High-Fibre Irish Soda Bread

If you've never made bread before, this is a great place to start.

Irish soda bread is wonderfully simple. There's no yeast, no kneading and no lengthy proving time - just mix, shape and bake.

This 60Fit version uses wholemeal flour, gut-friendly kefir and a mix of nutrient-rich seeds to create a loaf that's packed with fibre, flavour and goodness.

The result is a hearty, satisfying bread that supports digestive health, provides slow-release energy and is far more nutrient-dense than many shop-bought loaves.

Perfect toasted for breakfast, served alongside soup or simply enjoyed warm with a little butter.

Recipe Overview

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 25–30 minutes

• Servings: 5–6 slices

Ingredients

• 125g wholemeal bread flour

• 75g strong white bread flour

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 12g ground flaxseed

• 12g sunflower seeds

• 12g pumpkin seeds

• 175ml kefir

To Decorate

• 1 tbsp porridge oats

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan 180°C).

2. Line a baking tray or lightly dust it with flour.

3. In a large bowl, combine the wholemeal flour, white flour, salt, baking powder, flaxseed, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds.

4. Pour in the kefir and mix until a soft dough forms.

5. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape into a round loaf. Avoid overworking the dough.

6. Place on the baking tray and flatten slightly.

7. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross into the top.

8. Sprinkle over the porridge oats.

9. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped underneath.

10. Leave to cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrition (per slice – approx, based on 6 slices)

• Protein: 5g

• Calories: 125 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 17g

• Healthy fats: 4g

• Fibre: 3–4g

(Values are approximate and will vary depending on ingredients used.)

Why This Works (60Fit Approach)

This isn't just bread, it is a nutrient-dense loaf that delivers far more than carbohydrates.

You're getting:

• Fibre from wholemeal flour, flaxseed and oats to support digestive and gut health

• Healthy fats from flax, pumpkin and sunflower seeds

• Plant protein from seeds and whole grains

• Calcium and beneficial live cultures from kefir

• Slow-release carbohydrates for steady energy and satiety

Unlike many commercial breads made primarily from refined flour, this loaf contains a variety of whole-food ingredients that help keep you fuller for longer while providing valuable nutrients.

Nutrient Boosting Benefits

Kefir

Kefir contains live cultures that help support a healthy and diverse gut microbiome, which plays an important role in digestion, immunity and overall wellbeing.

Flaxseed

Rich in fibre and one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fats.

Pumpkin Seeds

Provide magnesium, zinc and iro, nutrients that are particularly important for active women and healthy ageing.

Sunflower Seeds

A good source of vitamin E, healthy fats and antioxidants.

Wholemeal Flour

Contains more fibre, vitamins and minerals than refined white flour and helps provide longer-lasting energy.

60Fit Tip

I often prefer making a smaller loaf because soda bread is at its absolute best within the first couple of days. A half-sized loaf is less likely to go stale before you finish it.

If you do have leftovers, slice and freeze them individually. That way you can simply pop a slice in the toaster whenever you fancy it.