Bread is a staple in any house. In a sporty house like mine, we’re always reaching for a carb-y snack to fuel up before a practice or game.
Bread is a great source of energy-providing carbohydrates, which is just what our active family needs.
One of my family’s favorite bread staples is flatbread- it’s so versatile and delicious. But what is a flatbread?
Traditionally, for a bread to be considered a flatbread, it must have been made with minimal to zero yeast. Without yeast, the bread falls flat when baking- hence the name flatbread.
Often flatbreads are lower in calories and fat- which I appreciate when I’m trying to choose a healthier bread alternative.
There are as many uses for flatbread as there are types of flatbread.
This article defines five of my favorite flatbreads based on how to use them (pizza, dipping, etc!), and others that I’ve bought previously and are worthy of honorable mention!
Top 5 Store-Bought Flatbreads
1. Best Target Flatbread – Favorite Day Bakery Original Flatbread
Favorite Day is Target’s generic bakery label, but there’s nothing generic about these flatbreads! Low- fat and high-fiber, the Favorite Day Bakery flatbreads are a healthier alternative to a generic white sandwich bread.
They’re also virtually sugar-free; Target’s flatbreads contain just 0.2 grams of sugar. I appreciate the option to enjoy these flatbreads in Original or Multigrain.
2. Best Flatbread for Pizza – Stonefire Artisan Thin Pizza Crust
Stonefire is a well-known brand in the flatbread market and a staple in our house! They make small-batch flatbreads as well as high quality naan.
To no surprise, they also make an excellent thin flatbread pizza crust. We top this crust with our favorite sauce, cheese, and pizza toppings and then throw it on the grill for a unique barbecue meal.
If you’re looking for a way to add more calcium into your diet, look no further; The Stonefire Artisan Thin Pizza Crust contains more than 30 mg!
3. Best Flatbread for Sandwiches – Flatout Foldit Traditional White Artisan Flatbread
Every once in a while, I switch up my lunch by opting for a sandwich made with Flatout Foldits!
These small flatbread rounds are about the size of a burger bun, but contain twice the amount of fiber as traditional white sandwich bread.
They also offer a convenient shape. By folding one Foldit in half, you have both a top and bottom to your sandwich.
4. Best Flatbread for Dips – Stonefire Naan Dippers
Stonefire’s soft and chewy naan dippers are perfect for- you guessed it- dipping! They’re soft, bite-sized, and a welcome change from hard and crunchy chips.
At just 150 calories per serving, they’re also half the calories as a serving of tortilla chips.
I’ve found that these dippers are perfect for tailgates since they stay fresh for a long time and require no preparation work.
5. Best Flatbread Dough Mix – Jiffy Pizza Crust Mix
Jiffy is a household name, but did you know they make a boxed flatbread mix?
By adding a little extra water to the Jiffy Pizza Crust Mix, you’ll be on your way to a homemade flatbread in no time.
It tastes similar to an italian focaccia bread, but requires much less preparation!
I appreciate this brand because it’s one I’m familiar with and has the perfect balance of flavor, simplicity, and health- one pizza crust is just 150 calories.
Other “Honorable Mention” Flatbreads
Best Trader Joe’s Flatbread – Traditional Indian Style Flatbread
The Trader Joe’s flatbread that garners the most raving reviews is this Traditional Indian Style Flatbread.
Trader Joe’s Traditional Indian Style Flatbread is “inspired” by Naan, but differs slightly in its ingredient list.
I think the difference in taste is imperceptible, so I always make sure to grab a package to pair with Trader Joe’s Tikka Masala.
Naan isn’t known for being low in calorie, but these flatbreads are high in protein- 11 grams per serving!
Best Walmart Flatbread – Mission Extra Fluffy Flour Tortillas
Tortillas are often forgotten about when people consider the many types of flatbreads- no more!
The thickness of these tortillas makes for a more bread-like mouth feel that is similar to other flatbreads while still having 0 grams of trans fats.
If you’ve ever gone overboard when trying to fill up your taco only for the tortilla to break (like my house does!) Mission’s thicker Extra Fluffy Flour Tortilla from Walmart is perfect for you.
Best Shoprite Flatbread – Kontos Pocket-Less Pita
One of the best flatbreads to be found at Shoprite is the Kontos Pocket-Less Pita. Many have heard of the pita pocket: a sandwich that nestles itself into a pocket that naturally forms in the pita.
The Kontos Pocket-Less Pita eliminates the center pocket, which I utilize when making the perfect warm, open-faced gyro.
Kontos Pocket-Less Pitas are also a great source of iron!
Best Whole Foods Flatbread – Food For Life Ezekiel 4:9 Flax Tortillas
Fans of Ezekiel Bread will love these Food For Life Ezekiel 4:9 Tortillas from Whole Foods!
They’re made with a unique blend of grains, legumes, and seeds, which make them super healthy for you. For example, the Ezekiel 4:9 Flax Tortillas contain 14 times the amount of fiber as a piece of white sandwich bread.
These tortillas also have a slightly different texture than your typical tortilla if you’re looking for a way to switch up taco night.
Best Hy-Vee Flatbread – Toufayan Classic White Pita
The Toufayan Classic White Pita can be found in the aisles of Hy-Vee.
Toufayan is a family-owned brand, so you know you’re getting a flatbread that’s been made with love and care.
The Classic White Pita only has 1 gram of sugar, which makes it a great energy source without the crash that some more processed breads have.
Despite a large product demand, the family also makes sure to follow traditional preparation methods in their production facilities- it’s the way they’ve done it for generations!
Best Flatbread for Wraps – Flatout Protein Up Classic White Flatbread
The Flatout brand is featured elsewhere on this list, but for good reason.
These Protein Up Flatbreads are an excellent source of protein, and are flexible enough to fill with all of the best wrap ingredients without falling apart.
These flatbreads also contain 422 grams of Potassium, which is close to the amount found in a small banana!
They’re not as low calorie as some other flatbreads on this list, but still a delicious option.
Best Healthy Flatbread – Joseph’s Bakery Flax, Oat Bran, and Whole Wheat Lavash
Lavash is an Armenian flatbread that is very similar to Pita bread.
Joseph’s Bakery Flax, Oat Bran and Whole Wheat Lavash is filled with healthy whole grains as well as other key nutrients like Iron and Calcium.
Furthermore, this Lavash is super low calorie- just 60 calories per serving!
Best Flatbread Crackers – Absolutely! Grain-Free Flatbreads
Absolutely! Flatbread crackers are a different type of flatbread than most of the other items on this list.
Instead of soft-baked bread, they’re more toasted. These flatbread crackers are also gluten, dairy, soy, and grain free, so almost anyone can eat them.
At just 65 calories per serving, the Absolutely! Grain Free Flatbread is one of the most diet-friendly flatbreads on the list.
What is Flatbread?
Traditionally, for a bread to be considered a flatbread, it must have been made with minimal to zero yeast.
Yeast is a bacteria that acts as a leavening agent; while converting sugars present in a leavened bread into carbon dioxide, it leaves behind air pockets that cause the bread to rise when baking.
Since most flatbreads don’t contain high amounts of this powerful leavening agent, they fall flat after baking- hence the name.
Many cultures have their own variation of flatbread. Naan, tortillas, and pita are a few examples of flatbreads that can be found around the world!
Since it’s made without having to worry about activating yeast (which can be a tricky task!) flatbread became a common staple across the globe.
What Can I Make With Flatbread?
Flatbreads are so versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes.
Use a piece of naan as a pizza crust, make a gyro wrapped in a pita, or roll up some deli meats and cheeses into a tortilla for a pinwheel.
Flatbreads are also a dip’s best friend- pair one with your favorite dip for a chewier alternative to a chip or cracker. The possibilities are truly endless!
Is Flatbread Healthier Than Normal Bread?
Flatbread is not always healthier than normal, whole wheat bread. Some flatbread brands provide boosted nutrients like extra protein or fiber, but this is not always the case.
Whole wheat bread has its own health benefits too, so don’t assume you’re always making a healthier choice by purchasing flatbread.
Many still contain gluten, so make sure to check the nutrition facts before you buy!
What Should I Look For When Buying Flatbread?
1.Nutrition Information
Like any product you buy from the store, it’s important to check the nutrition label when buying flatbread.
Many people assume that all flatbreads are healthier than typical sandwich bread, but this is not always the case.
Check to make sure that the flatbread you’re buying aligns with your health goals and allergy restrictions.
2.Authenticity
When buying a specific type of flatbread like naan or lavash, the more authentic the product is, the better quality it will be.
Search for family-owned, small batch, or long-running brands instead of a generic brand. Generic isn’t always bad, but it is probably less true to the original recipe.
Final Considerations
From this article, it’s clear that flatbreads are not a new fad, but rather a longstanding cultural staple for many groups. They serve a variety of purposes, and new creations are being made every day.
When choosing a store bought flatbread, consider what is important to you. Will you use it as a side? Is it an ingredient in a recipe?
Are you looking for something convenient or authentic? Depending on how you answer, the flatbread you pick will change.
No matter which of these flatbreads you’re putting on the table for your next family dinner, they’ll be a smash hit.
My name is Keren Tayler. I am a stay-at-home mama to three lovely girls, Sarah + Rachel + Hannah. Prior to becoming a mom, I had a successful career in the accounting field, steps away from becoming a CPA. I decided to give up on my career in order to raise my own kids (as opposed to letting a nanny do it, no judgment here :)) I learned a lot and I love sharing it with other moms. Along the way, I also became a Certified Food Handler.