Frequently Asked Questions

• What does artisan bread mean to Bakery de France?

  Quite simply, it means using premium ingredients and a signature levain blended together in a time honored, long-fermentation process. Because of this method—and our team of talented bakers—our artisan bread has a crisp crust and superior honeycomb cell structure.

• What is a long-fermentation process and why do you use it?

  Our process utilizes an all-natural levain (a flour and water mixture also known as a starter). The levain produces friendly cultures that make the bread rise. Although long-fermentation takes more time, it replaces the need for any additives or preservatives. In addition to its wonderful flavor, long-fermentation bread is easier to digest, is healthier, and keeps you fuller longer.

• How can I order your breads?

  We’re proud to offer national distribution through a number of respected food distributors and retailers. Contact a Bakery de France representative to find out how we can deliver our breads to you.

• What does par-baked mean and how is your bread delivered?

  Par-baked bread is partially baked and then flash frozen to seal in freshness. Our bread is delivered frozen and should be kept that way until ready to serve or put on the shelf. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 365 days. When ready to serve, allow bread to thaw, and bake for 8-12 minutes at 400º F in a convection oven. Time and temperature may vary for conventional ovens.

• Do you create custom breads for customers?

  We work with our clients on all kinds of ideas. Please contact a sales representative to discuss your needs further.

• Are all of your breads all-natural?

  Yes. We never use preservatives and additives. In fact, many of our breads are Whole Grains Council certified.

• Are any of your breads gluten-free?

  No. All of our bread is baked using the traditional, long-fermentation process and contains gluten.

• Are your breads vegan?

  We have an extensive collection of vegan-friendly breads because we only use simple ingredients—flour, water, levain and salt. Contact a sales representative for our complete list.

• Are your breads kosher?

  Our breads are KOF-K Parve certified. Our breakfast items such as croissants and danish contain dairy. For those specific items, we are KOF-K Dairy certified.

• Are your breads nut-free?

  Although only select breads on our menu contain nut ingredients, our bread is manufactured in a facility that processes tree nuts.

• Does your bread contain palm oil?

  No. We only use extra virgin olive oil and canola oil in our products.

• Where are you located?

  Our corporate office is located outside of Washington, DC, in Rockville, Maryland.

• What efforts do you make toward supporting the environment?

  Our Frederick, MD, facility is designed to be energy efficient. By adopting dry cleaning practices and more efficient refrigeration systems we are able to minimize our carbon footprint. Our packaging is certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and we are always on the lookout for innovative new ways to save water and energy. If there’s a better way to support the earth, we find it.