Surprising health benefits of freezing bread

We all know that freezing is a great way to preserve bread, keeping it fresher for longer but did you know that freezing bread might be healthier? If you have been on TikTok recently, you might have seen reels about how freezing bread reduces its glycaemic index (GI). Low GI foods produce a slower, lower rise in blood sugar levels and help you feel fuller for longer. It is also important to note that sourdough bread has a naturally lower GI compared to industrial bread ( ¹ , ² , ³ ).

So, is there any scientific evidence?

A scientific study published in 2007 indicates that freezing white bread could lower its GI, especially when the bread is toasted after being defrosted. Another study published in 2017 showed similar results, as did a more recent study published in 2023. Although some of the studies had small sample sizes, the evidence was consistent and thoroughly investigated in the lab, so seems reliable. It is also worth noting that a high-amylose wheat bread was used in the most recent study, rather than white bread.

Why does freezing bread reduce its glycaemic index?

Changing the temperature of starchy foods causes starch retrogradation where the carbohydrate chains realign themselves. This increases the proportion of resistant starch within that food (⁴).

What is resistant starch?

Resistant starch is a carbohydrate that resists digestion in the small intestine, instead fermenting in the large intestine. Eventually, it reaches your colon where it feeds ‘good’ gut bacteria. Resistant starch acts similarly to soluble fibre and is therefore considered a type of starchy fibre.

Health benefits of resistant starch

There are so many health benefits of resistant starch that we would have to write another article to explain them all in detail but here are some of the main benefits:

1.  Improves glycaemic control and insulin sensitivity (⁵).

2.  Boosts gut health. Increasing your intake of resistant starch could be beneficial for the bacteria in your intestines (⁶).

3.  Increases satiety (⁷).

4.  Causes less gas than other fibres as resistant starch is fermented slowly (⁸).

Final thoughts

So, did this article convince you to start freezing your bread? We still love fresh sourdough, but freezing is certainly a good alternative. Not only is it a great way to preserve your bread but it could lower its GI.

Here at Good In Bread we offer the option to buy our bread with compostable freezer bags under the section ‘Customise your order’.

We also have an article with our top tips on freezing. Try freezing your bread and contact us if you have any queries or comments.

If instead, you don’t want to freeze your bread and prefer to explore other ways of preserving it, check out our recipes that revive stale bread.

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