Frequently Asked Questions

Who is French Meadow Bakery™?

French Meadow Bakery™ is the longest continuously-running certified organic bakery in the U.S. Founded by Lynn Gordon in 1985, French Meadow Bakery™ features an award-winning line of organic breads created by artisan bakers for maximum health and taste. We also offer a unique line of all natural desserts and sweet goods. Read more about our philosophy and heritage.

Where can I buy French Meadow Bakery™ products?

Our products are available nationwide in stores like Whole Foods, Wegmans, Giant Eagle and your local natural foods store. You can also order many of our delicious products online or search for a store near you.

What do the circular symbols with letters stand for?

We created easy-to-spot symbols that tell you what’s most important about each of our products at a glance. Learn more about each symbol.

What is the glycemic index?

The glycemic index, or GI, ranks carbohydrates according to how they affect blood glucose levels. Carbohydrates that are low on the glycemic index produce only small fluctuations in our blood glucose and insulin levels, while carbohydrates high on the glycemic index produce large fluctuations.

What are the benefits of a lower glycemic index diet?

Low glycemic carbohydrates, including most fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, produce only small fluctuations in our blood glucose and insulin levels. Studies show that eating a low glycemic diet reduces the risk for heart disease and diabetes. Low glycemic foods can also help you feel full longer, since your body takes longer to digest and absorb them, and can help keep weight in check. Most importantly, a low GI diet is marked by the absence of highly processed foods, most of which contain sugar. Read more about the glycemic index at the Glycemic Research Institute.

What are performance foods?

More than 2,000 years ago, the ancient Greek physician and father of medicine said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” Today we call foods that provide a health benefit beyond basic nutrition, including the prevention and treatment of disease, “performance foods.” Performance foods include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fortified or enhanced foods and beverages.We use the latest scientific research to incorporate performance foods into our products so you can choose foods that keep your engine running and your body healthy.

What does vegan mean?

Vegans (pronounced VEE-guns) do not eat animal products and by-products such as eggs and dairy products. Vegans also do not eat fish and in some cases honey. Vegans should eat a variety of foods including whole grains, beans and nuts to replace the proteins in meat, milk and eggs. Adding any of our delicious organic, yeast free and vegan breads will help do the trick. French Meadow Bakery™ is proud to offer a tantalizing range of bakery items to the vegan community.

What is Kamut flour?

This ancient flour is made from the ancient durum wheat relative called Kamut® grain. When you incorporate our deliciously satisfying Organic Kamut® Bread into your diet, you’ll be enjoying the benefits of bread which contain protein, amino acids and minerals. Kamut® can often be tolerated by people who are sensitive to wheat or who have wheat allergies. But remember, if your allergies or sensitivities to wheat are severe, you should always check with a doctor before trying it.

Why do you make breads with spelt?

The answer is simple: sometimes the original way is still the best. Spelt is an ancient grain in the wheat family, popular in Europe for centuries, and it is even referred to in the Bible. We make our popular spelt breads and bagels because of the nutritional value of spelt and its deliciously nutty taste. Spelt is extremely water soluble, and is a source of B vitamins and protein. Because of spelt's water solubility, it's more easily digested. Enjoy our whole line of delicious spelt products.