10 Best Banana Breads in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian
One of the most popular snacks and baon items is banana bread. It is tasty and filling, so it's great if you want something more substantial than plain bread. Banana bread has a relatively mild taste that isn't too sweet or overpowering.
Moreover, it contains fruit, so it is a treat as much as it is nutritious. But where can you source good banana bread, you might ask? In this article, let us show you our buying guide, fact-checked by nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales, and recommended picks!
Quick List - Top Banana Breads
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
How to Choose Banana Bread - Buying Guide
Here are some key points to consider:
- Decide on the serving size based on your consumption.
- Plain or flavored: pick the banana bread base.
- Choose your preferred topping for additional flavor.
- For those who are on a diet, opt for vegan or gluten-free banana bread.
- Know the available delivery options.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Decide on the Serving Size Based on Your Consumption
Before anything else, decide on the serving size of your banana bread, depending on your consumption. Entire loaves are the default serving size for banana bread, and their dimensions will vary depending on the store that sells them. They are usually packed in a rectangular aluminum tray, which makes them ideal for sharing or giving as a gift.
Just like cakes, most stores allow the option of purchasing per slice. This is a convenient way of eating banana bread and makes for a great snack or baon that you can eat any time. It is also handy if you just want the occasional treat.
Banana muffins and cupcakes are aesthetically pleasing as they are delicious. They are usually topped with some type of frosting, nuts, or chocolate chips. This saves you the trouble of portioning an entire loaf as you can simply distribute them when you have guests over.
Plain or Flavored: Pick the Banana Bread Base
Banana bread is a treat that goes well with anything whether it is a hot cup of coffee or a scoop of ice cream. That being said, there are ways you could tweak this go-to favorite.
You Can Never Go Wrong With Plain Banana Bread
If you prefer to stick to the classic, then go for plain banana bread. This refers to the bare-bones, banana-infused bread and is devoid of any add-ons like nuts. This allows you to savor the pure banana taste. It is great for those who don't like a lot of textures in their bread and just want it plain.
Since there aren't a lot of ingredients used, it all comes down to how prominent the banana flavor is. You want to be able to actually taste the banana. Similarly, the banana flavor shouldn't be overpowering but comes through in a subtle way.
When done right, a moist loaf of banana bread is all you need. However, you might come across one that tastes too strong or artificial. This probably means that it was infused with banana essence to make up for the matabang taste.
Expand Your Options With Flavored Banana Bread
Flavored banana bread contains add-ins, such as nuts, spices, and even chocolate chips. They provide an additional flavor that can subtly elevate the banana bread and give it a multi-dimensional taste. There are a lot of combinations, so it is going to be quite fun to try them all!
Nuts like walnuts, pistachios, almonds, and cashews give a bit of crunch to the banana bread. There are even banana breads that use oatmeal! Spices like nutmeg and cinnamon impart a mild heat and earthy notes that can bring out the banana flavor. And if you want to indulge your sweet tooth, go for banana bread with chocolate chips. Some bakers even combine these add-ins!
Choose Your Preferred Topping for Additional Flavor
Aside from the base of the banana bread, you also have the choice to add toppings. Most banana breads in the market consist of unfrosted loaves, but there are other variants you could try!
Frosted Banana Bread Is Great for Dessert
More often than not, banana bread does not come with frosting. But when it does, it makes for an indulgent treat. Some stores frost their banana bread loaf with a cream cheese frosting or a simple sugar glaze.
The addition of frosting makes the banana bread more malinamnam and decadent. Plus, it also offers a nice balance of flavor, particularly if the banana bread itself is not too sweet. This makes it sweet enough to be eaten as a dessert—it's like eating cake!
A Streusel Topping Provides Sweetness and Crunch
There are stores that add a crumb or streusel topping to their banana bread. This consists of a mixture of melted butter, sugar, flour, and sometimes nuts that are combined until they resemble wet sand. These are then baked on top of the banana bread and sometimes folded in the batter.
This coats the surface of the banana bread and enhances its overall taste. Don't worry, though, as it is not sweet enough to give you a sugar rush! Instead, it complements the banana bread's flavor to keep it from being monotonous.
Nuts, Dried Fruits, and Chocolate Chips Give the Banana Bread More Texture
If add-ins aren't enough for you, you might want to select a banana bread with additional nut toppings. These are sprinkled on top of the banana bread and add a crunchy texture.
And you aren't just limited to nuts—you could also go for chocolate chips, seeds, or even dried fruit. Though sometimes stores only use them as toppings and not mixed in the batter, this is something to think about as well.
For Those Who Are on a Diet, Opt for Vegan or Gluten-Free Banana Bread
Sadly, not all of us can enjoy the same thing. That is why you also have to consider the dietary restrictions of friends and family members so you can accommodate them accordingly. You’d be pleased to find out that there are stores that offer gluten and sugar-free variants for those who have medical conditions.
There are even vegan and low-carb options nowadays, so no one will have to miss out on eating banana bread! Usually, possible allergens are listed on the store's website or menu page. But in the event that the ingredients aren't specified, then it's worth a shot to message the seller and ask about it to avoid any adverse reactions.
Know the Available Delivery Options
In terms of delivery, banana bread is easier to transport compared to other baked goods like cake. For one, they are not prone to melting or spoiling and are less likely to become durog during transit. Also, they are less likely to dent or smear unless the specific variant you purchased is the frosted kind.
In this regard, your delivery options aren’t limited. For chain bakeries, you can expect them to use their own delivery fleet or third-party couriers if you live outside their covered area. Big stores are also available on food delivery apps, such as GrabFood and Foodpanda for same-day delivery.
If you are purchasing from an online shop, chances are, you would have to book the courier yourself. Keep in mind that they may have limited manpower and might take a while to reply, so a bit of patience is needed when ordering from these stores.
10 Best Banana Breads to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Carmela's Tagaytay Signature Banana Crunch Cake | | A Moist and Filling Crowd Favorite | |
2 | Edsa Shangri-La Cream Cheese Banana Bread | | Have a Taste of Banana Bread Made With Love | |
3 | Mad Batter Co. Assorted Mini Banana Loaves｜Box of 6 | | For Guilt-Free Banana Bread Indulgence | |
4 | Wildflour Gluten-Free & Sugar-Free Banana Bread Loaf | | Gluten-Free and Sugar-Free, Best for Dieters | |
5 | Starbucks Banana Bread | | Best Paired With Coffee or Tea | |
6 | Bucky's Yana Banana｜Half Box | | Melt-in-Your-Mouth Banana Goodness | |
7 | Mom & Tina's Chocolate Chip Banana Loaf | | Loaded With Chocolate Chips for Kids and Kids-at-Heart | |
8 | The Manila Baker Ultimate Banana Cake | | Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth With a Banana Cake | |
9 | Red Ribbon Banana Crunch Slice | | The Go-To Banana Bread for Pinoys | |
10 | Lartizan Banana Muffin | | Rich and Moist, Perfect for Breakfast or Merienda |
Carmela's TagaytaySignature Banana Crunch Cake
A Moist and Filling Crowd Favorite
Topping the list is this Signature Banana Crunch Cake from Carmela's, a pasalubong spot you shouldn't miss whenever you head out to Tagaytay. Although they are known for their buko pie and bulalo, they also house one of the best banana breads in the country!
Their banana bread is characterized by its moistness and density, which makes for a very filling and satisfying treat. And it is not too sweet, so it is not nakakaumay. It is topped with an irresistible streusel topping which lends a bit of crunch that complements the base nicely. Though they offer other varieties such as classic, chocolate, and ube halaya, nothing beats the classic!
Have a Taste of Banana Bread Made With Love
Shangri-La elevates the humble banana bread with their own take on this classic pastry! Partnering with FARMCOOP, an organization composed of Filipino farmers in Davao, they seek to support their agricultural livelihood by creating banana bread that's both nutritious and delicious.
They offer quite the lineup of banana bread variants, such as classic, walnut, and chocolate, to cater to different tastes. This particular version is noted to be a bestseller. It comes with a cream cheese filling and is topped with pecans for a decadent treat. And now it's yours for the taking with just a click!
Mad Batter Co.Assorted Mini Banana Loaves ｜ Box of 6
For Guilt-Free Banana Bread Indulgence
Mad Batter Co.'s Mini Banana Loaves are made with chickpea flour and do not contain refined sugar. Instead, they are sweetened with raw honey and vegan chocolate chips and flavored with cinnamon for guilt-free indulgence! They are also dairy, gluten, and grain-free, perfect for those who have dietary restrictions.
You'll notice that these loaves are smaller than usual, making them excellent for solo servings! This is ideal to ensure their freshness and quality. In this regard, they also make great snacks because you don't have to go through the trouble of individually slicing them. This assorted box comes with three flavors—chocolate chips, classic walnut, and choc chip with peanut butter—to cater to every taste.
WildflourGluten-Free & Sugar-Free Banana Bread Loaf
Gluten-Free and Sugar-Free, Best for Dieters
Watching your sugar intake? Worry not, as Wildflour's banana bread contains zero sugar. They use a natural sugar replacement in their banana bread—it also has zero calories for a treat that's light on your waistline!
It has a plain base, but it is liberally sprinkled with nuts on top, which is great for those who want that added crunch. You'll also be happy to know that it does not contain artificial flavors and is non-GMO. Moreover, it is gluten-free, so anyone can enjoy it!
Best Paired With Coffee or Tea
Of course, the list wouldn't be complete without Starbucks' signature banana bread! If you're after something moist, rich, and flavorful, this is the perfect pick. Though it has a plain base, it doesn't skimp on the banana flavor—you can even get a hint of spice in every bite!
It has the right amount of toastiness, too, evident in its delicious crust. It is best paired with their teas and coffees for a delightful breakfast, merienda, or midnight snack. When heated, it brings out the flavors even more! Starbucks' classic banana bread ought to be a feast for your taste buds!
Bucky'sYana Banana ｜ Half Box
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Banana Goodness
With the tagline "not a brownie," you'd certainly expect anything but ordinary from Bucky's. Now see them take a different turn with the Yana Banana. Dedicated to their daughter Yana, this dessert looks like a blondie bar, following their signature format of bar desserts. But there is more to it than meets the eye.
Bananas, walnuts, and a splash of rum are what sets it apart from other types of banana bread in the market. The rum gives the bananas a more pronounced flavor and emphasizes their sweetness. What you have is a bar of melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Since the banana bread comes in slab form, each box is served with a small knife made by a small community in Leyte!
Loaded With Chocolate Chips for Kids and Kids-at-Heart
If you love sweet treats, give Mom & Tina's Chocolate Chip Banana Loaf a try! Although entrees and cupcakes are their specialties, they also make delicious banana bread. Particularly, this chocolate chip flavor is one that both kids and adults will enjoy!
Their banana bread is noted to be moist and chewy, especially when you heat it for a few minutes. This also melts the chocolate chips, resulting in a filling treat that you can enjoy any time of the day. And with its large serving size, you can share it with your family and friends!
The Manila BakerUltimate Banana Cake
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth With a Banana Cake
Let’s be honest. Even the best banana bread never seems to be enough. It’s always too small and usually runs out fast. To satisfy your banana cravings, The Manila Baker proudly serves this Ultimate Banana Cake. It is the perfect option for those who are wishing for something extra!
Its base is made with overripe bananas, which gives the cake its natural sweetness. This results in a very tender and moist cake that you’d love to sink your teeth into. Topping it all off is a mascarpone butter frosting, candied walnuts, and a drizzle of miso-caramel sauce to make it irresistibly decadent. Yum!
The Go-To Banana Bread for Pinoys
In terms of banana bread, Red Ribbon has this recipe down pat. Their banana bread has been a go-to favorite for decades, from being packed as baon to serving as handa at parties. Their banana bread has a mild flavor that isn't too overpowering, so even non-banana bread lovers can enjoy it!
It is not overly sweet and has a moist interior, rounded out by the subtle crunch from the crumb topping. Its simple yet delicious flavor and affordable price point make it a solid option. And in case you didn't know, the Banana Crunch now comes in a loaf variant if you feel bitin!
Rich and Moist, Perfect for Breakfast or Merienda
Lartizan's Banana Muffin proves that you can indulge in sweet treats even if you're on a diet! Their banana muffin is great for single servings, perfect for those who are watching their sugar intake. This mouthwatering treat is baked to perfection, so it's toasty on the outside but moist on the inside!
Thus, you get banana bread that's rich and moist. This breakfast staple is the perfect way to start your day—but it can also serve as a filling merienda or midnight snack. You wouldn't want to miss out on this delightful treat from an artisan bakery!
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Is Banana Bread Healthy?
Though it is delicious, may not be the healthiest food because of its high sugar and fat content. However, you can still get essential nutrients like potassium, iron, and B vitamins from banana bread when it is consumed in moderation. There are also vegan, paleo, and keto-friendly banana breads that are available on the market.
Is Banana Bread Good for Dogs?
Unfortunately, banana bread isn't good for dogs. Since banana bread contains additional ingredients like sugar, spices, and yeast, it can cause weight gain and diarrhea in dogs. It can also trigger allergies in some dogs.
What Makes Banana Bread Moist?
The secret to achieving moist banana bread is to use overripe frozen bananas, brown sugar, and oil. Also, gently fold the ingredients together to avoid overmixing. Lastly, avoid overbaking the banana bread—most bakers recommend checking it at the 50-minute mark.
Other Sweet Treats to Delight Your Taste Buds
Looking for more desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth? You've come to the right place! We've reviewed some of the best ice creams, cinnamon rolls, cupcakes, and caramel cakes you can purchase online. Click on these links to know more!
10 Best Ice Creams in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian
10 Best Cinnamon Rolls in the Philippines 2022 | Cinnabombs, Baked by Feliz and More
10 Best Cupcakes in the Philippines 2022 | Cupcakes by Sonja, M Bakery and More
10 Best Caramel Cakes in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian
Author: J. Cuizon
Editor & Re-ditor: A. Mangulabnan, Aprille Jarcia
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Banana Breads
No. 1: Carmela's Tagaytay｜Signature Banana Crunch Cake
No. 2: Edsa Shangri-La｜Cream Cheese Banana Bread
No. 3: Mad Batter Co.｜Assorted Mini Banana Loaves｜Box of 6
No. 4: Wildflour｜Gluten-Free & Sugar-Free Banana Bread Loaf
No. 5: Starbucks｜Banana Bread
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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