Walter Bread: The healthy choice

MANILA, Philippines - Bread is the most popular food in the world, second only to rice in the Philippines, which is home to close to a 100 million people.

Western colonizers like the Spaniards and Americans introduced bread eating in this country as a primary source of nutrition and physical energy — and bread as an alternative food made from wheat — over a century ago.

THE FIRST BREAD

It is said that in Mactan circa 1521, Rajah Humabon and his queen were the first two natives to receive and taste the European conquistadors’ gift of bread, which they considered “the real food from the gods.” From then on, the Spaniards took the opportunity to use bread in their efforts at diplomacy — and ultimately, the cross — in converting the tribes of those times.

Fast forward to the present. In a consumer survey, it was found that nearly 88 percent of the population, or 88 million Filipinos, eat bread at any time of day, which makes the Philippines a sizable market for wheat-based products. From six-month-old babies to living centenarians, bread is their preferred source of food to enhance their carbohydrate intake, which in turn helps accelerate cell growth and energy.

To date, pan de sal is the most popular and bestselling type of bread in the Philippines, considered an essential part of the Filipino’s daily breakfast. In fact, when the price of wheat rose unabated in the international market, it created a political stir locally when the masses protested the escalating price of pan de sal.

CREATIVE BAKERS’ MISSION

Bread making is an art and Creative Bakers Inc., maker of the Walter Bread brands, took on the business of satisfying the health needs and palates of consumers.  

With close to 30 years of providing quality breads in the market, Creative Bakers continues its commitment to offer Filipinos healthy products, especially now that more and more Filipinos have adopted a healthy lifestyle.  

In its vision statement, Walter Bread exists in the market not just to make money but more importantly, offer products that are helpful for the general well being of Filipino consumers.

According to Walter Co, president of Creative Bakers Co. Inc., “Making money is not a priority for producing these healthy breads. It’s alarming to learn that our country now has one of the highest rates of diabetes in Asia. Because of that, we realized the need to produce bread that is not only healthy but also with a taste that we can enjoy.”

Walter Bread is committed to pursuing its vision of offering a vast line of bread products as a healthy, alternative food for diabetes-free Filipinos. The company has initiated years of research and development to come up with bread products that not only taste good but also pass the high-rigidity test based on nutritional standards.

The company is now reaping the dividends of making better bread. Proof of this is the Filipino consumers’ continued support of Walter Bread’s leading brands, which translates to more profits and productivity for the company.

These loyal patrons through the years are composed of diabetics, calorie-conscious weight watchers and those with a restricted diet who now have something to munch on for breakfast and snacks without worrying about their sugar or cholesterol level, or putting on more pounds.

Among its products now on the market is Walter Bread’s bestselling whole-wheat raisin bread, which is a rich source of fiber and phytochemicals — powerful antioxidants to help arrest the spread of cancer. It is the favorite choice of diabetics whose nutritional ingredients can control their sugar level.

It is also fat-free, low in sodium content and has high dietary fiber. Frequent buyers can attest that it is tasty and sweet compared to other brands.

DOUBLE-FIBER WHEAT BREAD

Another product is Walter Bread’s Double Fiber Wheat Bread with Heart Protect, which is made for those with hypertension and other coronary-related ailments. This bread is special, with two all-natural fibers: insoluble fiber from wheat and soluble fiber from apples.

In fact, after years of research by Walter Bread, consumers now appreciate the taste of wheat bread, which used to be bland or salty. Creative Bakers found a way to alter the process to come up with a less dry, less rough texture of bread using less salt for the betterment of its consumers.  Less salt also means less chance of adding more pounds to body weight and it is more heart and kidney-friendly.

For those who don’t know, insoluble fiber plays a role in gastrointestinal and colon health, while soluble fiber contributes to heart health. Fiber from apples is also a source of sweetness in the bread and also helps keep it moist. Unlike other wheat breads available in the market, the Double Fiber Wheat Bread with Heart Protect is really soft and moist.

WEIGHT-CONTROL BREAD

Very popular with diet- and figure-conscious consumers is Walter Bread’s Weight Control Bread with High Fiber. These individuals trying to attain or maintain slim, fit bodies can now enjoy the benefits of eating this high-fiber white bread while they are on their weight-loss program.

The Weight Control Bread with High Fiber is rich in oat and vegetable fibers that keep you feeling full longer, which is why it is perfect for those on a strict diet and exercise program. It is 98-percent fat-free and has 50-percent less sodium. Supporters of this bread have also said it is tastier than other high-fiber breads that taste bland.

All these healthy breads are the exclusive creations of Creative Bakers, Inc.

“We make sure that our product is better than the existing ones,” says Co. “It has to pass not only my own standards, but I would even have to ask friends and other people for their feedback on the products we produce, and the result is positively amazing in terms of health benefits and profit.”