Consumer Reports' Lowest-Rated Bread Comes From A Classic American Brand

Classic American brands earn their reputations for good reason, but that doesn't mean every product they make is a hit. According to Consumer Reports, Pepperidge Farm missed the mark with its Homestyle Oat Bread, which ranked last in its testing of more than 50 bread products. Consumer Reports evaluated these store-bought breads based primarily on nutritional criteria, including whole grains, calories, total fat, carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. The highest-scoring bread earned a 93 out of 100, while Pepperidge Farm Homestyle Oat scored just 33.

Breads that contain whole grains are rich in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They also often contain healthy fats and complex carbohydrates while being low in sodium and added sugar. With a name like Homestyle Oat, one would think the bread would contain a fair amount of oats, and since oats are a whole grain that the bread would reflect that with a quality nutritional profile. Unfortunately, marketing can be deceiving. Oats are listed third on the ingredients list, but they're preceded by enriched wheat flour and water, then followed by sugar and various ultra-processed ingredients. A 49-gram slice contains 4 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat, B vitamins, calcium, and iron. It also provides 130 calories, 25 grams of carbohydrates, and 210 milligrams of sodium, along with 4 grams of added sugar.

Food for Life's Ezekiel 4:9 and 7 Sprouted Grains breads tied for the highest Consumer Reports rating. For comparison, a 34-gram slice of Ezekiel 4:9 contains 80 calories, 15 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 5 grams of protein, and 75 milligrams of sodium, with no added sugar.

Although Pepperidge Farm Homestyle Oat Bread fell short under Consumer Reports' mainly nutrition-based criteria, that doesn't automatically mean consumers should stop buying it, especially if you think it tastes good and it serves a purpose within certain meals. The bread is actually highly rated among consumers, earning a 4.6-star rating and above at Kroger, Walmart, and Target. Among the hundreds of customer reviews left for the bread on Walmart's website, consumers frequently comment on its flavor and soft texture, highlighting its versatility for everything from grilled cheese sandwiches to fluffy French toast.

While more nutrition-focused options (such as the top-ranked Ezekiel 4:9 bread) offer benefits like higher fiber, protein, and no added sugar, their denser texture and heartier flavor may not appeal to everyone. These qualities of whole grain bread also don't always produce the same outcome in dishes as a softer bread like Pepperidge Farm Homestyle Oat does. And for most shoppers, choosing a bread comes down to more than nutritional value; taste, price (Ezekiel 4:9 is nearly twice as expensive), brand familiarity, practicality, shelf life, and loaf size also matter. That being said, for shoppers looking to get more nutritional value out of their bread, Consumer Reports' ratings show that, as trusted of a brand as Pepperidge Farm is for some, its Homestyle Oat is one loaf worth leaving on the shelf.