For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, finding quick and convenient gluten-free meal options can be a challenge. Many popular sandwich shops don’t offer gluten-free bread options. However, the sandwich chain Erbert & Gerbert’s aims to accommodate gluten-free diners by providing a gluten-free sandwich bread option. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the gluten-free bread that Erbert & Gerbert’s uses for their sandwiches.
About Erbert & Gerbert’s
Erbert & Gerbert’s is a sandwich shop chain located primarily in the Upper Midwest region of the United States. The chain was founded in 1988 by Joe Erbert and Don Gerbert in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Today, Erbert & Gerbert’s has over 100 locations in 9 states, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming, and Illinois.
Erbert & Gerbert’s specializes in hot and cold submarine sandwiches. Their menu features over 20 signature sandwich options, along with soups and sides. The chain sets itself apart with its focus on quality ingredients, like bread baked daily in-house and Wisconsin cheese.
Erbert & Gerbert’s Gluten-Free Options
In recent years, Erbert & Gerbert’s has worked to expand their menu to accommodate special diets, including gluten-free and vegan options. For gluten-free diners, Erbert & Gerbert’s offers the option to have any of their sandwiches prepared on gluten-free bread, upon request. The gluten-free bread is provided by a trusted gluten-free bakery partner.
Having high-quality gluten-free bread available makes it much easier for those avoiding gluten to enjoy a meal from a popular sandwich chain like Erbert & Gerbert’s. The availability of gluten-free bread increases the menu options for gluten-free diners from a small handful of salads to the full range of Erbert & Gerbert’s signature sandwiches.
The Gluten-Free Bread at Erbert & Gerbert’s
So what exactly is the gluten-free bread option that Erbert & Gerbert’s uses for their sandwiches? Here are the key details:
Manufacturer
The gluten-free sandwich bread served at Erbert & Gerbert’s locations is produced by Schar, a company specialized in high-quality gluten-free baked goods. Schar was founded in Spain in 1904 and opened their US headquarters in New Jersey in 2004. They offer a line of gluten-free breads, snacks, pasta, and more.
Bread Name & Description
The specific gluten-free bread product used by Erbert & Gerbert’s is Schar’s Artisan Baker Pre-Sliced White Bread. This is a pre-sliced white sandwich bread loaf made with all gluten-free ingredients. Some key features of this bread include:
- Pre-sliced into 18 uniform slices per loaf
- Free from wheat, barley, rye, and oats
- Vegan and dairy/casein-free
- Non-GMO
- Kosher Pareve certified
- Shelf-stable packaging; no refrigeration required
The bread has a soft, airy texture despite being gluten-free. Having pre-sliced loaves allows for convenience in sandwich prep at Erbert & Gerbert’s locations.
Ingredients
Schar’s Gluten Free Artisan Baker White Bread is made from the following ingredients:
- Water
- Corn starch
- Potato starch
- Rice flour
- Sugar
- Thickener (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose)
- Yeast
- Vinegar
- Salt
- Soybean oil
The simple ingredient list contains no preservatives or artificial ingredients. Schar uses natural gluten-free starches and flours like corn, potato, rice, and tapioca to create the bread’s texture and rise.
Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for 1 slice (34g) of Schar Gluten Free Artisan Baker White Bread:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80 |
| Fat | 1.5g |
| Sodium | 160mg |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
The bread is low in sugar, fat, and calories. The fiber and protein content is fairly standard for gluten-free bread options. Those looking to limit sodium may need to watch their overall intake when eating this bread regularly.
How the Bread Is Used at Erbert & Gerbert’s
At Erbert & Gerbert’s, the Schar gluten-free bread can be substituted in place of regular bread for any sandwich order. Customers follow these steps to order a gluten-free sandwich:
- Choose any sandwich from the Erbert & Gerbert’s menu
- Ask for the sandwich to be prepared on gluten-free bread
- Let the staff know about any other gluten-free accommodations needed, such as changing gloved, gluten-free prep area, etc.
- Enjoy your favorite Erbert & Gerbert’s sandwich gluten-free!
There is no extra charge for substituting the gluten-free bread at Erbert & Gerbert’s locations. Their staff are trained for gluten-free preparation methods to avoid cross-contact for sensitive customers.
The pre-sliced Schar bread loaves allow staff to efficiently make sandwiches to order with the gluten-free bread option. Having packaged, shelf-stable bread eliminates the need for in-house gluten-free baking at each location. It streamlines the process of offering gluten-free sandwiches.
Is the Gluten-Free Bread Toasted?
Erbert & Gerbert’s typically toasts all of their sandwiches unless otherwise requested. So sandwiches on gluten-free bread are toasted by default.
Customers who prefer untoasted bread can request their sandwich be made without toasting when ordering. The gluten-free bread holds up reasonably well to being toasted, so both toasted and untoasted preparations are possible.
Reviews of the Gluten-Free Bread
To better understand the consumer experience with Erbert & Gerbert’s gluten-free bread, we can look at reviews from diners who have tried it:
Positive Reviews
Many reviews praise Erbert & Gerbert’s for having gluten-free bread available at all. Even if the bread itself gets mixed reviews, the effort on the restaurant’s part is appreciated.
Positive reviews mention the bread having a relatively fluffy consistency and neutral flavor that complements sandwich fillings well. Those who have tried other gluten-free bread brands often say this is one of the better quality options.
Negative Reviews
Some negative critiques say the gluten-free bread at Erbert’s is too dense, dry, or cardboard-like. Since it comes pre-packaged and is not baked fresh in-house, that can contribute to texture issues.
Others report the bread falling apart easily, making it tricky to eat a sandwich neatly. There are also complaints that the bread smells or tastes too yeasty or vinegary.
Suggestions for Improvement
Many reviewers acknowledge the challenges of finding truly good packaged gluten-free bread. Some customers suggest ways Erbert & Gerbert’s could enhance the experience:
- Have butter, olive oil, or balsamic vinegar available to moisten the bread
- Offer gluten-free baguettes or rolls instead of presliced bread
- Allow gluten-free sandwich orders to come with a side order of chips or a salad at no extra cost to increase value
Having more bread options or sides to improve dryness are common recommendations from reviewers.
Alternatives to the Gluten-Free Bread
If customers don’t care for the gluten-free sandwich bread at Erbert & Gerbert’s, there are a couple possible alternatives:
Lettuce Wrap Option
Ordering a sandwich as a lettuce wrap is a popular alternative approach for eating gluten-free at sandwich shops. Erbert & Gerbert’s allows customers to order any sandwich as a lettuce wrap upon request. The filling will be wrapped in a large leaf of fresh lettuce instead of being served on bread.
This is a great option for those looking to reduce overall carbs. However, some may find lettuce wraps less satisfying or filling compared to having a bread option.
Gluten-Free Bun Option
In addition to sandwich bread, Erbert & Gerbert’s offers gluten-free hamburger buns. These buns can be substituted in place of the sandwich bread for any order.
The gluten-free hamburger buns may provide a different taste and texture experience compared to the presliced loaf bread. Customers can request to try this alternative if they wish.
Is a Dedicated Gluten-Free Facility Needed?
Some gluten-free customers ask if it would be safer for chains like Erbert & Gerbert’s to prepare gluten-free orders in an entirely separate gluten-free kitchen. While dedicated facilities can reduce risk, they may not be practical or feasible for most restaurants.
There are measures Erbert & Gerbert’s and other chains can take short of having entirely separate gluten-free facilities:
- Use disposable gloves changed before preparing gluten-free orders
- Avoid cross-contact with other bread in shared toasters
- Have designated space on prep lines for gluten-free orders
- Use disposable paper on prep surfaces and change after gluten-free orders
- Give the option to have gluten-free orders packaged separately
Proper employee training on these procedures enables chains to safely offer gluten-free options without proprietary facilities. Of course, those with severe celiac disease or sensitivities may still prefer fully dedicated kitchens. But for most diners avoiding gluten, conscientious prep practices are adequate.
Conclusion
Erbert & Gerbert’s provides a much-appreciated option for enjoying safe gluten-free sandwiches by offering Schar’s packaged gluten-free bread. The availability makes their diverse sandwich menu more accessible to gluten-free customers.
Reviews indicate the bread itself earns mixed reactions. While not perfect, Schar’s pre-sliced loaf allows for a convenient way to accommodate gluten-free requests. There is room for improvement, but overall Erbert & Gerbert’s earns praise for making the effort.
With proper handling procedures during prep and additional sides or flavorings, the gluten-free bread experience can be quite positive at Erbert & Gerbert’s. Those avoiding gluten can feel comfortable requesting a gluten-free sandwich thanks to thisbread alternative.
