This quinoa bread with sourdough starter and flax seeds is a gluten-free, vegan and low glycemic index recipe. Seeds and whole grains makes it easy to digest, nutritious and soft. It’s one of the best high protein gluten-free bread I always make.

Quinoa bread is relatively high in protein compared to traditional bread. Quinoa itself is a pseudocereal that is naturally rich in protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. When quinoa is used as an ingredient in bread, it contributes to the overall protein content.

How much protein is in quinoa bread?

While the exact protein content may vary depending on the recipe and brand, quinoa bread generally contains around 7 to 9 grams of protein per serving (usually one slice). In comparison, regular white bread typically has around 2 to 4 grams of protein per serving.

Quinoa bread is often sought after by individuals who follow vegetarian or vegan diets, as it provides a plant-based source of protein. Additionally, it may be a suitable option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease since quinoa is naturally gluten-free.

Is quinoa bread gluten-free?

Quinoa itself is naturally gluten-free, which means that bread made solely from quinoa flour would be gluten-free. However, it’s important to note that not all quinoa bread is necessarily gluten-free.

Some commercially available quinoa bread products may contain a mixture of quinoa flour and other ingredients, including gluten-containing flours like wheat, barley, or rye. These blends are used to improve the texture and rise of the bread. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully read the ingredients list or check the packaging to determine if a specific brand or product is gluten-free.

If you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, it’s essential to look for certified gluten-free quinoa bread that is specifically labeled as such. These products are made in facilities that are dedicated to gluten-free production and have undergone testing to ensure that they meet the necessary standards for gluten-free labeling. In summary, while quinoa itself is gluten-free, it’s important to verify the ingredients or opt for certified gluten-free options to ensure that the quinoa bread you consume is gluten-free.

If you’re making this quinoa bread recipe at home, make sure to use gluten-free quinoa flour check all other ingredients to be labeled gluten-free, to ensure that the bread remains gluten-free.

Tips & Replacements

Flaxseeds and psyllium husks are mandatory for this recipe. They act as binders in this dough. You can replace psyllium husks with psyllium powder by using half of the indicated amount. No gums or eggs are involved, so these natural binders are much needed.

Also, you can use up to 100% of quinoa flour, instead of mixing it with buckwheat flour. I didn’t test any other replacements for flours until today.

Can I make this bread with regular yeast?

Yes, I have tested a version of this recipe without sourdough, too. First of all, make sure you are using a gluten-free yeast. If you are using a fresh yeast, double the amount I list here below.
For a yeasted version, you can start the process by mixing 2 tsp of dry yeast with 1 tsp of sugar, ¼ cup of water (60 g) and 1/3 cup of rice flour (50 g). Leave it to rest for 5 minutes, then proceed by using this as your sourdough starter in the recipe below. Resting time will be just 3 hours. Baking time stays the same.

Can I freeze this quinoa bread?

This high protein bread is great for slicing and then freeze in single slices. Thaw at room temperature and toast the slices before serving to further lower their glycemic index.

Step by step process to bake a quinoa bread: