Sourdough vs Whole Wheat: How to Choose the Best Bread
Bread lovers, rejoice! In the sourdough vs whole wheat showdown, it’s not just about taste; it’s a battle of nutritional titans. If you’ve ever found yourself standing in the bakery aisle, pondering which loaf is the better choice for your health, you’re not alone.
We’re going to slice through the confusion and serve up a satisfying comparison of sourdough vs whole wheat bread. Let’s toast to a delicious and nutritious exploration!
Short on time? Don’t leave now! Scroll to the bottom for health hacks you can implement TODAY.
Sourdough vs Whole Wheat: The Ingredients
To understand the nutritional differences between sourdough and whole wheat bread, let’s begin by examining their core ingredients.
Sourdough Bread
Sourdough bread is a traditional fermented bread made from just three basic ingredients: flour, water, and salt (see below for how to make a sourdough starter for your own sourdough bread).
The magic behind sourdough lies in its natural fermentation process, where wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria work together to create that distinctive tangy flavor. The dough ferments over a period of hours or even days, giving it time to develop its unique texture and taste.
Whole Wheat Bread
Whole wheat bread, on the other hand, is made from whole wheat flour, water, salt, and often includes yeast for leavening. Other types of bread like whole grain bread and rye bread are also generally made using yeast.
Unlike refined white flour, which has the bran and germ removed, whole wheat flour retains these nutritious components. The result is bread that’s denser and more robust in flavor compared to regular bread.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
Now that we know what goes into making sourdough and whole wheat bread, let’s delve into the nutrition and health benefits of each.
Sourdough Bread
Sourdough bread offers several unique advantages:
Easier to Digest. The fermentation process in sourdough bread breaks down gluten making it more digestible for those with gluten sensitivity or intolerance. However, it doesn’t make the bread gluten-free, so those with Celiac disease should still avoid it (1).
Satisfies Hunger. Naturally-fermented sourdough bread has lower acidity levels (<5ph). The acidity level gives sourdough that distinctive sour taste and may satisfy your appetite more than yeast breads or less acidic sourdough (2).
Many commercially available sourdough breads have acidity >5ph. Only very traditionally made sourdough generally achieves the lower ph level.
Digestive Health. Sourdough’s fermentation introduces beneficial bacteria into the bread. This can improve gut health by promoting a diverse range of healthy gut bacteria, otherwise known as your microbiome (3).
Blood Sugar Control. Sourdough has a low glycemic index (GI) compared to many other bread types, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce cravings. However, research on these effects in humans is not conclusive (4).
Nutrient Absorption. Phytic acid is a compound found in many plant foods like whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. It has both positive effects (acts as an antioxidant) and negative (interferes with nutrient absorption). It is sometimes called an anti-nutrient.
Phytic acid is reduced in sourdough bread through fermentation. This increases the bioavailability of important vitamins and minerals such as folate, iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
This effect is especially strong if the sourdough bread is made with whole-grain or rye flours, which are a rich source of nutrients but high in phytic acid (4).
Blood Pressure. Because of the fermentation, the unique sour taste of sourdough bread eliminates the need for excess salt. This is beneficial if you are watching your sodium intake or managing high blood pressure.
In addition, the fermentation process produces compounds that may be beneficial to blood pressure including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). However, studies in humans on these effects are not conclusive (4).
Whole Wheat Bread
Whole wheat bread also boasts impressive nutritional benefits.
Rich in Fiber. Whole wheat bread is a fantastic source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Nutrient Density. It contains essential nutrients such as B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and zinc, which are often lost during the refining process of white flour.
Heart Health. The fiber and nutrients in whole wheat bread may contribute to improved heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease (5).
Weight Management. The high fiber content can aid in weight loss or weight management by curbing overeating and promoting a sense of satiety (6).
Diabetes Prevention. High intake of whole grains is linked to better glucose levels and lower risk of developing diabetes (5).
Cancer Prevention. Multiple studies have found whole grains can help decrease the risk of many types of cancer. This may be due to their high fiber, antioxidant content, or their effects on insulin levels or hormones (5).
Comparing the Fermentation Process
The fermentation process plays a crucial role in determining the final nutritional profile and characteristics of sourdough and whole wheat bread.
Sourdough Bread
Sourdough bread has a lengthy fermentation process, typically lasting 12 to 24 hours or more.
During this time, the dough goes through a natural leavening process that breaks down some of the anti-nutrients found in wheat, like phytic acid and lectins. This process contributes to its unique flavor and improved digestibility.
The extended fermentation in sourdough also results in a more complex carbohydrate structure, which can lead to a lower glycemic index compared to bread made with commercial yeast. This means it may have a milder impact on blood sugar levels.
Whole Wheat Bread
Whole wheat bread, although healthier than its refined counterparts, is typically made using commercial yeast or baking powder for leavening.
This shorter fermentation time means that some of the anti-nutrients in wheat are not fully broken down, and the bread may have a higher glycemic index compared to sourdough.
Want to Make Your Own Sourdough Starter?
Creating a sourdough starter is a straightforward but time-consuming process. It involves capturing wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria from the environment to cultivate a natural leavening agent.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a sourdough starter so you can make homemade sourdough bread:
Ingredients
Whole wheat or rye flour (whole grain flours work best but all-purpose flour can be used)
Tap water, or filtered or dechlorinated water (chlorine can inhibit yeast growth)
Day 1: Preparing the Initial Mixture
In a clean glass or plastic container, mix 1/2 cup of whole wheat or rye flour with 1/2 cup of water until it forms a thick paste.
Cover the container loosely with a clean cloth.
Let it sit at room temperature (around 70°F) for 24 hours.
Day 2: First Feeding
Check the mixture for any signs of bubbles or expansion. If there are none, don’t worry; it can take a few days to see visible activity.
Discard half of the mixture (about 1/2 cup) and add 1/2 cup of flour and 1/4 cup of water to the remaining mixture. Mix until smooth.
Re-cover the container and let it sit for another 24 hours.
Day 3 and Onward: Regular Feeding
Continue to check the mixture daily for signs of bubbles, expansion, and a sour smell. It should start smelling tangy.
If you see signs of activity, discard half of the mixture and add 1/2 cup of flour and 1/4 cup of water as you did on Day 2. Mix until smooth.
Repeat this feeding process every 24 hours until your starter is consistently active, rising and falling predictably, and has a pleasant sour aroma. This may take anywhere from 5 to 7 days or longer.
Maintaining Your Sourdough Starter
Once your starter is active, you can store it in the refrigerator and feed it weekly. To feed, discard half of the starter and replenish it with equal parts flour and water. For example, if you discard 1/2 cup of starter, add 1/4 cup of flour and 1/4 cup of water.
If you plan to bake with it, take it out of the refrigerator and feed it at room temperature for a day or two before using it in your sourdough recipes.
Remember, creating and maintaining a sourdough starter is a bit of an art and may require some patience. It’s essential to observe its behavior and adjust feeding as needed to achieve the desired level of activity and flavor.
Once you have a robust and active starter, you can use it to make delicious sourdough bread and other baked goods.
Sourdough vs Whole Wheat
In the sourdough vs whole wheat bread showdown, both options have their merits. Sourdough’s unique fermentation process makes it easier to digest for some, and its lower glycemic index can be a boon for blood sugar control.
On the other hand, whole wheat bread is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in fiber and essential nutrients that support overall health.
Ultimately, the best choice between sourdough and whole wheat bread aligns with your dietary preferences and specific health goals.
If you have gluten sensitivity or digestive concerns, sourdough might be the better option. If you’re looking for a nutrient-dense bread that supports heart health and weight management, whole wheat bread is a strong contender.
Want the benefits of whole wheat bread and sourdough? A terrific option would be to make your own sourdough bread using whole wheat flour – the best of both worlds!
Whichever bread you choose, incorporating it into a balanced and varied diet is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Hungry for more info on how whole grains are good for your health? See our post on the Mediterranean Diet.
Want to learn about other fermented foods? Check out our article on apple cider vinegar.
Health Hacks
Nutrition Newbie
Not a fan of whole wheat? Sourdough can be a good option to replace regular white bread and gain some added health benefits.
Health Enthusiast
Make a sourdough starter (as outlined above) so you can create
the healthiest sourdough bread at home.
Wellness Guru
Want the maximum health benefits? Use whole grain flour and your own sourdough starter to make the healthiest type of bread.
Kate is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and certified yoga instructor with a Master’s in Public Health. She loves to share what she has learned about nutrition and yoga to help people live healthier, more balanced lives. When not working on this blog or teaching yoga, Kate is usually spending time with family and friends or reading a good book.
