Ike’s is a popular sandwich chain known for its extensive menu and customizable sandwich options. For customers with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, Ike’s offers several gluten-free bread options for their sandwiches. In this article, we will take a closer look at the different types of gluten-free bread offered at Ike’s locations and provide information on ingredients, nutrition, taste, and more to help customers make an informed decision when ordering a gluten-free sandwich.
Ike’s Gluten-Free Bread Options
Ike’s offers three main gluten-free bread choices:
Udi’s Gluten Free Bread
Udi’s is one of the most popular and widely available gluten-free bread brands on the market. Ike’s uses Udi’s multigrain and white sandwich bread options. These breads are made with a blend of gluten-free flours like brown rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch. They contain added sugars and are enriched with vitamins and minerals. Udi’s bread has a pleasant taste and texture, though it is a bit more dense and gritty than regular wheat bread. The multigrain option has grains like millet, quinoa, and amaranth to provide a hearty, seeded texture.
Schar Gluten Free Bread
Schar is another leading gluten-free bread company. Their products use ingredients like corn starch, buckwheat flour, and psyllium seed husks. The Schar bread at Ike’s provides customers with a white sandwich bread option. It has a light texture and minimal ingredients. Schar breads are known for having a mild flavor and being easy to toast.
Canyon Bakehouse Gluten Free Bread
Canyon Bakehouse offers gluten-free breads with ancient grains like sorghum, millet, teff, and amaranth. The Canyon Bakehouse bread available at Ike’s contains a blend of these gluten-free whole grains to create a multigrain loaf. It has a dense, grainy texture and earthy, nutty taste. Canyon Bakehouse uses only non-GMO, whole food ingredients.
Nutrition Information
When comparing the nutritional content of these three gluten-free bread options from Ike’s, there are some noticeable differences:
Udi’s Gluten Free Bread Nutrition Facts
(Based on Udi’s Gluten Free Multigrain Bread)
- Calories per slice: 120
- Total fat: 1.5g
- Saturated fat: 0g
- Trans fat: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total carbs: 24g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 3g
Schar Gluten Free Bread Nutrition Facts
(Based on Schar White Sandwich Bread)
- Calories per slice: 80
- Total fat: 1g
- Saturated fat: 0g
- Trans fat: 0g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Total carbs: 15g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Canyon Bakehouse Gluten Free Bread Nutrition Facts
(Based on Canyon Bakehouse 7-Grain Bread)
- Calories per slice: 100
- Total fat: 1.5g
- Saturated fat: 0g
- Trans fat: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total carbs: 18g
- Dietary fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 3g
As shown, Schar bread is lower in calories and carbs compared to Udi’s and Canyon Bakehouse. Canyon Bakehouse provides the most fiber per slice. Udi’s has slightly higher amounts of added sugars. All three have comparable protein content. So those looking for a lighter gluten-free bread may prefer Schar, while Canyon Bakehouse offers more fiber and ancient grains.
Cost Comparison
Here is a cost breakdown of a loaf of each gluten-free bread from Ike’s:
| Bread Type | Loaf Size | Price Per Loaf |
|---|---|---|
| Udi’s Gluten Free | 18 oz | $5.99 |
| Canyon Bakehouse Gluten Free | 24 oz | $8.99 |
| Schar Gluten Free | 14 oz | $6.49 |
Based on typical pricing, Schar gluten-free bread is the most affordable per loaf. However, the loaf size is a bit smaller compared to Udi’s and Canyon Bakehouse. Canyon Bakehouse is the priciest per loaf, but the larger size may provide more slices and value overall. The cost per slice ranges from about $0.33-$0.50 across these leading brands.
Taste Reviews
Here are some reviews of the taste and texture of the gluten-free bread options at Ike’s from various customer perspectives:
Udi’s Gluten Free Bread
“I’ve tried both the white and multigrain Udi’s bread at Ike’s. While it’s definitely dense and a bit gritty, it wasn’t as dry or bland as some other gluten-free breads I’ve had. I could still enjoy the flavors of the sandwich fillings. It holds up nicely when toasted too.”
“Of all the gluten-free breads, I think Udi’s comes closest to regular wheat bread in terms of taste. It has some heft and graininess, but also a mild sweetness. The texture takes a little getting used to but doesn’t fall apart.”
“I like that Udi’s has some mainstream grocery store availability in case you want to buy a loaf at home. The multigrain gives you those seeded grains that add more flavor. However, I did find it a bit crumbly when eating.”
Schar Gluten Free Bread
“Schar is my favorite gluten-free bread option at Ike’s. It’s soft and flexible, making it really easy to chew and enjoy. It reminds me the most of regular white sandwich bread in texture.”
“I was pleasantly surprised by the light consistency and minimal flavor of the Schar bread. It doesn’t have an overtly gritty or grainy quality that you find with a lot of gluten-free products. The plainness makes it perfect for piling on sandwich toppings.”
“While it may not have the hearty texture of other gluten-free loaves, I like Schar because it has a good neutral taste. It doesn’t compete with the sandwich fillings but nicely complements them.”
Canyon Bakehouse Gluten Free Bread
“I love the mix of ancient grains and seeds in the Canyon Bakehouse bread. You get a wonderful blend of textures from the different gluten-free whole grains. I also like that it’s made with minimal, clean ingredients.”
“This bread definitely has a heartier, denser quality which may take some getting used to if you prefer really soft sandwich bread. However, I love the richer, nuttier taste from those gluten-free grains.”
“While nourishing, the Canyon Bakehouse loaf can be a bit tough to chew and bite through. I recommend toasting it first, which gives it a slightly crispier texture that’s easier to manage and enjoy.”
Best Uses
Based on qualities like taste and texture, here are some recommendations for the best sandwich types to order with each gluten-free bread choice at Ike’s:
Udi’s
Best for – Meat-focused sandwiches like tri-tip, pastrami, turkey, or roast beef where the bread’s density can stand up to hearty toppings and fillings. The mild sweetness also complements savory meats.
Avoid – Delicate sandwiches with lighter ingredients like tuna salad or egg salad which can become lost in the thicker bread texture.
Schar
Best for – Veggie-packed sandwiches and spreads like hummus, avocado, grilled vegetables. The plain flavor profile highlights fresh produce and sauces.
Avoid – Juicy, messy sandwiches where the soft bread may get soggy. Piling on too many heavy meats and cheeses can also cause it to fall apart.
Canyon Bakehouse
Best for – Thick sandwiches layered with ingredients since the substantial texture provides structure. Excellent for nut butter options.
Avoid – Simple, minimal ingredient sandwiches. The hearty graininess can overpower delicate flavors and make the eating experience too dense.
Making Gluten-Free Sandwiches at Home
Want to recreate your favorite Ike’s gluten-free sandwich at home? Here are some tips for building delicious sandwiches with these bread options:
- Lightly toast or grill the bread first for added texture and structure.
- Spread condiments and sauces on both pieces of bread to add moisture and prevent dryness.
- Layer vegetables and greens to provide crunch and moisture.
- Addprotein sources like sliced deli meats, roasted chicken, eggs, tuna salad, nut butters.
- Use cheese slices or shreds sparingly as too much can make the sandwich greasy.
- Don’t overstuff! Pick complementing ingredients that balance flavors and textures.
- Cut in half or quarters for easier, neater eating.
With the right combinations and preparation, you can create gluten-free sandwiches at home that are just as delicious as the ones from Ike’s menu!
Gluten-Free Sandwich FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about ordering gluten-free sandwiches at Ike’s:
Are all bread options 100% gluten-free?
Yes, the three gluten-free bread brands used at Ike’s – Udi’s, Canyon Bakehouse, and Schar – are certified gluten-free to less than 20ppm. They are safe options for those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance.
What are the sandwiches made on gluten-free bread?
Any of Ike’s famous sandwich combinations can be made on your choice of gluten-free bread. Some popular options are pastrami, teriyaki chicken, tri-tip, and meatball sandwiches.
Is there an additional cost for gluten-free bread?
No, Ike’s offers gluten-free bread options at no extra charge beyond the standard sandwich pricing.
Can sandwiches be grilled or toasted?
Yes, you can request your gluten-free sandwich be grilled or toasted. This can add more flavor and texture.
Is there a risk of cross-contamination?
Ike’s trains its staff to take extra precautions in sanitizing work areas and utensils when preparing gluten-free orders. However, there is always a slight possibility of cross-contamination in common kitchen environments, so sensitive individuals should consider this.
Conclusion
When dining at Ike’s, gluten-free customers have several bread options to choose from including Udi’s, Canyon Bakehouse, and Schar. Factors like taste, texture, nutrition profile, and cost can help determine the best choice for your dietary needs and sandwich preferences. Keep an eye out for Ike’s seasonal offerings too, as they sometimes carry limited edition or rotating gluten-free bread choices. With knowledge of ingredients and preparation tips, you can feel confident enjoying a sandwich from Ike’s extensive menu while sticking to your gluten-free diet.
