Nutritional facts regarding commercially available gluten-free bread worldwide: Recent advances and future challenges

Recently, there has been an increase in demand for gluten-free (GF) products due to the growing number of gluten-intolerant and healthy individuals choosing to follow a gluten-free diet. Gluten-free bread (GFB) is a staple food product; therefore, many recent studies have reported the nutritional properties of GFB. However, an overview of the current ingredients and nutritional labeling of GFB worldwide has not yet been provided. This review aimed to gather the latest information regarding the most used ingredients in GFB formulations and the nutritional quality of these products from different countries, based on studies published in the last decade (2010-2020). Our analysis showed that GFB had a lower protein and a higher fat content than gluten-containing bread, and the dietary fiber content was highly variable between countries. Some studies have revealed a high glycaemic index in most products, which is associated with the extensive use of rice flour and starch as the main ingredients in GFB formulation. Label information presented significant differences from the data obtained through the chemical analysis of fiber and other nutritional components. Micronutrient fortification is not common in the GFB. The nutritional quality of commercial GFB is a crucial issue that needs to be addressed.

Automated summary

This review examines the ingredients and nutritional labeling of gluten-free bread (GFB) and compares the nutritional quality of these products from different countries. The study found that GFB has lower protein and higher fat content compared to gluten-containing bread, and the dietary fiber content varies between countries. Additionally, micronutrient fortification is not common in commercial GFB. The nutritional quality of GFB is an important issue that needs to be addressed.