A hint of spice makes everything nice about Rudi’s Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin bread

Product: Rudi’s Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread – $4.99+

I have a local gluten-free tasting fair to thank for introducing me to quite a few products that I will eventually be reviewing.  But, more than anything, I thank my natural food store for giving me the opportunity to try things that I normally would pass on due to my financial situation and the high cost for most products that I can eat.

That being said, while I have had a successful run with products made by Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery, I hadn’t tried their Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread…until a plate was handed to me at the tasting fair.  And, quite honestly, my life changed.

I know that sounds pretty facetious to say, but it’s the truth.  But I don’t just spend my money on any gluten-free product.  Rudi’s Cinnamon Raisin bread is not only affordable…but epically delicious.  So, I bought a loaf and brought it home.  Just a couple bites was all it took for me to snatch this product up and take it home.  That already speaks volumes.

But the food is what should do the talking, and what I’ve discovered with Rudi’s is that they make high quality, delicious, and affordable gluten-free products from basic, natural ingredients.  You won’t find a thing on the list of ingredients that you don’t recognize.  That is amazing reassuring.  No chemicals, mixed with care and love, and winning over the gluten-free (and even non-gluten-free) hearts and stomachs nationwide.

This bread is fantastic on its own.  Fresh from the bag.  It’s soft and rich.  But toast it up in the oven or the toaster and you really set your senses on fire.  This bread smells amazing as it toasts.  It reminds me a lot of the holidays, when the scent of cinnamon hangs in the air as cinnamon rolls are baked fresh in the oven.  Except…I can’t eat just any cinnamon rolls anymore…but this bread gives that burst of cinnamon flavor with an added kick of the sweet raisins.  And Rudi’s doesn’t skimp on the raisins either.  We’re talking plump, big raisins throughout the bread.  I didn’t expect that…but I’ve come to learn that Rudi’s puts a lot of care and consideration into their products and that is one of many reasons I continue to buy their line of food.

Rudi’s Cinnamon Raisin bread is great on its own, but I’ve found on race days, smearing it with a tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter does amazing things for my energy levels pre-race and throughout.  It’s become a tradition now.  It pairs well with apple butter, or just plain butter.  It’s fun to dress up for Halloween (see my recipe section for Ghost Toast) with confectioners sugar and bits of candy.  It is so full of flavor that it mixes well with anything you put on it.

And…the best part is the size of the slices of bread.  While not quite at regular bread size, Rudi’s comes close.  I feel like I’m eating an entire piece of bread, because it looks like a full-size piece of bread.  It’s a bit of a comfort.

Rudi’s Cinnamon Raisin bread is substantial in size, in flavor, in spice.  The cinnamon is prevalent throughout each bite.  The raisins compliment the natural flavors of the bread.  And, overall, this product is one of my favorite things to buy when I’m treating myself to something gluten-free.  I mean, it now powers my runs on race days.  When you have to run on gluten-free carbs, do yourself right with the ones you choose.  For me, I will always be fueled by Rudi’s.

Love cinnamon and raisins?  Then you’ll love to give this bread a try.  Dress it up or keep it simple.  It doesn’t matter.  It’s delicious any way you slice it.