Types of Bread: The Ultimate Guide

From sourdough to bloomer, there's a wealth of types of bread to choose from across the Foodhall. Find your favourite, experiment with new flavours and learn what kind of breads your family will love with our guide.

Content editor

Ellie Spicer

What are popular types of bread?

At its core, bread is a simple mix of wheat, water and (sometimes) yeast. But that's where the similarities between the many different types of bread end. From that perfect white bloomer, toasted with a swish of salted butter, to a crunchy slice of tangy sourdough topped with rich, creamy avocado or the softest wholemeal wrap, choosing the right bread for your dish is easy with our guide.

Whatever you fancy, our bread is a cut above. Think everyday loaves and rolls enriched with vitamin D, slow-proved sourdough from the bakery and delicious artisan bread.

See all bread Browse the bakery

Sourdough

Sourdough may be the bread of the moment, but the craft itself dates back over 5,000 years. Today’s loaves are often associated with French bakers in Northern California, who created the San Francisco–style sourdough most of us know and love.

Made using a ‘starter’ of fermented flour and water in place of commercial yeast, sourdough has a naturally tangy flavour, a crunchy crust and a soft, airy interior. Read our sourdough guide to discover more.

Browse sourdough

Bagels

Bagels (or beigels) are dense, yeast-risen dough rings, originating from Jewish communities in Poland. Uniquely chewy with a crisp exterior, they’re first boiled before being baked.

Classic fillings include a ‘schmear’ of cream cheese with generous slices of smoked salmon, or tender salt beef with pickles and mustard. Or recreate an NYC deli at home with our delicious New York Deli Style Bagel Spread.

Browse bagels

Ciabatta

Ciabatta is a homely Italian white bread, often shaped into an elongated roll – the word ‘ciabatta’ translates to ‘slipper’ in Italian.

Easy to toast, it’s perfect for warm paninis, with a crisp crust and a soft, airy interior. Fill with Mediterranean flavours like fruity olive oil, balsamic vinegar, heady garlic, sweet tomatoes and fragrant basil.

Show me ciabattas

White bread

The staple of weekend bacon sandwiches and slightly squashed jam sandwiches at a picnic, white bread is made from wheat flour with the bran and germ removed during the milling process. Our white bread is enriched with vitamin D, so it's a source of fibre. Try our Only 6 Ingredients White Sliced Toasting Loaf for a deliciously simple loaf.

Soft, fluffy and bouncy, it calls for keeping things simple. Toast and swipe with salted butter; triple-stack with roasted chicken, crisp lettuce and a dollop of mayo; or bake into a striking summer pudding.

Browse white loaves

Wholemeal and brown bread

Wholemeal bread is made using the whole wheat kernel, making it nutrient-dense and rich in natural fibre. Brown bread is often a blend of white and wholemeal flours, and is closer to white bread in terms of nutrients.

Layer up with perfectly ripe avocado, eggs just the way you like them and a sprinkling of fresh chilli, or try trend-led cottage cheese with thinly sliced cucumber for a balanced lunch.

See brown and wholemeal bread

Pitta bread

Pitta (or pita) bread is a yeast-leavened flatbread, typically shaped into a round. It’s cooked at extremely high temperatures, with internal steam creating its signature pocket. Greek-style pita is slightly thicker and doesn’t have an air pocket.

A staple of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and North African cuisines, pitta is eaten with everything from falafel and hummus to being swiped through a rich lamb stew.

Explore pitta breads

What to pair with bread

Take inspiration from across the globe when teaming up your chosen bread:

UK: It doesn’t get much more classic than a bouncy bloomer, generously spread with salted butter, a swish of red or brown sauce and plenty of streaky bacon.

France: Top a crusty baguette with soft Camembert and peppery saucisson.

Italy: Try a panzanella – a rustic bread salad – with juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs and lashings of olive oil.

Middle East: Fill pitta with herby falafel and rich houmous, sprinkle flatbreads with za’atar and olive oil, or try a Turkish-style lahmacun with minced lamb and spices.

America: Take a sesame-topped brioche bun and pile high with British beef burgers, oozy American-style cheese and plenty of pickles. Try Tom Kerridge's fully-loaded recipe.

Mexico: Tacos and tortilla wraps reign – fill with everything from fried fish to jammy eggs and vibrant salsa.

More bread recipes

Stock up on cupboard essentials at M&S Food

Whichever bread you choose, you'll find it in our in store bakery. Expect Remarksable Value baguettes, Only 5 Ingredients Sourdough, Collection Crafted Seeded Sourdough and more. Chosen your new favourite? It's time to experiment with new fillings with our guide to the best sandwich recipes.

In store bakery Discover our bread

Published 18/06/2026