Is Ciabatta Bread Gluten-Free? (Find Out Now!)


Is Ciabatta Bread Gluten-Free

Ciabatta bread is known for being crispy on the outside but soft, airy, and chewy on the inside. Most known for dipping it into a seasoned olive oil, or pairing it perfectly with your favorite soup, ciabatta bread is a staple to a good home-cooked meal. However, as of this year roughly 3.2 million people follow a gluten-free diet. Does that leave room for ciabatta at the table? Let’s find out!

Traditional ciabatta bread is not gluten-free. The more bread is kneaded, the more gluten will develop. Ciabatta is kneaded for a long time to reach its chewy and airy texture. But, with more people adopting a gluten-free diet there are alternative ciabattas that are gluten-free. Some of the best are Schar Multigrain Gluten-free Ciabatta and Schar Regular Ciabatta.

In this article, we will discuss the history of ciabatta bread, learn what gluten is and if it’s bad for you, and take a look at the ingredients lists and nutritional values of different ciabatta breads to determine whether or not they are gluten-free. We will also discuss other healthy and gluten-free-friendly ciabatta alternatives. Let’s dig in!

What is Ciabatta Bread?

Ciabatta is an Italian bread that was created in 1982 by Arnaldo Cavallari, a miller and baker from a small town close to Venice. At the time Italian bakers were trying to compete with the growing popularity of the French Baguette in their country. In order to keep their businesses from being in danger they set out to create a bread that was similar to the baguette that would be good for sandwiches.

After weeks of testing different bread recipes, the ciabatta came to be. It was unique because it consisted of soft, wet dough with gluten flour. The new bread was called ciabatta Polesano named after Polseine where Cavallari lived. Eventually it was licensed to other bakers in other countries, and is now as popular as we know it today.

What is Gluten?

In short, gluten is the protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and triticale. So any food that has wheat, rye, barley and triticale listed in the ingredients will have gluten.

Scientifically speaking, gluten is a protein made up of two smaller proteins: glutenin and gliadin. When flour gets wet, like when water is added to create dough, glutenin and gliadin combine to make gluten. The gluten is activated by the water and by kneading the dough. When gluten is activated it becomes stretchy, and that’s what gives breads like ciabatta its structure.

However, unless you have celiac disease or are diagnosed with a gluten sensitivity, gluten is not inherently bad for you. People with celiac disease will experience extreme symptoms from even just trace amounts of gluten, and people with a sensitivity, can have similar symptoms but just not as severe. It’s important to consult your doctor if you believe you have trouble tolerating gluten.

Popular Ciabatta Breads

There are many different companies that use ciabatta as staples in their meals. Let’s take a look at a few along with their ingredients and nutritional values.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread is well-known for its ciabatta bread. They boast of a recipe that is “soft, open, and airy on the inside and thinly crispy on the outside.”

It comes included with their Monte Cristo sandwich but you can purchase a roll on its own, or customize your meal to add it. However, this particular brand is not gluten free because it contains wheat.

These are the ingredients found in Panera Bread’s ciabatta bread:

  • Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid)
  • Water
  • Whole Wheat Flour
  • Contains less than 2% of Ascorbic Acid
  • Enzymes
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Cultured Wheat Starch Blend (Cultured Wheat Starch, Wheat Flour, Citric Acid)
  • Salt
  • Vinegar
  • Vital Wheat Gluten
  • Yeast

Here is some important nutritional information to note for Panera Bread’s ciabatta (per 1 roll serving):

  • Calories: 190
  • Total fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 390mg
  • Total sugar: 1g
  • Total carbs: 35g
  • Protein: 6g

Marketside

Marketside is another popular brand known for its ciabatta rolls. Sold in wholesale stores such as Walmart and Target, you can buy a pack of rolls for as little as $2.77 This product, however, is not gluten-free as it does also contain wheat.

These are the ingredients found in Marketside ciabatta rolls:

  • Enriched Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine mononitrate, Riboflavin, Enzymes, Folic Acid)
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Yeast
  • Cultured Corn Sugar (preservative)
  • Cultured Cane Sugar (preservative)
  • Soybean Oil
  • Fava Bean Flour
  • Malted Barley Flour
  • Datem
  • Dextrose
  • Mono- And Diglycerides
  • Enzymes
  • Ascorbic Acid
  • L-Cysteine.

Here is some important nutritional information to note for Marketside ciabatta bread (per 1 roll serving):

  • Calories: 200
  • Total fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Total sugar: 1g
  • Total carbs: 40g
  • Protein: 7g

Arnold

Pre-cut into sub rolls, Arnold has recently introduced ciabatta rolls to their roster. They ensure that their ciabatta buns will turn your sandwich into a gourmet restaurant  experience.

Much like their competitors their bread contains wheat and is not gluten-free.

These are the ingredients found in Arnold ciabatta rolls:

  • Enriched Wheat Flour (Flour, Reduced Iron, Niacin, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid)
  • Water
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Sea Salt
  • Sugar
  • Yeast
  • Wheat Gluten
  • Enriched Wheat Farina (Farina, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid)
  • Preservatives (Calcium Propionate, Sorbic Acid)
  • Guar Gum
  • Cellulose Gum
  • Vinegar
  • Monoglycerides
  • Datem
  • Citric Acid

Here is some important nutritional information to note for Arnold ciabatta rolls (per 1/2 bun serving):

  • Calories: 140
  • Total fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 330mg
  • Total sugar: 1g
  • Total carbs: 25g
  • Protein: 4g

Gluten-Free Ciabatta Brands

Though gluten-free options for ciabatta are less popular there are some options available for people who choose to follow a gluten-free diet. These are different from their competitors because they do not contain wheat, rye, barley, or triticale, and are a safe option for those with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.

Schar Regular Ciabatta

A certified gluten-free, dairy-free, and high fiber bread, Schar Regular Ciabatta is a tasty alternative to traditional ciabatta breads. Available at online retailers such as Thrive Market and Amazon this bread is easily accessible.

This product’s packaging states it’s a product of Italy which means it’s even produced in the very country the recipe originated!

These are the ingredients found in Schar Regular Ciabatta rolls:

  • Corn Starch
  • Water
  • Corn Flour
  • Rice Flour
  • Psyllium Seed Husk (Vegetable Fiber)
  • Dextrose
  • Modified Cellulose
  • Soy Protein
  • Sunflower Oil
  • Yeast
  • Salt
  • Tartaric Acid
  • Citric Acid

Here is some important nutritional information to note for Schar Regular Ciabatta rolls (per 1 roll serving):

  • Calories: 150
  • Total fat: 1.5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Total sugar: 2g
  • Total carbs: 32g
  • Protein: 2g

Schar Multigrain Gluten-Free Ciabatta

Schar also now has a multigrain option to choose from when enjoying their ciabatta rolls. Though strikingly similar to their regular ciabatta rolls there are a few key differences in this recipe!

It still remains gluten-free and dairy-free but the ingredients and nutritional information is slightly different.

These are the ingredients found in Schar Multigrain Gluten-Free Ciabatta rolls:

  • Water
  • SourDough (Water, Rice Flour)
  • Corn Starch
  • Buckwheat Flour
  • Sunflower Seeds
  • Rice Flour
  • Flax Seeds
  • Caramelized Sugar Cane Syrup
  • Psyllium Seed Husks (Vegetable Fiber)
  • Rice Starch
  • Modified Cellulose
  • Apple Juice Concentrate
  • Yeast
  • Soy Protein
  • Sunflower Oil
  • Salt
  • Tartaric Acid

Here is some important nutritional information to note for Schar Multigrain Gluten-Free rolls (per 1 roll serving):

  • Calories: 170
  • Total fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Total sugar: 2g
  • Total carbs: 30g
  • Protein: 3g

Lower Carb Alternatives To Ciabatta Bread

UnBuns Buns

Unbun, Buns Keto 4 Count, 12 Ounce These keto-friendly buns are also gluten-free, diary-free, grain free, and paleo. These are a higher-protein, lower-carb option to use for your burgers and sandwiches.

This product does include eggs and almonds.

These are the ingredients found in UnBuns buns:

  • Blanched almond flour
  • Liquid egg white
  • Water
  • Liquid whole egg
  • Ground flax
  • Coconut flour
  • Psyllium seed husk
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Sea salt
  • Cream of tartar
  • Baking soda

Here is some important nutritional information to note for this brand (per 1 bun serving):

  • Calories: 240
  • Total fat: 16g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Total carbs: 15g
  • Total sugar: 2g
  • Protein: 10g

Unbuns Baguettes

Unbun Mini Baguette Keto 260 GM, 8PK This protein-packed, gluten-free baguette is a perfect choice for your next sandwich or sub. It has a whopping 15g of protein in baguette, and is keto-friendly.

This product does contain eggs and almonds.

These are the ingredients found in UnBuns Baguettes:

  • Blanched almond flour
  • Liquid egg white
  • Water
  • Liquid whole egg
  • Ground flax
  • Coconut flour
  • Psyllium seed husk
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Sea salt
  • Cream of tartar
  • Baking soda.

Here is some important nutritional information to note for this brand (per 1 baguette serving):

  • Calories: 370
  • Total fat: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 940mg
  • Total carbs: 24g
  • Total sugar: 3g
  • Protein: 15g

Base Culture Keto Bread

Base Culture Keto Bread | Cinnamon Raisin, 100% Paleo, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Non-GMO, Dairy Free, Soy Free and Kosher (16oz Loaf, 2 Count) This brand is the original keto bread. Their gluten free keto bread is 100% paleo, grain free, dairy free and soy free. Moist, filling, and delicious it is best used for toast at breakfast, or for a sandwich at lunch.

This product does include eggs and almonds.

These are the ingredients found in Base Culture Keto Bread:

  • Water
  • Eggs
  • Almond Butter
  • Golden Flaxseed Meal
  • Arrowroot Flour
  • Psyllium Husk Powder
  • Almond Flour
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Sea Salt
  • Baking Soda

Here is some important nutritional information to note for this brand (per 1 slice serving):

  • Calories: 110
  • Total fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Total carbs: 8g
  • Total sugar: 0g
  • Protein: 4g

Final Thoughts

Traditional ciabatta bread is not considered gluten-free because it contains wheat that is used to create the dough. However, over the years, several recipes have been created to work for those who follow a gluten-free diet. If you are someone who follows a strict gluten-free diet due to celiac disease or an intolerance it is always important to check the nutritional labels and ingredients of products before purchasing. If it contains any form of wheat, rye, barley, or titricale it contains gluten.

However, if you do not have celiac disease or an intolerance to gluten it is not bad or unhealthy and is safe to eat. There are plenty of ciabatta bread options out there to fit everyone’s needs.

Related Questions

What Is Special About Ciabatta Bread?

Ciabatta is made from a very wet dough which gives it its unique moist texture and one-of-a-kind flavor.

Is Ciabatta Better Than Regular Bread?

Ciabatta has the same basic ingredients as many other breads — flour, yeast, water, oil and salt. The difference is not in the nutritional value but in the taste and texture.

What Is The Difference Between A Baguette And Ciabatta Bread?

Baguettes were around long before ciabatta bread. There are similarities between the baguette and ciabatta, but the biggest difference is in the level of moisture in the dough. The wet dough used in ciabatta creates alveolar holes in the bread during the baking process, which changes the texture of the bread.

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Kristin Marzullo

My name is Kristin and I am an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Specialist. With over 5 years of experience in the fitness industry under my belt, I love helping women achieve their health and nutrition goals through science-based education.

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