How many calories are in 1 toast without butter?

October 28, 2025 •

4 min read

One slice of plain white toast, without any butter, typically contains around 70 to 80 calories. However, the exact number of calories in 1 toast without butter depends on the type of bread, the thickness of the slice, and the brand. Toasting the bread itself does not significantly alter its caloric content.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a single, unbuttered slice of toast is largely influenced by the type of bread used, with whole wheat typically being slightly higher in calories than white. Toasting removes moisture but does not change the core caloric value.

Key Points

Calorie Count: A standard slice of unbuttered white toast contains around 70-80 calories, while a whole wheat slice typically has 80-90 calories.
Toasting Effect: Toasting bread does not significantly change its caloric content, as it only removes moisture, not the calorie-containing macronutrients.
Bread Type Matters: The specific type of bread (white, whole wheat, multigrain) is the biggest determinant of the final calorie count.
Health Benefits: Dry toast offers benefits like a slightly lower glycemic index and aiding digestion, making it a good choice for people with certain dietary needs.
Toppings Add Calories: The addition of butter or other spreads significantly increases the total calories of the meal, so it is important to factor these in.

Calorie Breakdown by Bread Type

When determining how many calories are in 1 toast without butter, the most crucial factor is the type of bread used. While the difference per slice may seem small, it can add up over time and is important for those meticulously tracking their intake. The following sections break down the caloric content for different common bread varieties.

White Toast

A standard slice of commercial white bread, when toasted without butter, generally falls in the range of 70 to 80 calories. This is because white bread is made from refined flour and tends to be less dense than whole wheat varieties. It's often lower in fiber and other nutrients that would add to the total calorie count. For example, a medium slice might contain around 72 calories. A thinner slice could be as low as 64 calories.

Whole Wheat Toast

For those opting for a healthier, fiber-rich option, whole wheat toast is the choice. A typical slice of whole wheat toast without butter contains slightly more calories than its white bread counterpart, often ranging from 80 to 90 calories. This minor increase is due to the higher fiber and nutrient content derived from the whole grain. One source notes a regular slice of toasted 100% whole wheat bread contains 69 calories, while another approximates a 33g slice at 92 calories.

Multigrain Toast

Multigrain toast, which often includes various seeds and grains, generally has a higher calorie count. This is because the additional seeds often contain healthy fats and added carbohydrates, increasing the energy density. A slice of multigrain toast could range from 90 to 110 calories, though this can vary significantly depending on the specific ingredients and slice thickness.

Does Toasting Affect Calories?

A common misconception is that toasting bread reduces its calorie content. This is not true. Toasting works by applying heat, which evaporates water from the bread. It does not burn off the carbohydrates, fats, or proteins that contain the calories. Therefore, a slice of toasted bread has virtually the same number of calories as an untoasted slice from the same loaf. Any slight change in weight is due to moisture loss, not caloric reduction.

Factors Influencing Toast Calories

Bread Type: As discussed, the type of flour (refined vs. whole grain) and added ingredients heavily impact the final calorie count.
Slice Thickness: A thick, large slice of bread will always contain more calories than a thinner, smaller one from the same loaf.
Brand Variations: Different brands use different recipes. Some may add sugar, oils, or other ingredients that affect the caloric value. Always check the nutritional information on the packaging for the most accurate details.
Toppings: While this article focuses on toast without butter, it is important to remember that toppings significantly increase calorie intake. Even a small amount of butter, jam, or peanut butter can add 30 to 100+ calories.

Calorie Comparison: White vs. Whole Wheat Toast

To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison table based on typical commercial bread slices without any toppings. Exact values will vary by brand and size.


Bread Type	Average Calories (per slice)	Key Differentiator
White Toast	70-80	Made from refined flour, lower in fiber.
Whole Wheat Toast	80-90	Made from whole grains, higher in fiber and nutrients.

Health Benefits of Dry Toast

While dry toast is not a nutrient-dense superfood, it does offer some minor health benefits, especially compared to untoasted bread in certain situations.

Lower Glycemic Index: Toasting bread slightly lowers its glycemic index (GI), which can lead to a slower, more gradual rise in blood sugar. This can be beneficial for individuals managing diabetes.
Aids Digestion: Dry toast can help bulk up stool and slow down digestion. This is why it is often recommended as part of the BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) diet for those suffering from diarrhea.
Gentle on the Stomach: Due to its bland nature and ease of digestion, dry toast can be a good food choice for individuals experiencing nausea or an upset stomach.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in 1 toast without butter depends primarily on the type of bread. A standard slice of white toast contains approximately 70-80 calories, while a whole wheat slice is slightly higher at 80-90 calories. The toasting process itself does not significantly alter the caloric content, but it can provide some minor digestive benefits by lowering the glycemic index and adding bulk. For the most accurate count, checking the nutrition label is always the best practice. When eaten as part of a balanced diet and portion-controlled, dry toast can be a simple, low-calorie option for a meal or snack.

Final Thoughts on Toast

Incorporating dry toast into a diet is a simple way to get carbohydrates for energy. Pair it with healthy, protein-rich toppings like eggs or nut butter to create a more balanced and satisfying meal. Alternatively, a slice of toast can be a low-calorie base for a nutritious avocado or veggie spread. Making informed choices about the type of bread and toppings is key to managing overall caloric intake effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard slice of plain white toast contains approximately 70-80 calories, depending on the slice thickness and brand.

One slice of whole wheat toast without butter typically contains about 80-90 calories, slightly more than white toast due to its higher fiber content.

No, toasting bread does not lower its calorie count. The process removes water but leaves the calorie-containing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins largely unchanged.

Whole wheat toast is generally considered healthier because it contains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than white toast. However, the calorie difference is not large.

Yes, dry toast is often recommended for an upset stomach or diarrhea as it is easy to digest and helps add bulk to stool. It is a key component of the BRAT diet.

Whole wheat bread is typically made with denser, more fibrous flour than white bread. The additional fiber and nutrients in whole grains contribute to a slightly higher caloric value per slice.

To reduce the calories of your toast, choose a thinner slice of bread or opt for a bread type with a lower calorie count. The most significant way to keep calories low is to avoid high-calorie toppings like butter, jam, or sugary spreads.