How Many Calories are in One Slice of Crusty Bread?

October 31, 2025 •

3 min read

The calorie content of bread varies significantly; a typical 35-gram slice of commercial crusty white bread contains approximately 85 calories. This figure, however, is not universal, and the precise calorie count for one slice of crusty bread can depend on the recipe, density, and size.

Quick Summary

The calories in a single slice of crusty bread range widely, influenced by the specific type, slice thickness, and ingredients used. Artisan loaves, sourdough, and enriched doughs all present different nutritional profiles.

Key Points

Variability is Key: The calorie count for one slice of crusty bread is not fixed and depends on many factors, including density, size, and ingredients.
Approximate Range: A standard commercial slice can be anywhere from 85 to 150+ calories, depending on its type and thickness.
Ingredients Matter: Flour type (whole grain vs. refined), added fats, and mix-ins like seeds and nuts significantly alter the nutritional profile.
Homemade Accuracy: For homemade bread, calculate calories by weighing ingredients and the final baked loaf to get an accurate per-slice estimate.
Crust vs. Crumb: The nutritional difference between the crust and the inner crumb is minimal, though baking can produce some antioxidants in the crust.
Portion Control: The best strategy for managing calorie intake is to be mindful of portion sizes, as a thicker or denser slice will always contain more calories.
Sourdough Benefits: While calorie counts are often similar, sourdough's fermentation process can make it easier to digest and potentially lower its glycemic index.

The calorie count for a single slice of crusty bread is not a single, fixed number. Instead, it is a variable that depends heavily on several factors, including the bread's ingredients, density, and the size of the slice itself. While a quick search might provide an average, knowing what influences the number can help you more accurately track your intake.

The Calorie Range for Crusty Bread

For a standard commercial product, the calories in one slice of crusty white bread can range from around 85 kcal for a 35-gram slice up to 103 kcal for a slightly larger 40-gram slice, according to grocery retailer data. For artisanal or bakery-style crusty French bread, a single slice could contain as much as 140 to 152 calories due to variations in density and moisture content. Homemade crusty bread can also have a broad calorie range, with one recipe cited as having 154 calories per serving.

Factors That Influence the Calorie Count

Ingredients

The type of flour is a major determinant. Whole-grain flour contains more fiber and can have a different calorie profile than refined white flour. Additions like nuts, seeds, oil, or sugar will increase the overall calorie and fat content.

Slice Thickness and Density

A thick-cut slice from an artisan loaf is much denser and heavier than a thin, commercial slice, meaning it will contain significantly more calories. The calorie count per 100 grams is a more reliable metric for comparison, with many breads falling in the 240 to 260 kcal range per 100g, but this must be adjusted for the weight of your specific slice.

Preparation Method

For homemade bread, the exact recipe and fermentation process matter. For instance, the long fermentation process of sourdough can change the glycemic index, which affects how your body processes the carbohydrates, but the total calories often remain comparable to other breads. Toasting crusty bread does not add significant calories, but adding spreads like butter or jam will.

How to Calculate Calories for Homemade Crusty Bread

For those who bake their own, the most accurate method involves tracking the ingredients. Here’s a simple process:

Step 1: List the weights of all ingredients used in your recipe (flour, water, yeast, salt, oil, seeds, etc.).
Step 2: Use a nutrition calculator or app (like MyFitnessPal) to find the total calories for each ingredient and sum them up for the entire loaf.
Step 3: After baking and cooling the loaf completely, weigh it.
Step 4: Divide the total calories by the weight of the baked loaf to get the calories per gram.
Step 5: Weigh your individual slice and multiply its weight by the calories per gram for a precise calorie count.

Comparison of Different Crusty Breads

To put the calorie count of crusty bread in perspective, here is a comparison based on approximate per-slice values from various sources:


Bread Type	Serving Size (Approx.)	Approximate Calories (kcal)	Key Differentiating Factors
Commercial Crusty White	1 slice (35g)	~85	Lighter texture, standard slice size
Tesco Crusty Bloomer	1 slice (40g)	~103	Specific brand, slightly larger slice
Artisanal French Baguette	1 slice	~140-152	Higher density, artisanal recipe
Sourdough (Artisan Style)	1 small slice (32g)	~93	Fermentation process, potentially lower GI
Homemade Crusty Loaf	1 serving	~154	Varies significantly by recipe and density

What About the Crust? Is It More Nutritious?

There is a common belief that the crust of bread is more nutritious than the inside. The truth is more nuanced. While the crust is made from the same ingredients as the rest of the loaf, the intense heat during baking triggers a chemical process called the Maillard reaction. This reaction creates browning and flavor, and a 2002 study showed that bread crust contains higher levels of an antioxidant called pronyl-lysine, which may have health benefits. However, the overall nutritional difference is marginal, and the idea of it being significantly healthier is largely a myth.

Conclusion

One slice of crusty bread can have a surprisingly wide range of calories, from as little as 85 to over 150, depending on its size, density, and ingredients. The key is to be mindful of these factors when incorporating it into your diet. Opting for whole-grain crusty bread can increase fiber and nutrient intake, and if you're concerned about accuracy, especially with homemade loaves, a simple calculation can provide a precise calorie count. Enjoy your crusty bread by choosing wisely and controlling your portion sizes. For more detailed nutrition information on different bread types, consider visiting the Federation of Bakers website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. The calorie content of sourdough bread is often similar to or even slightly higher than regular white bread on a per-gram basis. Its primary health benefit lies in its lower glycemic index and potential digestive benefits from the fermentation process, not significantly fewer calories.

The thickness of a slice has a direct impact on its weight and therefore its calorie count. A thicker, denser slice will have more calories than a thinner one. This is why commercial breads, which are often uniform, may have lower per-slice calories than a thick-cut artisanal loaf.

The nutritional difference between the crust and the crumb is marginal. While the Maillard reaction during baking creates certain antioxidants in the crust, the belief that it is significantly more nutritious is generally considered a myth.

To get an accurate count for homemade bread, weigh all your ingredients to find the total calories for the entire loaf. After baking and cooling, weigh the finished loaf. You can then calculate the calories per gram and weigh your individual slice to find its precise calorie count.

Yes, adding ingredients like nuts and seeds will increase the calorie count of the bread, as they are calorie-dense. The total increase depends on the quantity and type of additions.

Low-calorie alternatives include lettuce wraps, collard green wraps, or cauliflower thins. For a more bread-like texture, rice cakes or cloud bread are also options, though they differ significantly in taste and composition.

Toasting does not significantly change the calorie content of crusty bread itself. It primarily removes moisture and changes the texture. However, the addition of calorie-rich toppings or spreads when toasted will increase the total intake.