Supermarket Swap – Bread Crumbs

Bread crumbs are perfect for adding texture and crunch to a recipe.   But I prefer to add that savory crunch without added high fructose corn syrup or trans-fats.  Turn around a box of plain bread crumbs at the store, and you will likely be shocked by how many ingredients can be in PLAIN bread crumbs.  


I suggest going with organic bread crumbs (like the brown bag at Trader Joe’s or panko style bread crumbs.  Panko style are larger and give your food a crunchier texture.  Most brands use only 3 or 4 ingredients.  Look for an ingredient list that starts with unbleached wheat flour.

If your recipe calls for Italian seasoned bread crumbs, I recommend taking plain or panko style and adding your own seasonings.  In fact, that’s a general rule I like to stick to with all foods.  Buy the plain version and add the flavorings yourself.  That way, you can control the ingredients.  I will come back to that rule when we talk about yogurt.

Do you use bread crumbs?  What are you favorite recipes?



  • Jessica N. September 29, 2010 at 8:10 pm

    Thanks to your blog, we have switched out the bread crumbs and tortillas at our house. I thought immediately, "Why didn't I check these ingredients before?" This segment of your blog helps us so much when grocery shopping, thank you.

  • Alysa October 1, 2010 at 10:17 pm

    Jessica, that makes me so happy! I swear, once you start looking at ingredient lists, your will be shocked at what you find!

  • Knight Family October 3, 2010 at 6:02 am

    Alysa, thank you for your blog! it rocks! I posted the chicken nuggets that I make Alex on my blog. I uses the Panko breadcrumbs.