Sourdough bread

Common questions

Is Sourdough bread healthy?

Sourdough bread scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This sourdough bread contains canola oil, which is a seed oil known for being highly processed and potentially inflammatory.

How processed is Sourdough bread?

Sourdough bread is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Sourdough bread's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Enriched wheat flour, Canola oil are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Sourdough bread

Bioengineered
65 Fair

Analysis updated May 2026 · How Scout scores

$9.35 · 24 oz · $0.39 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 0
Harmful ingredients 2
Owned by Walmart
Category Bread
Summary

This sourdough bread contains canola oil, which is a seed oil known for being highly processed and potentially inflammatory. The product also includes several additives such as fumaric acid and acetic acid, which contribute to its processed nature. While it does not contain high-fructose corn syrup or artificial dyes, the presence of seed oil and multiple additives limits its healthiness.

Key ingredients 12

Malted barley flour
Neutral

Malted barley flour is used to enhance flavor and improve the texture of baked goods. It is made from sprouted barley grains that are dried and ground into flour. While it adds some nutritional value, it is typically used in small amounts.

Benefits

Contains enzymes that can aid in the fermentation process and improve bread texture.

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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 product, but it generally poses no health risks.

Benefits

Essential for hydration and activating yeast in the dough.

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Sourdough
Neutral

Sourdough is a fermented dough that uses natural yeast and bacteria to leaven bread. It can improve the digestibility of bread and enhance flavor. The fermentation process may also increase the availability of certain nutrients.

Benefits

May improve digestibility and nutrient availability due to fermentation.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and control yeast activity in bread making. It is an essential mineral but should be consumed in moderation to avoid health issues. Excessive salt intake can lead to high blood pressure and other health concerns.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and helps control yeast activity in dough.

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Yeast
Neutral

Yeast is a microorganism used to ferment sugars in dough, producing carbon dioxide that helps bread rise. It is a natural leavening agent that contributes to the texture and flavor of bread. Yeast is generally considered safe and beneficial in bread making.

Benefits

Contributes to bread rising and enhances texture and flavor.

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Fumaric acid
Neutral

Fumaric acid is a food additive used as a dough conditioner and acidity regulator. It is a naturally occurring organic acid found in various plants. In small amounts, it is generally recognized as safe for consumption.

Benefits

Helps improve dough texture and stability.

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Acetic acid
Neutral

Acetic acid is used as a preservative and flavoring agent in food products. It is the main component of vinegar and can enhance the taste of bread. In small amounts, it is considered safe for consumption.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a natural preservative.

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Lactic acid
Neutral

Lactic acid is a naturally occurring acid used to enhance flavor and preserve food. It is produced by fermentation and can improve the texture and shelf life of bread. It is generally recognized as safe when used in food products.

Benefits

Improves flavor and acts as a natural preservative.

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Cultured wheat flour
Neutral

Cultured wheat flour is treated with bacterial cultures to enhance flavor and shelf life. It is used as a natural preservative in baked goods. The fermentation process can improve the digestibility of the flour.

Benefits

Acts as a natural preservative and may improve digestibility.

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Enzymes
Neutral

Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions in dough, improving texture and volume. They are naturally occurring and used to enhance the quality of baked goods. Enzymes are generally considered safe and beneficial in bread making.

Benefits

Enhances dough quality and improves bread texture.

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Enriched wheat flour
Bad

Refined grain flour stripped of bran and germ.

Risks

May contribute to blood sugar spikes and lacks the fiber of whole grains.

Benefits

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

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Canola oil
Very Bad

Canola oil is a seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation when consumed in excess. It is often highly processed and refined, which can reduce its nutritional value. The extraction process typically involves heat and chemicals, which may affect the oil's quality.

Risks

High omega-6 content may promote inflammation when consumed in excess.

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Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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