How many calories are in one breadstick?

October 31, 2025 •

3 min read

On average, a plain, hard breadstick contains about 25-40 calories. However, the real number for how many calories are in one breadstick depends heavily on its size, ingredients, and toppings, with restaurant versions often being much higher.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a single breadstick varies widely, from around 25 calories for a small, plain grissini to 140 calories for restaurant-style versions, depending on its size and added fats or toppings.

Key Points

Significant Calorie Range: The calorie count for one breadstick varies dramatically, from a low of 20-30 for small, plain sticks to 140 or more for large, restaurant-style versions.
Added Fats Are Key: Toppings like butter, oil, and cheese are the biggest contributors to a breadstick's calorie count, elevating it far beyond that of a simple bread product.
Size Matters: Larger breadsticks, like those served at many restaurants, contain more calories due to their greater mass and higher surface area for toppings compared to smaller, drier grissini.
Restaurant vs. Store-Bought: Fast-casual or restaurant breadsticks tend to be higher in calories due to their richer ingredients and generous portion sizes, while plain, packaged versions are generally lighter.
Control Your Choices: By opting for plain breadsticks, requesting less fat, and controlling your portion size, you can enjoy this snack while managing calorie intake effectively.

Understanding Breadstick Calorie Variation

The calorie content of a breadstick is not a fixed number; it's a dynamic figure influenced by several key factors. While a small, store-bought grissini might seem like a harmless, low-calorie snack, a large, buttered, and garlic-topped breadstick from a restaurant is a different story entirely. The primary contributors to the calorie count are the type of flour, the amount of fat used in the recipe, and any additional toppings like cheese, garlic butter, or other flavorings. Breadsticks are primarily carbohydrates, but the fats and protein content can shift the calorie distribution significantly. For example, a restaurant breadstick, rich with oils and savory seasonings, will have a much higher fat-derived calorie percentage than a crisp, low-fat packaged version.

Factors Affecting Breadstick Calories

Several variables determine the final calorie count of your breadstick. Being aware of these can help you make more informed choices when dining out or grocery shopping.

Size and Weight: A small, light grissini stick weighs significantly less than a hefty, oven-baked restaurant breadstick, directly impacting the calorie load.
Added Fats: Restaurant and frozen breadsticks often come brushed with garlic butter or oil, which dramatically increases the fat and, consequently, the calorie content.
Toppings and Fillings: Cheese, herbs, and other fillings can add a substantial number of calories. Cheese-stuffed breadsticks, for instance, are much higher in calories than their plain counterparts.
Recipe: A homemade breadstick can be controlled for ingredients, allowing for low-fat or whole-wheat options. Commercial products often use different oils and processing methods that can alter the nutritional profile.
Preparation Method: Frying a breadstick will add more calories than baking it.

Popular Restaurant Breadsticks Calorie Breakdown

Different restaurant chains offer their own unique versions of the breadstick, each with a specific nutritional profile. Here is a look at some popular options, highlighting the variation between them.

Olive Garden: A single Olive Garden breadstick with garlic topping contains 140 calories. These are known for their generous size and garlic butter spread, making them a higher-calorie choice.
Domino's Pizza: A single Domino's breadstick has around 116 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown that includes 30% fat.
Pizza Hut: One standard Pizza Hut breadstick contains 140 calories. Like Olive Garden, the addition of fats and seasonings contributes to a higher calorie count compared to simpler versions.
Little Caesars: Their Crazy Bread is comparable, with one stick containing approximately 100 calories.

Comparison Table: Breadstick Calories by Type


Breadstick Type	Average Calories Per Serving	Key Calorie Sources
Small, Hard Grissini	20-30 kcal	Primarily carbs
Plain, Medium Soft	40-80 kcal	Carbs, some fat
Olive Garden (w/ Garlic)	140 kcal	Carbs, high fat from butter/oil
Pizza Hut (w/ Toppings)	140-150 kcal	Carbs, added fat and toppings
Domino's (w/ Toppings)	~116 kcal	Carbs, added fat and toppings
Cheese-Stuffed	170-200 kcal	Carbs, high fat from cheese

Making Healthier Breadstick Choices

If you're watching your calorie intake, you don't necessarily have to give up breadsticks. Making mindful choices can help you enjoy them in moderation.

Opt for plain versions: Small, thin, and plain grissini sticks are the lowest calorie option available.
Order without toppings: Requesting no garlic butter, cheese, or other fatty toppings can drastically reduce the calorie count of restaurant breadsticks.
Bake at home: Making your own breadsticks allows for full control over the ingredients, such as using whole wheat flour and minimal oil. You can also experiment with healthier flavorings like herbs instead of butter.
Practice portion control: Limiting yourself to one or two breadsticks rather than the entire basket can keep your intake in check.
Choose healthier dips: Skip high-fat dips like creamy alfredo and opt for a marinara sauce, which is significantly lower in calories.

Conclusion

The number of calories in one breadstick can range from a minimal 20-30 calories for a small, dry stick to over 140 calories for a restaurant-style version loaded with butter and garlic. Factors like size, ingredients, and preparation method are the biggest determinants of the final nutritional value. Understanding these differences allows for informed choices, whether you are enjoying a treat or managing your dietary goals. Paying attention to the type of breadstick and its toppings is key to knowing its true calorie impact.

Olive Garden Nutritional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

A small, plain breadstick, like a hard grissini stick, typically contains around 20-40 calories, varying slightly by brand and size.

According to Olive Garden's nutritional information, one of their signature breadsticks with garlic topping contains 140 calories.

A single Domino's breadstick contains approximately 116 calories, with the total fat contributing to a significant portion of its macronutrient breakdown.

The most significant calorie additions to a breadstick come from added fats, such as butter, oil, and cheese. Restaurant versions are often brushed with high-fat garlic butter, which substantially increases the calorie count.

Yes, small, hard, and plain breadsticks (grissini) can be considered a relatively low-calorie snack compared to other options. Their calorie count is often under 50 per stick.

Homemade breadsticks can be much lower in calories than restaurant versions because you can control the ingredients, using less fat and potentially healthier flour alternatives like whole wheat.

The carbohydrate content varies, but a standard breadstick is primarily carbs. A small plain stick might have around 6-12 grams, while larger, restaurant versions can contain 18-25 grams or more.

Yes, cheese-stuffed or cheese-topped breadsticks are notably higher in calories due to the added fat from the cheese. For example, some cheese-filled varieties can reach 170-200 calories per stick.