I love this bread, so I give it 5 stars for flavor and value. However, I give it 1-star for shipping. The inside box containing the 12 packages of bread was dented on the sides and corners, and so that means all of the packages of bread were also bent, resulting in half pieces and, worse, pieces that fall apart into a pile of crumbs when you pull them out of the package. The Amazon shipping box had no dents, so that suggests that the inside box with the bread was the problem, particularly because it looked like it had fallen off a shelf or had something smash it at one point. It was either sent busted up, or it happened during transit. The packaging material was deflated, so that would not have provided much cushioning. But, again, the Amazon box looked fine, so that makes me think that it was sent this way.This is an interesting bread. Supposedly made the authentic way.One pack has several layers of PRE-Cut flat sheets of pumpernickel bread.You open one end of the vacuum seal package and literally slide a sheet of the pumpernickel bread out.Pretty interesting yah?The best way to eat this bread (For my taste) is toasted in a toaster-oven.It seems that toasting the bread brings out a different characteristic then if eaten "raw" in my mind, giving it a sweeter, crunchier, toasty bread finish. Put some cheese on it and it adds an "oooh aaaahhh" quotient.A tasty, and chewy bread when toasted.Lots and lots of fiber. You can actually see grains in there.One sheet alone is very filling because the characteristic of this bread is very dense. Strangely, the longer you toast this bread it doesn't really burst into flames.CON: As noted in web narratives, Real pumpernickel bread can cause "gas" if you eat too much of it. Stomach cramps and gas.Hahaha. Yah, it's just the nature of it I guess. Gassssss. Do not serve this bread if you're trying to make an impression on a first date or even 2nd date. Don't take chances, eat just a sheet and that's it. Two sheets, and I don't think it'll be much fun. In all fairness, you could toast a single-sheet, and break it up into tiny pieces and share it this way.It has a sour taste and not a very good texture, its crumbly and breaks apart. If you can not eat any other bread I guess it would have to do, but I would not eat it by choice. I am really surprised at all the great reviews.I have ordered DELBA bread many times before, and I love the flavor. Apparently the shipping method however has changed from a fixed box (in pervious years) to a loose collections in a larger box, which damages almost all the bread slices inside. As a result, the bread turned into crumbles (see image) making it unusable. I tried to return the bread but the company does not accept returns. Quite disappointing.We order this by the case & freeze it, with no ill effects in flavor or texture. Such a wonderful bread for toast, appetizers or hearty, Euro-style sandwiches!WoW! What a product! This is so far removed from the grocery store bakery version on Pumpernickel, that it is almost laughable. This is a VERY hearty bread with a semi-moist, tight crumb. The flavor is very earthy, warm and nutty. I take a slice, butter each side and then fry it in a hot pan until firm. Delicious with bacon and eggs.Another favorite: Mix a can of tiny shrimp, 8oz softened cream cheese, 2 tbsp of super finely chopped onion and a heaping TBSP of mayonnaise. Let the flavors blend a few hours then toast up a slice of this bread and spread some of the shrimp/cheese mixture on top! DELISH! And I have to say I used that term WAAAAAY before R.R. made it famous! ;)This is the second time I have purchased this bread. I like it. It is not for people who want a soft, pliable and bendable bread. It is difficult to make a sandwich as it will fall apart as you take a bite. But you are eating a somewhat more healthy bread. I find it more satisfying than your typical breads which can be gummy. I have eaten this both toasted and untoasted. Toasting seems to keep the bread together somewhat. I purchase this by the case as it has long shelf life. I have not experienced any molding in keeping this for long periods. Again, I repeat, this is not for everyone! But I like it.I buy this for my mom who is Old World German and she loves it. I used to buy the Mestemacher Whole Rye but lately it's been dry, brittle and the price sky rocketed! She much prefers this one. According to one of the toughest critics on the planet, it's really fresh, soft and very tasty! She's taking sandwiches made on it to her local church for Sunday brunch and it was a huge hit!