The Best Store-Bought Sandwich Bread, According to Chefs

There is no better lunch than a really good sandwich. There are countless ways to whip up a sandwich at home, but from an early age, I favored stacks of deli meats, lettuce, cheese, mustard, and tomato, layered between two slices of really good bread. There's one non-negotiable truth: The bread itself matters. 

I don't know about you, but I've certainly had my fair share of sandwiches that were ruined by bread that was too thin, too sweet, too dry, or, worst of all, bland. Feeling passionate about sandwiches, I found myself in conversation with a few chefs who all happened to be singing the praises of one particular brand. If you've been looking for the best brand of sandwich bread, this one's for you.

The Sandwich Bread Enthusiasts

• Stephen Ingber: Denver-based private chef
• Shawna Clark: Recipe developer, cookbook author, and creator of Healthy Foodie Girl 
• Kyle Taylor: Chef and founder of He Cooks

The Best Sandwich Bread To Buy, According to Chefs

"Dave's Killer Bread 21 Whole Grains and Seeds is hands down the best widely available sandwich bread," says Taylor.

Clark agrees: "My absolute favorite sandwich bread is Dave's. It's hearty, slightly sweet, and packed with nutritious ingredients." It comes down to three key things that make this brand shine: flavor, texture, and nutrition.

"Unlike most commercial breads that taste like sweet cardboard, Dave's actually has flavor and substance," says Ingber, adding that many healthier breads crumble or dry out, but this one doesn't. The nuts, seeds, and fiber don't impact the structure of the bread; instead, they make for a loaf that can hold up to some serious fixings.

"It's substantial enough to be satisfying on its own, but doesn't overpower sandwich fillings," explains Taylor. Clark adds: "Dave's works for everything. It has just enough texture from the seeds to make every bite interesting."

When it comes to flavor, the chefs praised the nutty flavor and sweetness, describing it as "just the right amount," according to Clark. "This bread shines with fillings that can match its character," says Taylor. "I love using it for a classic BLT, where the bread's nuttiness complements the bacon."

Any way you stack it (slice it?), agree the chefs, a sandwich layered on Dave's Killer Bread 21 Whole Grains and Seeds is bound to be chewy, substantial, good for you, and just plain good.