Today, Kevin and I are reviewing Pepperidge Farm Swirl Breads, specifically the Brown Sugar Cinnamon, French Toast, and Lemon Blueberry varieties. Each loaf is priced at $3.89 at Meijer. We will try these breads both toasted and untoasted to determine the best way to enjoy their flavors.
Key Features of Pepperidge Farm Swirl Breads
1. Brown Sugar Cinnamon
- Packaging: Each 16-ounce loaf contains 454 grams, and the bread is pre-sliced into thick pieces.
- Ingredients: The bread boasts no high fructose corn syrup and highlights the aroma and taste of sweet brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Nutritional Information: One slice (38 grams) has 110 calories.
- Flavor and Texture: The bread has a mild flavor, more reminiscent of raisin bread than strong brown sugar and cinnamon. The toasted version offers a slight crunch, while the untoasted version is chewier. Despite the appealing smell, the taste is subtle, and the flavor doesn't stand out as much as homemade cinnamon toast.
2. French Toast
- Packaging: Similar thick-sliced format, making it versatile for different preparations.
- Ingredients: Promises a taste of warm maple syrup and cinnamon.
- Nutritional Information: Each slice is 100 calories.
- Flavor and Texture: When toasted, the bread has a pleasant texture but the flavor is very light. There's a hint of maple, but the cinnamon is almost undetectable. The untoasted version has a slight chewiness, but neither preparation method delivers a strong flavor punch. It tastes more like regular bread with a faint maple aftertaste.
3. Lemon Blueberry
- Packaging: Thick slices, double-wrapped for freshness.
- Ingredients: Advertises a blend of lemon and blueberry flavors.
- Nutritional Information: Each slice contains 100 calories.
- Flavor and Texture: The lemon scent is very strong, almost resembling a cleaning product. Upon tasting, the lemon flavor is overpowering and artificial, while the blueberry is nearly non-existent. The bread leaves an unpleasant aftertaste, making it the least favorable of the three.
Detailed Review
Toasting vs. Untoasted: We found that toasting improved the texture of all three breads, adding a slight crunch. However, the flavors remained subdued in both forms. The Brown Sugar Cinnamon was slightly better toasted, but still lacked the depth of flavor expected from the description.
Aroma and Presentation: All three breads had appealing aromas out of the package, especially the Brown Sugar Cinnamon and French Toast. The Lemon Blueberry's strong lemon scent was initially promising but did not translate well to taste.
Usability and Versatility: These breads are convenient for quick snacks or breakfast, but they don’t deliver robust flavors. For anyone looking for a strong, homemade-like taste, these might not be the best choice. They could potentially be used as a base for more elaborate recipes, but on their own, they fall short in flavor.
Conclusion
While Pepperidge Farm Swirl Breads are convenient and have an inviting appearance and aroma, their flavors are too mild and artificial for our taste. The Brown Sugar Cinnamon is the most palatable but still lacks the intensity of homemade cinnamon toast. The French Toast flavor offers a faint hint of maple but little else, and the Lemon Blueberry was particularly disappointing with its overpowering lemon flavor and lack of blueberry.
For those who enjoy lightly flavored bread, these might be suitable. However, if you are looking for strong, homemade-style flavors, you might be better off making your own flavored toast or French toast at home. Thank you for watching, and stay tuned for pictures of the breads at the end.
No comments