We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culture

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Communion Wafers Made of?

Michael Pollick
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 76,046
Share

The traditional communion wafers served during Roman Catholic services are made out of two ingredients, wheat flour and water. In fact, during the earliest years of the Christian church, there was an entire ritual surrounding the process of creating the wafers, beginning with the selection and cleansing of the wheat. Once the wheat had been properly washed and ground, only a baker sanctioned by the local church council could produce communion wafers in a ceremonially shielded iron-plated oven.

Eventually, certain orders of nuns assumed the responsibility of creating communion wafers, which often became a source of income for their convents. The standard ingredients still remained wheat flour and water, with no seasoning or leavening permitted. The wafers were intended to melt in the recipient's mouth as he or she reflected on the sacrifices made by Jesus Christ. During the Eucharist service, a form of wine or natural grape juice is also served along with the bread or wafers.

Modern wafers may be embossed with religious symbols or perforated for easier dispensation. The priests who serve holy communion may have to consume larger wafers, also called hosts, than those placed on the tongues of congregants. There are also larger sheets of wafers designed to be broken along pre-scored lines. Religious supply stores often carry several different varieties of communion breads to address the needs of different Christian denominations.

The use of plain wheat flour and water does give communion wafers an air of humility, but some find the bland taste to be very unappealing. Some Christian denominations which observe holy communion have opted for other types of bread, such as unleavened pita bread, table crackers, leavened loaf bread or even flour tortillas. Some manufacturers of communion wafers also offer gluten-free varieties made from soy or potato flour. While acceptance of these alternative breads may vary from denomination to denomination, the symbolism of the bread as the body of Christ still remains.

The appeal of communion wafers as a snack food may remain elusive to many of us, but there are a number of places in the world where a form of communion wafer can be found next to pretzels, corn chips and peanuts. Since these crackers are fat-free by nature, and generally free of any unnatural preservatives or salt, they may be popular. Since these particular wafers have not been consecrated by the Catholic church, their religious significance is considered nominal. Other forms of unleavened "Bible bread" can also be found in a number of grocery stores.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Michael Pollick
By Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to WiseGeek, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide range of topics. His curiosity drives him to study subjects in-depth, resulting in informative and engaging articles. Prior to becoming a professional writer, Michael honed his skills as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.
Discussion Comments
By anon989338 — On Mar 02, 2015

Does anyone know who makes the communion bread? I would like to contact someone who does.

Thank you in advance for any replies or thoughts on this.

By anon972778 — On Oct 06, 2014

Why does anyone want to know if communion wafers are kosher?

By anon967095 — On Aug 24, 2014

You need both the bread and the wine to represent the body and blood of Jesus! It is inappropriate to believe the Eucharist to be complete in you if you don't take the wine.

By anon930646 — On Feb 05, 2014

Actually, Catholic doctrine holds that Christ is indivisible, thus at the moment of consecration the substance of the bread and the substance of the wine equally and fully changes into the substance of the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ.

The wine, as such, is not necessary for general communion and is usually reserved for priestly consumption. Wine is used because Christ used it at the first Eucharist, and it does represent his blood, but after consecration is not merely the blood of Christ.

By anon347366 — On Sep 06, 2013

@ZipLine: You could just ask God for healing of your gluten condition so you can take the wafer. Right before taking communion, the congregation says, "Lord, I am not worthy to receive You, but only say the word and I shall be healed." Next time, say that phrase like you mean. Mark 11:24 says "Therefore I say unto you, what things so ever you desire, when you pray, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them."

By ZipLine — On Feb 21, 2013

I wish my church would buy gluten-free communion wafers. I have a gluten intolerance and my church only has wheat wafers. I go to communion but I just cross my arms on my chest and ask for a blessing when it's my turn. I don't take the wafer.

I've spoken to my priest about this but he said that they will consider it if there are more people who are unable to take the wafer due to health reasons. I understand they don't want to make a change for just one person.

It would be great to be able to accept a communion wafer though.

By turquoise — On Feb 20, 2013

@ddljohn-- You don't seem ignorant at all. It's nice that you are interested in this and want to learn.

Communion is the remembrance of Jesus Christ. During the Last Supper, Jesus gave bread to his disciples and instructed his followers to do the same after his death in remembrance of him. The bread is his body, the symbol of his sacrifice to save us from our sins. There is also a communion table which is to remind us of the Last Supper.

The tradition has been there since the very beginning since it was instructed by Christ.

By ddljohn — On Feb 20, 2013

I'm not Catholic and I don't have Catholic friends who can teach me. So please excuse me if I seem ignorant about this subject.

Can anyone explain the purpose of eating wafers during communion? I understand that wafers and wine symbolize the body and blood of Christ. But why is this done? When did this tradition start?

By anon289396 — On Sep 04, 2012

What kind of machines are used in the modern processing of communion wafers, and how can one get such machines?

By anon259795 — On Apr 08, 2012

Yes, anon257605 is correct. When you accept the body of Christ, you already have the Eucharist inside you. Thus, you don't really need the blood of Christ. You aren't less holy without it. It's also the reason why you don't need to bow to the tabernacle or cross yourself after receiving the host, nor bow when you enter the pew again.

By anon257605 — On Mar 27, 2012

@anon145340: The reason is because it is your choice to receive the wine. It is not necessary to receive it every time you receive communion.

By anon145340 — On Jan 23, 2011

Why do some catholics only take one form of the eucharist? That is, the wafer, but not the wine? Isn't this wrong? --A catholic

By anon115070 — On Sep 30, 2010

The Eucharist is the proper name. The Roman Catholic is correct in its ways.

By anon32037 — On May 15, 2009

We are suppliers for wafers industries. one natural product is called Fry Powder & Filters. They are using this to control the oil that goes into the product. The oil has very less fuel cost and can reduce about 10%. The quality of product is upgraded automatically.

This is a mineral & a natural antioxidant.

Thank You

By anon17394 — On Aug 28, 2008

Are Communion wafers considered kosher?

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to WiseGeek, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide range...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-communion-wafers-made-of.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.