More people are turning to homemade bread as a healthier, tastier, and more ethical alternative to store-bought loaves. With modern bread makers, baking your own bread has never been easier. You can enjoy fresh, preservative-free bread with minimal effort while customising ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.
Homemade bread offers many benefits, from improving nutrition to reducing costs and avoiding the artificial additives often found in supermarket loaves. Whether you’re looking for a healthier option, need to cater to allergies, or simply want the satisfaction of fresh bread made from scratch, making your own bread is a great choice.
If you’re wondering why so many people are switching to homemade bread, read on to discover its biggest advantages.
What are the Advantages of Homemade Bread?
If you’re wondering why you should invest in a bread maker then read on. In this blog post, I will share some of the benefits of homemade bread and why a bread maker is a worthy investment.
Homemade Bread Can Cater to Any Allergy and Dietary Requirements
If you have allergies, intolerances, or specific dietary requirements, then making your own bread is a no-brainer. You can include exactly the ingredients you know are safe and avoid anything that doesn’t suit your body.
Thanks to the internet, you can easily access numerous bread maker recipes online, from vegan bread to dairy-free and gluten-free options. It’s easy to customise homemade bread to your exact requirements.
Key benefits:
- More affordable than specialist store-bought free-from bread
- You control every ingredient, reducing the risk of allergic reactions
- No risk of cross-contamination, unlike bakery and supermarket options
Homemade Bread Contains Better Ingredients
You are in total control of the ingredients you put into your homemade bread. You can choose organic ingredients, support small producers, go 100% wholemeal, or support Fairtrade brands.
This also means you can avoid unnatural additives. Supermarket loaves are packed with preservatives, emulsifiers, and chemical dough conditioners to extend shelf life. Some ingredients are linked to gut issues, inflammation, and even increased disease risk.
You will know exactly what is in your bread.
It can be the most ethical bread ever made or the cheapest bread ever made. You get to choose the flour, yeast, salt and so on.
Key benefits:
- Avoid harmful additives commonly found in store-bought bread
- Choose quality ingredients tailored to your health needs
- Support a more ethical and sustainable food system
I don’t know about you, but almost every time we buy a sliced loaf of ‘regular’ bread, it stinks after a couple of days! It’s like I can smell the chemicals, especially if it comes in a plastic bag!
There is no need to put such weird ingredients in bread.
In fact, here is one of the most simple bread recipes I have found on the internet:
- “225ml (8 fl oz) warm water (45 C)
- 2 tablespoons caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon quick yeast
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 400g (14 oz) bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt”
It couldn’t be easier and there are no weird preservatives in sight!
Original source (page no longer exists): allrecipes.com/recipe/994/best-bread-machine-loaf.aspx
Homemade Bread is Healthier
By missing out on all the unhealthy ingredients found in commercial loaves, your bread will naturally be healthier and more nutritious.
You can also control the sugar and salt content, which is often surprisingly high in shop-bought bread. Many loaves contain hidden sugars, contributing to blood sugar spikes, energy crashes, and weight gain.
Whole grain flour contains more fibre, B vitamins, and antioxidants, making homemade bread a healthier option for long-term well-being.
Key benefits:
- No artificial additives, reducing exposure to ultra-processed foods
- Lower in salt and sugar, supporting heart health
- More fibre and nutrients, especially with whole grain flour
Homemade Bread is Truly Fresh
With homemade bread, you know it’s genuinely fresh. Supermarket loaves often sit in storage, transportation, and on shelves for days before you buy them.
Even in-store bakery bread isn’t always fresh or made from scratch in the store. Many supermarkets use pre-made frozen dough or part-baked loaves loaded with preservatives to keep them fresh longer.
Making real, fresh food is one of the best ways to improve your diet and reduce your intake of ultra-processed foods.
Key benefits:
- No need for preservatives, as it’s eaten fresh
- Better flavour and texture compared to mass-produced bread
- More natural and wholesome, without artificial processing
Homemade Bread is Cheaper
The raw ingredients used to make bread are very cheap. Basic staples like flour, yeast, and salt can be bought in bulk to cut costs even further.
Of course, if you choose organic and Fairtrade ingredients, the price increases, but in most cases, homemade bread is still more affordable than buying similar quality loaves from a store.
Switching to homemade versions of everyday foods can save money while improving your diet.
Key benefits:
- Allows you to control costs while maintaining high-quality ingredients
- Saves money compared to premium store-bought bread
- More cost-effective over time, especially when buying ingredients in bulk
Homemade Bread Makes Your Home Smell Delicious!
Finally, an added benefit of baking bread at home is the amazing smell it fills your house with. The scent of freshly baked bread is one of the most comforting and inviting aromas.
I’ve even heard rumours of supermarkets wafting fresh bread smells near their entrances to entice customers in!
How to Store Homemade Bread Properly
One concern with homemade bread is that it doesn’t last as long as store-bought loaves, which are packed with preservatives. However, there are easy ways to keep homemade bread fresh for longer.
Best ways to store homemade bread:
- Use a bread box – A wooden or ceramic bread box keeps bread fresh while allowing airflow
- Wrap it in a clean tea towel – Helps retain moisture without trapping humidity
- Store in a paper bag – Prevents bread from drying out while avoiding mould
- Freeze for long-term storage – Slice and freeze in an airtight bag to keep fresh for months
Avoid storing homemade bread in plastic bags at room temperature, as this can cause moisture buildup and lead to mould.
Key benefits:
- Prevents waste, ensuring homemade bread lasts longer
- Keeps the bread fresher for more days, reducing spoilage
- Maintains taste and texture, avoiding dryness or mould growth
Why a Bread Maker is a Great Investment
If you love fresh, homemade bread but don’t have the time or patience to knead dough, a bread maker is a fantastic investment. These machines take the hard work out of baking, allowing you to enjoy homemade bread with minimal effort.
Benefits of owning a bread maker:
- Saves time and effort – Just add ingredients and let the machine do the work.
- Consistent results – No need to worry about dough texture or rising issues.
- Customisable recipes – Make wholemeal, gluten-free, or speciality breads easily.
- Cost-effective – Reduces reliance on store-bought loaves, saving money over time.
For those who want to avoid ultra-processed foods, a bread maker allows you to bake healthier loaves effortlessly while still enjoying the convenience of automation.
Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Homemade Bread
Homemade bread is healthier, more ethical, and cheaper than store-bought alternatives. If you have the time and space, investing in a bread maker is one of the best ways to improve the quality of your diet.
✔ Healthier ingredients without artificial additives
✔ Better for allergies and dietary requirements
✔ More affordable than artisan or free-from bread
✔ Truly fresh and flavourful
✔ Reduces reliance on ultra-processed supermarket food
There really is no bread quite like homemade bread.
When we baked our own bread at home, we found it full of flavour, with a better texture and taste. In comparison, the store-bought bread seemed plain and unappetising.
Start reading the ingredients on commercial bread and ask yourself if you want to be consuming those things.
With modern bread machines, you can make a loaf in around 55 minutes, creating the freshest, healthiest, and tastiest bread at home.
FAQs About Homemade Bread
Is homemade bread healthier than store-bought?
Yes! Homemade bread contains fewer additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients, making it a healthier choice. You also have full control over the ingredients, including the type of flour, salt, and sugar content.
Does homemade bread last longer than store-bought?
No, homemade bread doesn’t last as long because it doesn’t contain preservatives. However, using proper storage techniques can keep it fresh for up to five days at room temperature and longer if frozen.
Is it cheaper to make your own bread?
Yes, in most cases, homemade bread is cheaper than buying high-quality store-bought loaves, especially artisan, organic, or gluten-free bread. Buying ingredients in bulk can reduce costs even further.
What’s the best flour for homemade bread?
Whole wheat, spelt, and rye flour are nutrient-dense choices that provide more fibre, vitamins, and minerals than white flour. Using unbleached, organic flour ensures you’re avoiding unnecessary additives.
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