NZ Bakers Busting Bread Myths

For immediate release 25 August 2014

NZ Bakers Busting Bread Myths

While gluten - a protein found in wheat, rye and barley - has often had a bad rap for causing weight gain, health professionals suggest eating bread suited to your lifestyle and dietary needs can actually assist with weight control.

In a bid to discover and then bust common bread myths, Bakers Delight surveyed 1,005 women on their bread eating habits, choices and consumption.

The survey results revealed 58% of women (aged 25-65) believe bread contributes to weight gain. More than half of the women surveyed also revealed finding the healthy food category confusing and overwhelming, but said they would enjoy bread more often if there were healthy bread alternatives.

Nutritionist and health expert, Sharon Natoli, says the survey results are reflective of current nutritional debates which continue to show uncertainty around healthy bread options in New Zealand and Australia.

“It mirrors an increase in food insecurity and a loss of basic nutritional knowledge around healthy bread options. Many women are unaware of the long list of benefits offered by wholemeal & Low GI breads, and often turn to gluten free diets which can be more harmful than good.

“The right bread choice can offer numerous health benefits including digestive health, sustained energy and an all-round healthier heart, mind and body. It’s important that we provide relevant nutritional information to consumers about these benefits to assist healthier choices,” adds Natoli.

In response to the survey findings, Bakers Delight is launching a ‘Healthy Loafstyle’ campaign designed to educate consumers about their healthy bread options in-store and via an interactive online quiz.

Six bread varieties, chosen for their individual health benefits, make up the ‘Healthy Loafstyle’ range and will be available in store from 21 August 2014.

The new ‘Healthy Loafstyle’ range from Bakers Delight includes:

• Hi-Fibre Lo-GI White – for sustained energy
• Chia Omega-3 – for a healthy mind
• Cape Seed – for heart, mind and body
• Wholemeal Country Grain – for weight management
• Wholemeal Chia Block – for a healthy mind
• Chia and fruit – for women’s wellbeing

To help consumer discover healthy bread choices suited to their lifestyle, Bakers Delight’s ‘Healthy Loafstyle’ quiz will be available online for free.

The online quiz will analyse each individuals’ activity, diet and lifestyle choices before recommending a healthy loaf to fit their lifestyle, as well as with meal plans developed in association with expert nutritionists.

Bakers Delight Group Marketing Manager Meagan Reay said: “It has become increasingly important to us to help our customers make the best product choices in our bakeries, for themselves and their families.

“Customers tell us they want to be able to choose the right bread for their lifestyle, and our research has shown they are still unsure which breads are best for them. The ‘Healthy Loafstyle’ range brings together our healthiest breads in store, and with the support of nutritionists, we are able to provide the tools for our customers to match our loaves with their lifestyle.”

Explore the ‘Healthy Loafstyle’ range in-store and online or discover the perfect loaf to match your lifestyle at: www.health.bakersdelight.co.nz

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