Finding the healthiest bread for your diet, whether that means bread with low calories or high fibre, isn't always easy.
When shopping in the supermarket, most of us pick out the same bread each time as we might think that all wholemeal bread and all white loaves are essentially the same as each other. But if you're looking to change up your diet and eat a lot of carbohydrates, then looking at the type of bread you eat might be a good place to start.
For example, we were astonished to see just how much the healthiest breads differ in calories and fats to the worst offenders. One popular brand was found to contain 127 calories per slice, compared to just 57 calories per slice from another brand. When it comes to our health, the bread we eat can make a big difference.
And while most of us know that making your own bread is best way to decide what goes into it, there are still plenty of healthy options on the shelves.
But which is the healthiest bread for your diet? An expert's verdict:
According to Niamh Hennessy, Lead Dietician from Bupa Cromwell HospitalNutrition, a lot of choosing the healthiest bread is making sure it's got enough fibre content.
She explained: 'One of the key things to look for when choosing bread is its fibre content. Adults need around 30g of fibre to stay healthy every day – two slices of wholemeal or wholegrain bread contains around 5.3g of the daily fibre you need keep your digestive system in good working order.'
And of course, wholegrain breads are always preferable if you're keeping an eye on your health.
Niamh explained; 'Wholegrain breads are preferable in their fat content; gram for gram it has fewer than half of the amount of some other varieties. Another edge wholegrain bread has over other bread types is the energy it provides. As the sugars within wholegrain breads take longer to digest compared to other types of bread, wholegrains make you feel fuller for longer.'
"And for increased nutritional value, choose a bread with seeds and grains – but make sure you stick to the recommended portion size as they can increase your calorie count for the day."
We've rounded up the 20 best and worst breads from various stores and brands and given each one a rating out of 10, 1 being bad and 10 being good. Not every slice of bread weighs the same amount so to make our comparisons fair we've looked at the nutritional information for 100g of each bread, as well as how much a slice weighs from each loaf.
Niamh also warned that one thing you need to look out for in your favourite loaf is salt. "Hidden salt in bread can push you towards your recommended daily allowance, and without being mindful, you might end up eating more salt than you should in a day," she explained. "Carefully read your labels and try to choose a medium sliced bread aiming for less than 1g of salt per 100g."
Find out how your favourites compares so that next time you're in the supermarket, you can make the best bread choice for your diet! Healthy bread, here you come!
Burgen Premium Soya And Linseed Loaf: 1/10
(Image credit: Roland Hoskins/Associated Newspapers/REX/Shutterstock)
Per 100g (An average slice of this bread is around 40g)-
Cals: 287 (Per slice, 126) Highest calories per 100g
Fat: 11.0g Highest fat
Saturated fat: 1.5g Highest sat fat
Sugar: 4.2g Highest sugar
Salt: 0.75g
Weight: 800g
Price: £1 (Cheapest at Asda)
Verdict: This bread might look healthy but don't be fooled, it's actually packed with calories, fat, saturated fat and sugar - the worst of all the breads we looked at!
Tesco Tiger Bloomer bread: 4/10
(Image credit: Tesco)
Per slice (An average slice of bread is around 50g) -
Cals:101
Fat: 0.8g
Saturated fat:0.2gLowest sat fat
Sugar: 1.0g
Salt: 0.3g
Weight: 400g
Price: £0.70 (Available at Tesco)
Verdict: Who doesn't love a slice of freshly baked Tiger Bread? Well the good news is, it's not too bad for you! This loaf from Tesco wins the saturated fat contest hands down, as it barely contains any. Plus it would go nicely with some cheese and maybe a glass of wine...
Kingsmill 50/50 Medium Sliced Bread: 5/10
Per 100g - (An average slice of this bread is around 40g)
Cals: 232 (Per slice, 93)
Fat: 1.8g
Saturated fat: 0.3g Low sat fat
Sugar: 3.4g
Salt: 0.9g
Weight: 800g
Price: £1.00 (Cheapest at Tesco)
Verdict: Kingsmill 50/50 bread is a good choice for kids as they won't realise that they are eating some very healthy wholemeal. Plus it's really low in saturated fat so a healthy option for everyone.
Hovis Tasty Wholemeal Bread
Per 100g - (An average slice of this bread is around 29g)
Cals: 221 (Per slice, 64)
Fat: 1.8g
Saturated fat: 0.4g
Sugar: 4.1g
Salt: 0.9g
Weight: 400g
Price: 85p at Ocado
Verdict: This is a pretty good option, with just 64 calories per slice, and eating wholemeal bread means you're getting some valuable fibre in your diet too. Plus, this brown bread is thicker than lots of other options, so tastier too!
Warburtons Medium Sliced White Bread: 7/10
Per 100g (An average slice of this bread weighs 40.3g)-
Cals: 244 (Per slice, 98)
Fat: 2.0g Low fat
Saturated fat: 0.5g
Sugar: 3.0g
Salt: 0.9g
Weight: 400g
Price: £1.05 (Cheapest at Sainsbury’s)
Verdict: With high calories per slice, at 98, you don’t want to overindulge. But with only 2.0g of fat per 100g, this Warburtons Sliced White bread is a pretty good option. The slices are really lightweight, but fill your sandwich with fresh salad leaves and you won't notice the difference.
Tesco White Toastie Thick Bread: 7/10
Per 100g (An average slice of bread weighs 50g)-
Cals: 239 (Per slice, 119)
Fat: 2.2g
Saturated fat: 0.5g
Sugar: 2.5g
Salt: 0.8g
Weight: 800g
Price: £0.55 (Available at Tesco)
Verdict: Tesco White Toastie Thick Bread is surprisingly healthier than most with low fat, sugar and salt contents and it’s purse-friendly choice. Especially if you love a slice or two of white toast on those cheat days!
Weight Watchers White Danish Bread: 8/10
Per 100g (An average slice of this bread weighs 20.6g)-
Cals: 243 (Per slice, 50)
Fat: 1.6g Low fat
Saturated fat: 0.5g Low sat fat
Sugar: 2.5g
Salt: 1.0g
Weight: 400g
Price: £1.00 (Cheapest at Morrisons)
Verdict: If you're watching your weight, then what better bread to go for than Weight Watchers! It really does what it says on the packet, with only 50 calories per slice plus low fat and saturated fat. Not bad for just £1.00 a loaf.
Hovis Nimble Sliced Wholemeal Bread: 8/10
(Image credit: Tesco)
Per 100g (An average slice of this bread weighs 22g)-
Cals: 233 (Per slice, 51) Lowest cals per slice
Fat: 2.5g
Saturated fat: 0.6g
Sugar: 2.2g
Salt: 0.93g
Weight: 400g
Price: £0.85 (Cheapest at Tesco)
Verdict: If you've not eaten Nimble bread before, now's the time to try. It's cheap, low in saturated fat and best of all, only has 51 calories per slice. Admittedly the slices are a little smaller than some other loaves, but choosing this healthy bread is a really easy way to cut out some unnecessary calories in your diet.
Cranks Proper Organic Seeded Farmhouse Bread: 9/10
Per 100g (An average slice of bread weighs around 50g)-
Cals: 227
Fat: 2.1g
Saturated fat: 0.3g
Sugar: 1.0g
Salt: 0.8
Weight: 800g
Price: £1.50 (Cheapest at Ocado)
Verdict: Crank's Organic Seeded Farmhouse Bread is a great buy. It has the 2nd lowest sugar content and it's an organic product too.
Weight Watchers Thick Sliced Wholemeal Brea: 9/10
Per 100g (An average slice of this bread weighs 8.6g)-
Cals: 225 (Per slice, 64)
Fat: 2.2g
Saturated fat: 0.7g
Sugar: 2.6g
Salt: 1.0g
Weight: 400g
Price: £1.00 (Cheapest at Morrisons)
Verdict: Weight Watchers sure know how to make delicious low calorie bread! And this wholemeal loaf is no different. With just 64 calories per (thick!) slice, it's a great low-calorie choice that'll fill you up too.
Biona Organic Rye Bread Amaranth/Quinoa Wheat Free Bread: 10/10
Per 100g (the average slice of bread is around 50g)-
Cals: 195 One of the lowest calories
Fat: 0.7g
Saturated fat: 0.3g
Sugar: 4.3g
Salt: 0.98g
Weight: 500g
Price: £1.89 (Cheapest at Tesco)
Verdict: Biona's Organic Rye Bread is definitely one of the best of breads we analysed. It's contains the lowest calories per 100g. We admit it's not the cheapest loaf you could buy but it's a really healthy option for the whole family. Rye's also good if you can't stomach wheat.
Waitrose Farmhouse Batch Sliced Bread: 10/10
Per 100g (An average slice of this bread weighs 50g)-
Cals: 229 (Per slice, 115)
Fat: 1.2g Lowest fat
Saturated fat: 0.3g Low sat fat
Sugar: 1.7g
Salt: 0.7g
Weight: 800g
Price: £1.35 (Available at Waitrose)
Verdict: Waitrose Farmhouse Batch is the best of the bunch! With just 1.2g of fat per 100g, it has the lowest fat content by far and also boasts low sugar and saturated fat. The best part is, it's super-tasty as well - we'll be adding this loaf to our shopping list, that's for sure!
FAQs
Breads: Best and worst loaves for your health revealed? ›
Whole grain bread is the healthiest pick for weight. It provides you with the nutrition of several whole grains like oats, barley, corn and others. Whole grain means whole kernel -the bran, germ and endosperm, which makes them highly nutritious.
What is the healthiest bread you can eat? ›- Sprouted whole grain. Sprouted bread is made from whole grains that have started to sprout from exposure to heat and moisture. ...
- Sourdough. ...
- 100% whole wheat. ...
- Oat bread. ...
- Flax bread. ...
- 100% sprouted rye bread. ...
- Healthy gluten-free bread.
Whole grain bread is the healthiest pick for weight. It provides you with the nutrition of several whole grains like oats, barley, corn and others. Whole grain means whole kernel -the bran, germ and endosperm, which makes them highly nutritious.
What bread is good for fatty liver? ›Look for “whole grain,” “whole wheat,” “sprouted grain,” and “high fiber” on package labels. Choose foods with at least three grams of dietary fiber and fewer than eight grams of sugar per serving.
What is the best bread for heart patients? ›Whole-grain breads are good sources of nutrients that help maintain a healthy immune system. They also provide dietary fiber that can help improve cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
What bread should I eat everyday? ›Whole-grain bread, Ezekiel bread, and rye bread are among the most healthful options. Bread made from whole or sprouted grains contains essential nutrients, including protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Others, such as processed white bread, contain very few nutrients.
What is the unhealthiest bread? ›Bimbo, Soft White Bread
"This bread is relatively high in sodium and higher in calories than a single slice of most breads. It also contains almost a tsp of sugar. This would be the worst choice."
Peanut butter is loaded with so many good, health-promoting nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, iron, selenium and vitamin B6. Research shows that people who regularly eat nuts and nut butter, including peanut butter, are less likely to develop heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
What to eat instead of bread? ›- Corn, reduced-carb or whole-grain tortillas.
- Cheese wraps or cheese slices.
- Coconut wraps.
- Cauliflower bread.
- Cucumber slices.
- Sweet potato slices.
- Bell pepper slices.
- Portobello mushrooms.
But if you're aiming to lose weight, you might want to stick to 8 slices per day and that is depending on your carbohydrate intake throughout the day.
What is the best breakfast to reduce fatty liver? ›
Eat foods rich in fiber, which helps your liver work at an optimal level. Fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, brown rice and cereals can take care of your body's fiber needs. Drink plenty of water, which prevents dehydration and helps your liver to function better.
Is canned tuna good for fatty liver? ›Fish. Ironically, eating fatty fish helps combat a fatty liver. Salmon, sardines, tuna, and trout are all high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower the levels of fat in the liver and reduce inflammation.
Are boiled eggs good for fatty liver? ›Many don't know that eggs are a food that's good for fatty liver. This is because eggs are rich in choline, which plays a role in transporting and lowering LDL or “bad” cholesterol.
What kind of sandwich is heart healthy? ›Step 2: Add Healthy Sandwich Meat or Other Lean Proteins
Good sandwich choices include sliced deli or rotisserie chicken, turkey, ham, lean roast beef, canned salmon or tuna, nut butter, grilled tempeh or tofu, smashed cooked beans, and reduced-fat cheese. Unsure about serving size?
A simple switch you can make for consistent long-term intestinal health is buying whole-grain bread rather than white. White bread is made with refined white flour, which can worsen constipation. 100% whole grain bread is high in dietary fiber, and fiber carries water straight to your stool to soften it.
What is the best bread for high blood pressure and cholesterol? ›The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and the Mediterranean diet both recommend including whole grains as part of a healthy diet. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, adults should eat about 3 ounces of whole grains a day, or the equivalent of three slices of whole-wheat bread.
What is the most healthy fruit? ›Lemons came out top of the list, followed by strawberry, orange, lime, and pink and red grapefruit. In this article, we look at the nutrition and the many and varied health benefits of these and other fruits you can find in the supermarket.
What is the best bread for osteoporosis? ›Like pumpernickel, rye bread is rich in lignans, plant compounds linked with a wide range of health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease, menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis and breast cancer.
What breads to avoid? ›When is bread not healthful? The highly processed flour and additives in white, packaged bread can make it unhealthful. Consuming too much white bread can contribute to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
What kind of bread does not cause inflammation? ›If you're a fan of whole grains and wonder which you should choose to include as a part of an anti-inflammatory diet, there's no wrong choice! Oatmeal, brown rice, whole grain wheat bread, barley, buckwheat, bulgur and millet are all exceptional options.
What is the best brand of bread? ›
- Nature's Own. Nature's Own. ...
- Dave's Killer Bread. Dave's Killer Bread. ...
- Canyon Bakehouse. Canyon Bakehouse. ...
- Food For Life. Food For Life Baking Co. ...
- Sara Lee. BWM Infinity/Shutterstock. ...
- Schmidt Old Tyme. Facebook. ...
- Ener-G. Ener-G. ...
- Panera Bread at Home. Panera Bread.
Salt or sodium
Salt, or specifically the sodium in salt, is a major contributor to high blood pressure and heart disease. This is because of how it affects fluid balance in the blood. Table salt is around 40 percent sodium. Some amount of salt is important for health, but it's easy to eat too much.
Eggs are also a great source of vitamins A, D and B12, as well as choline, a nutrient essential in many steps of metabolism. Except for its cholesterol content, one egg is a healthy option for breakfast lunch or dinner.
Is jelly and fruit good for you? ›As it turns out, according to both medical doctors and naturalistic nutritionists, as well as university researchers and numerous medical studies done all across the globe, fruit jams, jellies and preserves provide our bodies with beneficial quick boosts of energy and in fact, are only bout half the calories, even far ...
Are tortillas healthier than bread? ›A one-ounce slice of bread typically contains 75 to 100 calories. Corn tortillas, the traditional choice for tacos and enchiladas, generally have 60 to 65 calories in each small six-inch piece. Flour tortillas are slightly higher in calories because they contain added fat to make them softer and easier to roll.
Are bagels healthier than bread? ›In terms of calories, on average one bagel has more calories than one slice of bread. However, if you choose to have a bagel with more fibre, this may help you feel fuller for longer and potentially reduce your snacking throughout the day.
What foods can you eat as much as you want and not gain weight? ›- Celery.
- Lettuce.
- Watermelon.
- Broccoli and cauliflower.
- Grapefruit.
- Mushrooms.
- Berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries)
- Kiwi.
- Low carb pasta alternatives.
- Spiralised veggies.
- Shirataki noodles.
- Aubergine lasagne sheets.
- Low carb bread alternatives.
- Lettuce wraps.
- Oatcakes.
- Chickpea pancakes.
Studies that have analyzed the effects of serving size have shown that reducing the size of the rice bowl reduces calorie intake, body weight, and blood sugar levels ( 28 ). Therefore, rice can be weight-loss-friendly or calorie-dense, depending on the serving size.
What foods melt liver fat? ›- Fish and seafood.
- Fruits.
- Whole grains.
- Nuts.
- Olive oil.
- Vegetables.
- Avocados.
- Legumes.
What dissolves fatty liver? ›
Although there aren't any medications to treat NAFLD, a good diet and regular exercise can reverse it. Losing 10% of your current weight can dramatically decrease the amount of fat in the liver as well as reduce inflammation.
What can I drink at night for fatty liver? ›- Lemon Water.
- Ginger and Lemon Drink.
- Grapefruit Juice.
- Tumeric Tea.
- Green Tea.
- Chamomile Tea.
- Oat Tea.
- Jujube Fruit Juice.
Shrimp and scallops are quality sources of choline, which helps supports normal liver function.
Is pasta OK for fatty liver? ›4. Refined grains: Refined grains contain carbs that can contribute to weight gain and worsen fatty liver. Grains that are highly processed are prepared by removing their fibre. Pastas, white bread, burger buns etc are all made with processed grains and must be avoided if you have fatty liver.
Is Sweet Potato good for fatty liver? ›In this observational study conducted in China, consumption of sweet potatoes was associated with a lower risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in men, but not in women. This Study Summary was published on May 31 2022.
Is peanut butter good for fatty liver? ›Due to its high content of antioxidants and vitamins, peanut butter can improve antioxidant activity in the liver and promote its health. Peanut butter is a balanced source of protein that serves especially important to liver patients, as they have many dietary restrictions.
Are tomatoes good for liver? ›Tomato is also good for liver health. Tomato has detoxification effect in the body. Probably it is due to the presence of chlorine and sulfur in tomatoes. According to some studies, 51 mg of chlorine and 11 mg of sulfur in 100 grams size of tomato have a vital role in detoxification process.
Is bacon good for fatty liver? ›A 2019 review article notes that saturated fat intake increases the amount of fat around organs, including the liver. Beef, pork, and deli meats are all high in saturated fats. The AGA suggests that a person with fatty liver disease try to avoid these foods as much as possible.
What deli meat is heart healthy? ›Choose the leanest cut of deli meat possible such as turkey, chicken breast, lean ham or roast beef. These type of deli meat have the highest nutritional value compared to others.
What can I put on my toast if I have high cholesterol? ›- Avocado. ...
- Mashed or sliced banana. ...
- Berries and low-fat Greek yoghurt. ...
- Pure nut butters. ...
- Chia and berry 'jam'
What chips are good for high cholesterol? ›
Beanitos Black Bean Chips
This line of bean-based tortilla chips is a great option for anyone looking to satisfy a craving for chips while being mindful of their heart health. Beanitos are made with whole black beans.
- Apples or apple cider vinegar. Apples are rich in fiber and promote healthy digestion. ...
- Avocados. This fruit has both soluble and insoluble fibers at a ratio of one to three. ...
- Broccoli. Almost everyone likes broccoli. ...
- Spinach. ...
- Lemon. ...
- Garlic. ...
- Water.
Well-tolerated fiber sources include tender cooked vegetables, canned or cooked fruits, and starches like cooked cereals and whole wheat noodles and tortillas. Between flares, eat a wide variety of foods as tolerated. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat and nonfat dairy products.
What is the main cause of colon polyps? ›Smoking, obesity, diabetes, and inadequate exercise are risk factors for polyps, but many people with none of these risk factors have precancerous polyps in the colon. There are genetic risk factors for developing polyps as well.
What milk is best for lowering cholesterol? ›Choose lower fat milk such as skim, 1% and 2% milk. Making lifestyle changes (smoking cessation and weight loss), and reducing total dietary fat (especially saturated and trans fat) are more effective at lowering blood cholesterol than reducing cholesterol intake.
Which cheese is good for high blood pressure? ›Cheese. Some types are more likely to raise your blood pressure than others. Keep it down with cheeses that are naturally low in sodium, like Swiss, which has 75 milligrams per 1-ounce serving. Goat, ricotta, and fresh mozzarella are good, too.
What can I use instead of bread for sandwiches? ›- Corn, reduced-carb or whole-grain tortillas.
- Cheese wraps or cheese slices.
- Coconut wraps.
- Cauliflower bread.
- Cucumber slices.
- Sweet potato slices.
- Bell pepper slices.
- Portobello mushrooms.
Scientists, nutritionists, and health experts all agree that naturally-fermented sourdough bread is healthier than 'regular' white or whole wheat bread – for a multitude of reasons! Sourdough is more nutritious, easier to digest, and has a lower glycemic index. Sourdough also contains less gluten than other bread.
Which bread is healthiest white or brown? ›Brown bread is made using whole wheat, with their outer covering intact. This makes brown bread more nutritious and rich in fiber as compared to white bread. Brown bread contains more vitamin B-6 and E, magnesium, folic acid, zinc copper and manganese.
Which Dave's Killer bread is healthiest? ›The only Dave's product that meets our high formulation standards is Dave's Powerseed Bread (both regular and Thin-Sliced) because it's free of processed sugar and is instead sweetened with a small amount of organic fruit juices. This is the healthiest bread we've reviewed on Illuminate Health.
What is the healthiest bread to make a sandwich with? ›
- Sourdough: Relying on the fermentation of yeast and bacteria, sourdough has plenty of nutrients and healthy components that make sourdough a great choice for sandwiches. ...
- Rye bread: Instead of relying on wheat to make bread, rye flour is solely used to make rye bread.
It's nutritious.
Sourdough contains a variety of vitamins and nutrients, making it super beneficial to your day-to-day health.
As long as they're made with whole grains and have limited or no added sugar, both rye bread and sourdough bread are healthy bread options. Sourdough bread may be even healthier than regular bread because the fermentation makes certain vitamins and minerals easier for our bodies to absorb.
Which is healthier ciabatta or sourdough? ›Sourdough bread is healthier than traditional ciabatta bread. Ciabatta bread is a popular type of Italian bread, and therefore, is less nutritious than sourdough bread due to the leavening agent used. However, if you are searching for a healthier ciabatta bread, you can choose one made with sourdough or whole grains.
Is cheese good for you to eat? ›Bottom line: Although cheese is high in saturated fat and sodium, it is also rich in calcium and protein, and some fermented types contain probiotics. One can enjoy a modest amount of cheese as part of a healthful diet, but how it is eaten is key.
Why did Dave's Killer bread go to jail? ›Dave Dahl (born January 12, 1963) is an American entrepreneur, known for co-founding Dave's Killer Bread. Prior to it, he had served a total of over 15 years in prison for multiple offenses including drug distribution, burglary, armed robbery, and assault. Portland, Oregon, U.S.
Why does Dave's Killer bread not mold? ›Q: Why doesn't the bread mold? A: The organic dried cane syrup (sugar) and organic cultured wheat are natural ways that help keep our bread from molding quickly. Also, we go to great lengths to ensure that our facility is free of any airborne contaminants that can cause mold.
Why do people love Dave's Killer bread? ›Packed with seeds and grains, made with only the very best organic and non-GMO ingredients. That's how we still make bread today. Our commitment to uncompromising taste, texture, and quality is what makes Dave's Killer Bread different.