How many calories are in a slice of store-bought bread?

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

A single slice of commercially prepared white bread can have as few as 65 calories, but this number varies significantly across different types. Determining how many calories are in a slice of store-bought bread depends heavily on the flour, ingredients, and thickness of the slice.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a slice of bread depends on its type, with white bread generally having slightly fewer calories than whole wheat or multigrain. Factors like added ingredients, slice thickness, and brand-specific recipes cause variation, making label reading crucial for accurate nutritional information.

Key Points

Calorie Variation: The number of calories in a slice of store-bought bread ranges widely, typically from 65 to over 100, depending on the type and ingredients.
Type Matters: White bread generally contains fewer calories per slice (65-80) compared to whole wheat or multigrain bread (80-110), but is less nutrient-dense.
Ingredient Impact: Additives like nuts, seeds, and sweeteners can increase the calorie count, as seen in multigrain or raisin bread.
Check Slice Thickness: The size and thickness of a slice significantly affect its calories; a thin-sliced loaf will be lower in calories per slice than a rustic, thick-cut one.
Read the Label: Always check the product's nutritional information for the most accurate calorie and serving size data, as definitions can vary by brand.
Consider Toppings: What you add to your bread, such as butter or spreads, can easily double or triple the calorie count of a single slice.
Nutrient-Dense Options: Opting for whole grain or sprouted bread provides more fiber and nutrients, promoting better satiety and overall health despite potentially higher calories.

Calorie Breakdown by Bread Type

When you browse the bread aisle at the grocery store, you will encounter a wide variety of loaves, from classic white to nutrient-dense whole grain and specialty options. The calorie content of each slice is not standardized and is influenced by several factors, including the type of flour used, added ingredients like seeds or fats, and the slice size. Generally, whole grain and multigrain breads tend to have a slightly higher calorie count than white bread due to their richer fiber and nutrient profiles, while some low-calorie and gluten-free options have their own unique calorie range.

What Influences the Calorie Count?

Several key factors influence the number of calories in a slice of bread:

Type of Flour: White bread is made from refined flour, which has had the bran and germ removed. This process reduces fiber and certain nutrients. Whole wheat bread uses the entire grain, which contains more fiber and protein, contributing to a slightly higher caloric value per similar serving size.
Added Ingredients: Breads with added seeds, nuts, or sweeteners will naturally have a higher calorie count. For example, a slice of raisin bread will contain more calories than a basic white loaf due to the added sugar and dried fruit. Similarly, some artisanal or protein-enriched breads use additional oils or high-protein components, increasing their energy density.
Slice Thickness and Density: Not all bread slices are created equal. The size and thickness of a slice can dramatically alter the total calories. A thick, bakery-style slice from a rustic loaf will contain more calories than a thinly sliced, pre-packaged sandwich bread, even if they are the same type.
Moisture Content: The water content in bread affects its caloric density per weight. Since calories are often measured by weight, a denser, drier bread might have more calories per gram than a lighter, more moist loaf.

Popular Store-Bought Bread Calories

To give you a clearer picture, here is a comparison of typical calories in a single slice for several popular types of store-bought bread. These are approximate values, and it is always best to check the nutritional information on the specific product's packaging for the most accurate details.


Bread Type	Approx. Calories per Slice (25-30g)	Primary Characteristics
White Bread	65-80 calories	Made from refined flour, lower in fiber.
Whole Wheat Bread	80-90 calories	Contains more fiber and nutrients than white bread.
Multigrain Bread	90-110 calories	Often includes added seeds and grains, higher in fiber.
Sourdough Bread	80-100 calories	Natural fermentation process, unique nutritional profile.
Gluten-Free Bread	70-110 calories	Uses alternative flours, calorie count varies widely.
Sprouted Grain Bread	~80 calories	Made from sprouted whole grains, higher in certain nutrients.
Thin-Sliced Whole Grain	45-60 calories	Smaller, thinner slices for controlled portion size.

Making Healthier Choices

For those monitoring their calorie intake, making informed choices about bread can be helpful. Choosing fiber-rich options like whole wheat or sprouted grain bread can increase satiety and provide more sustained energy, which is beneficial for weight management. When comparing products, be sure to look beyond just the calorie count per slice. The serving size listed on the nutrition label can sometimes be misleading; some brands define a serving as one slice, while others use two. Paying attention to the entire nutritional profile, including fiber, protein, and sugar content, is key. Low-calorie or thin-sliced breads are another excellent option for portion control. Remember that what you add to your bread—butter, spreads, or deli meats—can significantly increase the total calories of your meal, so always consider the toppings as part of your overall intake.

Nutritional Benefits Beyond Calories

While calories are a primary concern for many, the nutritional value of bread goes far beyond its energy content. Whole grain breads, in particular, offer substantial health benefits, including higher fiber, protein, and micronutrient levels. A diet rich in whole grains is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Additionally, many commercially sold breads are enriched with essential vitamins and minerals like iron, thiamine, and folic acid to help prevent deficiencies. For those with specific dietary needs, such as celiac disease, gluten-free bread options provide an important alternative, though their nutritional and caloric content can differ from traditional loaves.

Conclusion

Understanding how many calories are in a slice of store-bought bread is not a simple, one-size-fits-all answer. The calorie count varies depending on the bread's type, ingredients, and serving size. While white bread is often on the lower end of the spectrum at around 65-80 calories per slice, healthier, fiber-rich options like whole wheat or multigrain often contain slightly more, typically ranging from 80 to 110 calories. The key to making a healthy choice is to read the nutrition label carefully, considering not only the calories but also the fiber and nutrient content. By paying attention to these details and practicing mindful portion control, bread can be a valuable and healthy part of any diet.

Visit the Federation of Bakers for more information on the nutritional aspects of bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a slice of whole wheat bread often has slightly more calories than a slice of white bread of a similar size. For example, a slice of whole wheat might have around 80-90 calories, while a white bread slice might have 65-80 calories. The higher fiber and nutrient content of whole wheat contributes to this slight difference.

Not necessarily. The calorie content of gluten-free bread can vary widely depending on the ingredients used, which often include a mix of alternative flours. Some gluten-free breads have a similar calorie count to traditional loaves, while others can be slightly higher or lower.

The most accurate calorie count will be on the product's nutrition label. The label provides specific information about the serving size, which may be one or two slices, and the total calories for that serving.

For commercially produced, pre-sliced bread, each slice is generally uniform in size and will have a consistent calorie count. However, for fresh or artisanal loaves, slice thickness can vary, causing a slight fluctuation in calories per slice.

Adding butter, margarine, or jam to a slice of bread can significantly increase the total calories. A simple pat of butter can add anywhere from 50 to 100 calories, dramatically affecting the total energy content of your meal.

Low-calorie breads typically contain fewer than 100 calories per slice, with some thin-sliced options dropping below 70 calories. These are often formulated to have less sugar and fat, or a smaller portion size.

Bread's reputation is often debated. Refined white bread is criticized for its low nutrient and fiber content, which can lead to blood sugar spikes. However, nutrient-dense whole grain varieties are considered a healthy and important source of carbohydrates and fiber.