May lead to increased blood sugar levels due to its refined nature.

Benefits

Provides carbohydrates necessary for energy.

See more about Wheat Flour →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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