Product Review: Bob’s Red Mill Hearty Whole Grain Bread Mix- gluten free/ wheat free/ dairy free February 11
As I stocked up my own gluten free pantry one Saturday, the clerk at my local natural foods store offered me this free Bob’s Red Mill gluten free whole grain bread mix. I couldn’t believe it! I really miss my whole grain gluten filled wheat bread, Could this be the substitute I was hoping for?
Mixing this whole grain gluten free bead mix with water, eggs and cider vinegar was a snap with my Kitchen-Aid mixer. The dough was thick and hearty, but not overly sticky or difficult to work with. So good, so far.
The bread baked up beautifully with a nice dark and slightly crunchy crust and boasted lots of little nooks and crannies I let the bread cool, then sliced it and topped with with a bit of butter and jam. I was impressed with how easily the bread sliced with little crumbling. Unfortunately, my gluten free bread glee stopped there. The bread looked good, but oh my, it tasted AWFUL!
The texture was rough, thick and very strange- like nothing have ever tried before. The plethora of caraway, sesame, sunflower seeds; and whole grains in this bread seem out of place. The ingredient flavors do not blend well and are a harsh and chaotic blend of flavors. There is no sweetness to this bread, and the dark color is only based on the addition of cocoa. Even though I used to enjoy multi-grain breads, I was not used to this. I tried to eat this bread twice and became nauseous after each attempt. I don’t think I will ever buy this bread on my own. If any of my readers have tried this mix with better results, I would love to hear about it!
PROS: looks great, slices easily, lots of whole grains
CONS: flavor and texture is just awful
Rating: 1 star
Feeling brave? Wanna try it for yourself?
Ingredients: Whole grain buckwheat, garbanzo bean flour, potato starch, cornstarch, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, whole grain sorghum flour, tapioca flour, turbinado sugar, cocoa powder, evaporated cane juice, fava bean flour, dried molasses (molasses, maltodextrin), xanthan gum, caraway seeds, active dry yeast, sea salt, whole grain teff, potato flour, onion powder, guar gum, soy lecithin.
See what Stephanie at What I Eat ,and Sea at the Book of Yum had to say about this mix!
(For Sea’s review, just scroll down the page. You’ll be glad you did!)
Lauren Feb 11
I actually tried this about a month ago and I thought it wasn’t so bad. I only ate it toasted though, it seemed to make it much tastier. It was rather icky at room temp.
sea Feb 12
Haha, thanks for the mention. It is appalling bread, isn’t it? *shudder*
-Sea
Karen Feb 12
Lauren- I am glad you found a way to make this bread edible! Toasting was a good idea. I just couldn’t get past the taste of my first two slices.
Sea, yes it is . . . definitely not a friend to my taste buds.
Neena (NeenMachine) Feb 12
Karen,
You made me laugh! I have not tried this bread and don’t think I will, now. But the pictures are beautiful, it really looks yummy. Too bad!
Karen the FabGrandma Feb 12
I must be the freak in town because I love this bread. I do add 4 tablespoons of brown sugar to the mix, though. I like the bread because it reminds me of the dark pumpernickle rye bread my mother used to get around the holidays when I was a little girl. I thought it was delish with hot mustard and baked ham. I have also made it into french toast. When I make it, I used the small 8 X 4.5 inch disposable bread pans and make two small loaves. I freeze one for later.
Karen Feb 12
Nope, you are not a freak Karen! You were just smart and figured out a way to make it taste better,and a yummy way for you to remember your childhood. Thanks for sharing your suggestion!
Natalie Feb 13
Great job on the bread. The ingredients look terrible to me. haha. I love that feature of your blog. I look straight down to the ingredients every time!
Karen Feb 13
Hey Natalie, I am glad the ingredient list is helpful! I guess I should have looked at it before I made the bread. LOL. Actually, Neena is the one that asked me include the ingredients when I first started blogging, so she gets the kudos.
Cara Jun 6
Apparently I’m one of the few who loves this bread. Yes, it is better toasted, but for those who like the whole-grain taste, it’s perfect! I would highly recommend it - even above Bob’s Red Mill regular GF bread mix (which can taste rather eggy).
bluesh4rk Sep 20
I was just wondering if you’ve tried Montina flour… my husband made a loaf of bread with that and it was actually pretty good. Very much like a wheat bread except gluten free of course.
http://www.amazinggrains.com/
I apologize if you have a review for this already, I am new to your site.