Top Brown Bread Brands for Delicious and Nutritious Choices

Brown bread has become a staple for many health-conscious individuals, providing a nutritious alternative to white bread by containing whole grains and additional fiber. With an increasing demand for healthier bread options, several brands have emerged as leaders in delivering quality and taste. These brands have focused on offering products that not only satisfy dietary needs but also delight the palate with rich flavor and texture. To explore some of the best brands for brown bread, take a look below where we've curated a list of top contenders in this category.

Illustration of brown bread

Best brands of brown bread in 2025

Dave's Killer Bread

Dave's Killer Bread is a standout in the premium bread market, known for its organic, non-GMO, and high-fiber products. In 2023, the brand achieved a 10% increase in unit volume growth and reached $1 billion in sales in tracked channels, despite higher costs for organic flour affecting profitability. Founded by David Dahl, the brand has seen phenomenal growth, including a 25% increase in retail sales the year prior to its acquisition by Flowers Foods in 2015, and it now has a presence in over 41 states and Canada. The brand's products are rich in seeds, grains, and ALA Omega-3, making them a popular choice for health-conscious consumers. With strong performance in subcategories like breakfast and sandwich buns/rolls, Dave's Killer Bread continues to expand its market share.

Arnold/Brownberry/Oroweat

Arnold, Brownberry, and Oroweat are renowned for producing high-quality brown bread, catering to the growing demand for healthier and more nutritious options. Their Small Slice line, introduced in 2021, features Oatnut and 100% Whole Wheat bread with 9 and 15 grams of whole grains per slice, respectively, and only 70 to 80 calories per slice. The brands also launched the Simply Small line in 2019, designed for single-person households with 10 slices per bag to reduce food waste. Additionally, their new Grains Almighty line, introduced in 2023, includes varieties with significant nutritional benefits such as gut-fortifying prebiotic fiber and plant protein. These innovations reflect the brands' commitment to meeting consumer needs for healthier bread options.

Pepperidge Farm

Pepperidge Farm is renowned as one of the best producers of brown bread, with a rich history dating back to 1937 when founder Margaret Rudkin began baking in her kitchen. The company has consistently demonstrated a commitment to quality, achieving remarkable growth with an average annual growth rate of 53% over its first 26 years. By 2001, Pepperidge Farm had exceeded $1 billion in sales and ranks in the top 2% of brands worldwide in brand equity. Their Whole Grain 100% Whole Wheat Bread is a standout product, offering 10 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, and 50 grams of whole grains per two slices. This dedication to quality and innovation has made Pepperidge Farm a leader in the US retail packaged bread market. For more about their storied history, visit Pepperidge Farm's journey.

Nature's Own

Nature's Own, a brand under Flowers Foods, is a leading producer of high-quality brown bread, known for its significant market presence and consumer preference. In 2015, Nature's Own generated $841.7 million in sales, more than twice the sales of the next leading brand, Bimbo Bakeries' Brownberry. The brand has also been praised for reducing the number of ingredients in its products to 14 from 26 and avoiding the use of azodicarbonamide (ADA). Nature's Own offers various health-conscious options, such as the 40-calorie honey wheat and double fiber loaves, which are popular among consumers seeking specific dietary benefits. This brand's commitment to quality and health has contributed to its strong market position.

Ezekiel 4:9

Ezekiel 4:9, a brand by Food For Life, is renowned for producing one of the best types of sprouted grain bread, inspired by the Biblical verse Ezekiel 4:9. This bread is made from six organic grains and legumes, including wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and spelt, which when sprouted and combined, create a complete protein containing all 9 essential amino acids. The sprouting process enhances nutritional value, reduces antinutrients, and promotes digestibility. The market for Ezekiel bread is projected to grow significantly, with an estimated CAGR of 6.8% from 2023 to 2033, reaching a market size of $1.05 billion by 2033. This bread is also rich in natural fiber, vitamins, and minerals, with no added fat, preservatives, or refined sugars.

Sara Lee

Sara Lee is a leading brand in the U.S. bread market, particularly renowned for its high-quality brown bread products. By 2022, Sara Lee's retail sales had grown to almost $1.5 billion, showcasing its significant market presence. The company has successfully navigated market challenges, including consumer trends towards healthier options, and has launched several new 100% wheat breads to enhance its brand portfolio. Sara Lee's sales are only surpassed by private label and artisanal bread sales, highlighting its strong market position. The brand's efforts in consumer education and product innovation have been instrumental in its growth.

Alvarado Street Bakery

Alvarado Street Bakery is a renowned producer of high-quality brown bread, operating as a worker-owned cooperative since 1979 in Petaluma, California. The bakery is celebrated for its certified organic whole grain breads, particularly its flourless sprouted wheat breads, which are low in sugar, salt, and fat and highly nutritious. With over 40,000 loaves shipped daily from their solar-powered bakery, Alvarado Street Bakery has established a strong presence in the organic food industry. More than half of its employees have been with the company for over 15 years, and the average worker earns between $65,000 and $70,000 annually. The bakery's commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and healthy living is reflected in its mission to change the way the world eats, one slice at a time. Learn more about their organic whole grain breads by visiting their official website.

Vermont Bread Company

Vermont Bread Company is renowned for its high-quality brown bread, particularly notable for its organic and natural products. In 2015, the company saw a significant increase in sales, with its organic and natural English muffins rising by 52.31% in dollar sales, according to IRI data. The company's commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and traditional baking methods has earned it a loyal customer base. Vermont Bread Company's products, such as their English muffins, are certified-organic and offer unique flavors that set them apart in the market. This dedication to quality and sustainability has made Vermont Bread Company one of the best producers of brown bread.

Silver Hills Sprouted Bakery

Silver Hills Sprouted Bakery is a leading producer of high-quality, nutritious brown bread, having perfected its sprouting process over 30 years. Founded in 1989, the company is now the third-largest bakery in Canada, with products distributed throughout North America. Their sprouted whole grains are Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Vegan, ensuring optimal nutritional benefits. The bakery's careful sprouting process involves cleaning, soaking, and sprouting grains to enhance digestibility and nutritional value. With annual revenue around $100 million and over 300 employees, Silver Hills continues to grow, offering a wide range of sprouted products.

Bimbo Bakeries

Bimbo Bakeries USA is a leading producer of high-quality brown bread, among other baked goods, with a significant market share in the U.S. bakery products market. As of 2022, Bimbo Bakeries USA held a 31% market share, having increased from 29.1% in 2019. The company operates 57 bakeries and production plants across the United States and has a broad portfolio of brands, including Arnold, Brownberry, and Oroweat, which are well-known for their brown bread offerings. Bimbo Bakeries USA's products are available in 86% of U.S. households, reflecting its extensive distribution network. The company's commitment to quality and innovation has helped it maintain a leadership position in the bakery industry.