Complete Nutritional Breakdown
When you're counting calories or monitoring your daily nutritional intake, having precise information is key. One slice of Sara Lee Butter Bread, with its 70 calories, offers more than just energy. The standard serving size for this product is 1 slice (26g), and the calorie content is derived from a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and minimal fat.
Macronutrient Profile
For a single 26-gram slice, the nutritional breakdown is as follows:
- Total Carbohydrates: 13g, which accounts for the majority of the calories.
- Protein: 2g, contributing to the slice's total energy.
- Total Fat: 0.5g, a very small amount, which explains its low-fat classification.
In addition to the core macronutrients, other key details are important for a comprehensive understanding of what you're consuming. The slice contains 1g of total sugars, with 1g being added sugars, and has 0g of dietary fiber. It's also a cholesterol-free food and contains 120mg of sodium, about 5% of the daily value. For those tracking their carb intake, it's worth noting that the total and net carbs are the same in this case.
Is Sara Lee Butter Bread a Healthy Choice?
While Sara Lee Butter Bread is marketed as having a rich, buttery taste, its nutritional profile positions it as a moderate option compared to whole-grain breads. Its status as a low-fat, cholesterol-free food is a positive aspect. The bread is also free from high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors or flavors, which is a consideration for many consumers. However, as an enriched white bread, it lacks the dietary fiber found in whole-wheat varieties. Fiber is essential for digestive health and helps promote a feeling of fullness. The presence of enriched wheat flour and added sugar means it provides less long-term energy compared to a more complex carbohydrate source like whole grains.
Comparison of Sara Lee Bread Varieties
To put the calorie count in perspective, here is a comparison table of Sara Lee Butter Bread with other popular Sara Lee products. All values are based on a single-slice serving unless otherwise noted.
| Bread Variety | Serving Size | Calories | Total Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Total Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sara Lee Butter Bread | 1 slice (26g) | 70 | 13 | 2 | 0.5 |
| Sara Lee Artesano Original | 1 slice (38g) | 110 | 20 | 4 | 1.5 |
| Sara Lee Honey Wheat | 1 slice (26g) | 70 | 13 | 2 | 0.5 |
| Sara Lee 100% Whole Wheat | 1 slice (26g) | 60 | 11 | 3 | 0.5 |
| Sara Lee Artesano Brioche | 1 slice (38g) | 110 | 20 | 4 | 1.5 |
From the table, it's clear that Sara Lee Butter Bread falls in the middle of the range for calories per slice. The whole wheat version offers a lower calorie count per slice and more fiber, making it a better choice for some dietary plans. The artisan-style breads, being larger slices, naturally contain more calories, carbohydrates, and protein per serving.
Ingredients and What They Mean for Your Diet
The ingredients list on the Sara Lee Butter Bread package can help you further assess its suitability for your dietary needs. The primary ingredients are enriched wheat flour, water, and sugar. The enrichment process adds back vitamins and minerals that are lost during the milling of the wheat. The bread also contains a trivial amount of butter for flavor, which adds a negligible amount of cholesterol. Other ingredients include yeast, preservatives like calcium propionate and sorbic acid to maintain freshness, and dough conditioners to improve texture.
For those with specific dietary restrictions, it's worth noting the common allergens listed. Sara Lee Butter Bread contains wheat, soy, and milk (from the butter). While the bread is free of high fructose corn syrup and artificial additives, it still contains processed ingredients. When making a dietary choice, it is important to consider the full picture—not just the calories but also the quality of the ingredients.
How to Account for Add-ons
Of course, few people eat a slice of plain bread. The toppings and spreads you add will significantly increase the total calorie count. For example:
- Butter: A tablespoon of butter can add over 100 calories, tripling the total intake for a single slice.
- Jelly/Jam: A tablespoon of jelly can add 50 calories or more, plus a significant amount of sugar.
- Avocado: A quarter of a medium avocado can add around 80 calories.
- Peanut Butter: Two tablespoons of peanut butter can add up to 200 calories, plus a substantial amount of fat.
It is vital to factor in these additional calories when planning your meals. For a single slice of toast with butter and jam, the total could easily exceed 200 calories. For a balanced diet, focusing on nutrient-dense spreads and toppings like avocado, nut butter, or lean proteins is often recommended.
Conclusion
One slice of Sara Lee Butter Bread contains 70 calories, a figure that is relatively moderate for a standard white bread slice. While it is low in fat and cholesterol-free, it is an enriched white bread that lacks the higher fiber content of whole-grain alternatives. The ingredients are simple, without high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors and flavors, making it a simple option for sandwiches or toast. When planning your meals, it's crucial to consider the extra calories from toppings and compare it against other bread varieties, like the 60-calorie whole wheat option, to make the best choice for your dietary needs. For more details on their products, you can always visit the official Sara Lee website.
