Dave’s Killer Bread is a popular organic, non-GMO, and nutritious bread brand based out of Milwaukie, Oregon. Dave’s Killer Bread offers a variety of breads including whole grain, sprouted whole grain, and seed-coated varieties. With the rise in popularity of gluten-free diets in recent years, many people wonder if Dave’s Killer Bread offers any gluten-free options. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at whether Dave’s Killer Bread has any gluten-free products, examine the gluten content of their breads, and overview some suitable gluten-free alternatives to Dave’s Killer Bread.
Does Dave’s Killer Bread Have Any Gluten-Free Options?
The short answer is no – none of Dave’s Killer Bread’s current offerings are certified gluten-free. All of their breads contain gluten, as they are made with wheat flour. For people following a strict gluten-free diet due to celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, Dave’s Killer Bread is not considered gluten-free.
Dave’s Killer Bread does not claim to be gluten-free and does not currently offer any gluten-free substitute products like wraps, buns, or bagels. All products containing wheat, rye, barley or oats contain gluten and are not recommended for gluten-free diets.
While no Dave’s Killer Bread products are gluten-free, the company indicates some varieties may be suitable for less sensitive gluten intolerances, while those with celiac disease should avoid it. They advise anyone with questions or concerns about gluten content to consult their healthcare provider.
Gluten Content in Dave’s Killer Bread
Although the exact gluten content can vary between different Dave’s Killer Bread products, all of their breads contain wheat flour and are not gluten-free.
Here is an overview of the typical gluten content in some popular Dave’s Killer Bread varieties:
| Dave’s Killer Bread Variety | Gluten Content |
|---|---|
| Organic Whole Wheat Bread | Contains gluten (wheat flour is first ingredient) |
| Organic Sprouted Whole Grains Bread | Contains gluten (wheat flour is first ingredient) |
| Organic Powerseed Bread | Contains gluten (wheat flour is first ingredient) |
| Organic White Bread Done Right | Contains gluten (wheat flour is first ingredient) |
As you can see, all of the primary Dave’s Killer Bread varieties contain wheat flour as the first, main ingredient. This means they all contain significant amounts of gluten.
Is Dave’s Killer Bread Gluten-Removed?
No, Dave’s Killer Bread does not offer any gluten-removed bread products. Gluten-removed means the gluten protein has been washed out of the wheat flour while retaining the other nutrients.
While it’s possible to remove gluten from wheat flour, Dave’s Killer Bread does not use any gluten-removed wheat flour in their bread recipes. All of their breads contain traditional, gluten-containing wheat flour as the first ingredient.
Some other bread companies like Canyon Bakehouse offer certified gluten-removed products, but Dave’s Killer Bread currently does not provide this option. Their breads contain the full, natural amount of gluten found wheat flour.
Gluten Thresholds for Gluten-Free Diets
For a product to be certified gluten-free in the United States, it must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This is the maximum threshold considered safe for people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities.
Since all Dave’s Killer Bread products contain wheat flour as the main ingredient, they significantly exceed this 20 ppm gluten threshold. That’s why none of their products can be labeled as gluten-free.
The amount of 20 ppm is equal to about 1/8 of a teaspoon of gluten in a large 5-pound bag of flour. Such a tiny amount is unlikely to cause issues for most people, but for those with celiac disease this trace level can still trigger symptoms and intestinal damage.
Some individuals are more sensitive than others, so the level that triggers reactions can vary from person to person. That’s why there is no universal “safe” amount of gluten consumption for those adhering to gluten-free diets. Complete avoidance is generally recommended.
Testing Methodology for Gluten Content
Food manufacturers like Dave’s Killer Bread test products for gluten content using lab equipment that can accurately detect levels as low as 5-10 ppm. This highly sensitive equipment can find tiny amounts of the gluten protein in food samples.
The two main methods used are ELISA testing and PCR testing:
ELISA Gluten Testing
The ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test uses antibodies that bind specifically to gluten proteins. If the antibodies detect gluten, they generate a color change. The color intensity is directly proportional to the concentration of gluten proteins present.
PCR Gluten Testing
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing amplifies and detects DNA sequences unique to wheat, rye, and barley. This DNA-based methodology provides definitive proof of the presence of gluten-containing grains. PCR testing is very accurate down to ~5 ppm.
Both ELISA and PCR provide precise analytical quantification of gluten content in parts per million. Food producers use these lab methods to verify the gluten levels in their products. Since Dave’s Killer Bread contains wheat flour, these tests would quantify the significant gluten content rather than certify the products as gluten-free.
Is Dave’s Killer Bread Safe for Celiacs?
No, Dave’s Killer Bread is not considered safe for people with celiac disease and should be avoided. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by exposure to the gluten protein.
When people with celiac disease consume gluten, it causes immune system activation that damages the small intestine lining and can lead to malabsorption of nutrients. Left untreated over time, celiac disease increases risk for anemia, osteoporosis, infertility, neurological conditions and certain cancers. Eliminating gluten from the diet allows intestinal healing and resolves these issues.
Since all products from Dave’s Killer Bread contain wheat flour and test above the safe 20 ppm gluten threshold, they are not safe choices for those with celiac disease. Consuming Dave’s Killer Bread would trigger an immune reaction and continued intestinal damage.
The only treatment for celiac disease is maintaining a strict lifelong gluten-free diet with no cheating. This requires vigilant avoidance of all products containing wheat, rye, barley, and contaminated oats. Despite appealing branding, a celiac diagnosis means Dave’s Killer Bread is off limits.
Is Dave’s Killer Bread Safe for Gluten Sensitivity?
Dave’s Killer Bread is also not typically recommended for those diagnosed with non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
In gluten sensitivity, exposure to gluten triggers symptoms like headache, fatigue, brain fog, and digestive issues. The mechanism is not fully understood but likely involves immune activation along with changes to intestinal permeability and microbiome composition.
While symptoms may be more variable than celiac disease, gluten intake still appears to cause systemic issues in gluten-sensitive individuals. Most experts advise a gluten-free diet to manage gluten sensitivity as well.
Given the high gluten content of Dave’s Killer Bread products, consuming them would likely trigger adverse symptoms and is not considered safe. Removing gluten sources like Dave’s Killer Bread can help resolve sensitivity issues.
Is Dave’s Killer Bread Non-GMO?
Yes, while Dave’s Killer Bread is not gluten-free, all ingredients are certified non-GMO. The brand uses no genetically modified organisms in their bread.
Dave’s Killer Bread utilizes traditional seed varieties bred through natural methods, not GMOs. The wheat flour, seeds, and grains are guaranteed non-GMO.
This non-GMO certification provides peace of mind for many consumers. However, non-GMO does not indicate an absence of gluten. All Dave’s Killer Bread varieties still contain gluten based on their wheat flour content. But this gluten comes from non-GMO heirloom wheat for those concerned about genetic modification in food.
Dave’s Killer Bread Nutritional Profile
Here is an overview of the nutritional profile of Dave’s Killer Bread:
Advantages
- No high fructose corn syrup or artificial preservatives
- Good source of fiber, protein, omega-3s
- Made with whole grains
- Non-GMO ingredients
Disadvantages
- Contains gluten – not suitable for celiac disease or gluten sensitivity
- Higher in carbohydrates and calories than some bread
- Glycemic index can be high for some varieties
While Dave’s Killer Bread offers nutritional pros like protein and fiber, the gluten content remains a concern for those with medically necessary gluten-free diets. Non-celiac customers who tolerate gluten normally may enjoy the nutrition of Dave’s Killer Bread in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Gluten-Free Alternatives to Dave’s Killer Bread
Here are some recommended gluten-free brands that offer similar nutrition to Dave’s Killer Bread:
Canyon Bakehouse
Canyon Bakehouse provides certified gluten-free sliced breads, buns, bagels, and muffins. They use gluten-free whole grains like sorghum, millet, teff, and brown rice. Canyon Bakehouse breads offer comparable protein, fiber, and nutrients to Dave’s Killer Killer Bread.
Schar Gluten-Free Foods
The Schar brand specializes in gluten-free products sold in many grocery stores chains. They offer gluten-free sliced bread, rolls, baguettes, and buns with a texture and taste comparable to wheat bread. Schar breads provide an ideal replacement for celiacs and gluten sensitive customers.
Udi’s Gluten Free Bread
Udi’s is renowned for excellent gluten-free breads, available in styles like multigrain, flax, white, and whole grain. All Udi’s breads substitute various gluten-free flours and starches to mimic wheat bread. They offer great taste and nutrition for a gluten-free diet.
Other Gluten-Free Breads
There are many smaller gluten-free bakeries selling bread online or at health food stores. Brands like GeeFree, Sweet Loren’s, and Sami’s Bakery provide quality gluten-free loaves using dedicated production facilities. Local gluten-free bakeries may offer tasty options too.
Is Dave’s Killer Bread Okay on a Gluten-Free Diet?
No, Dave’s Killer Bread is not considered gluten-free and is not appropriate for celiac or gluten-free diets. The breads contain significant gluten from wheat flour, above the safe 20 ppm threshold. Consuming Dave’s Killer Bread would cause gluten exposure and health consequences.
Sticking to certified gluten-free breads from brands using alternative flours and grains is essential on a gluten-free diet. While the nutrition profile of Dave’s Killer Bread seems attractive, it ultimately contains unsafe gluten levels. Gluten-free consumers must be vigilant about reading labels to identify and avoid all sources of gluten.
What About Trace Gluten Exposure?
Some people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity opt for a zero-gluten diet to prevent any exposure to trace amounts of gluten. This requires avoiding most packaged, processed foods to eliminate cross-contact risks.
A strict zero-gluten diet means adhering only to naturally gluten-free whole foods, or certified gluten-free products from dedicated facilities. Dave’s Killer Bread does not meet this stricter standard.
While tiny amounts of gluten from cross-contact may be tolerated by some, for those highly sensitive it can perpetuate immunity activation and symptoms. A zero-gluten diet is the only way to fully remove ongoing gluten exposure.
Should You Try Gluten-Removed Wheat Bread?
For some gluten-free consumers, specially produced gluten-removed wheat bread may be an option. Brands like BreadSRSLY, Partake, and many others use enzymes to wash away almost all gluten from wheat flour to below 10 ppm.
Gluten-removed bread offers similar taste and texture to regular wheat bread using wheat flour as the base. The main gluten proteins have been extracted while retaining healthful properties.
This allows most celiacs and gluten-sensitive individuals to tolerate gluten-removed bread. However, it’s unsuitable for the most gluten-sensitive. Consulting your doctor is important before incorporating gluten-removed products.
The Takeaway on Dave’s Killer Bread and Gluten
Here are the key takeaways on Dave’s Killer Bread’s gluten status:
- No, Dave’s Killer Bread products are not gluten-free.
- All varieties contain gluten from wheat flour as the main ingredient.
- Not suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
- Gluten testing confirms Dave’s Killer Bread exceeds the safe 20 ppm threshold.
- Those on gluten-free diets should choose certified gluten-free bread replacements.
While the nutrition and quality of Dave’s Killer Bread is appealing, the products ultimately contain unsafe levels of gluten for people with medical necessity for a gluten-free diet. Numerous gluten-free bread alternatives exist for celiacs and gluten-sensitive individuals seeking a similar nutritional profile.
