How many calories are in one Texas toast crouton? An analysis

December 5, 2025 •

4 min read

While a single standard crouton may contain as little as 1 calorie, the larger, thicker Texas toast variety has a higher caloric value. To find out how many calories are in one Texas toast crouton, you need to look past the per-serving figures and consider the crouton's individual size and density.

Quick Summary

One Texas toast crouton typically contains between 5 and 10 calories, though this can vary depending on its specific size, weight, and seasoning. Estimating the calories requires a simple calculation using the product's nutritional label.

Key Points

Estimate Calorie Range: One Texas toast crouton typically has 5–10 calories, depending on its size, weight, and seasoning.
Calorie Density is Key: The most accurate way to calculate is by using the calories-per-gram figure from the product's nutrition label.
Size Varies by Brand: Croutons are not uniform, so an estimation is necessary, but Texas toast varieties are generally larger and denser.
Ingredients Add Calories: The extra fat from oils and butter flavorings in Texas toast croutons significantly increases their calorie and fat content.
Portion Control is Crucial: Because the calorie count adds up quickly, it's vital to measure your serving rather than estimating a handful.
Homemade Croutons Offer Control: Making your own allows you to use less oil and healthier bread, giving you full control over the calorie count.
Consider Healthier Alternatives: For a low-calorie crunch, try nuts, seeds, or roasted chickpeas instead of traditional croutons.

Understanding the Nutritional Label

Calculating the calories in a single crouton begins with a close look at the product's nutrition label. Instead of focusing on the 'calories per serving' number alone, the key is to use the serving size in grams to find the calorie density. Texas toast croutons are known for being larger and more buttery than typical salad croutons, which affects their overall calorie and fat content per piece.

Take New York Bakery Texas Toast Croutons, for example. The label indicates a serving size of 2 tablespoons (7g) contains 35 calories. This gives us a baseline for calculation: 35 calories divided by 7 grams equals 5 calories per gram. Other brands, like Fresh Gourmet, report slightly different numbers, such as 30 calories per 2 tablespoons, which is closer to 4.3 calories per gram. The difference reflects variations in the amount of oil, butter, and seasonings used.

Estimating the Calories for a Single Crouton

Because Texas toast croutons are not uniform in size or weight, the most accurate way to find the calories for one is to weigh it. However, if you don't have a food scale, you can use an estimation based on the calorie-per-gram density. A single crouton is typically larger than 1 gram. If we assume an average Texas toast crouton weighs between 1.5 and 2 grams, we can make the following calculation using the New York Bakery data:

For a 1.5g crouton: 1.5g * 5 calories/g = 7.5 calories
For a 2g crouton: 2g * 5 calories/g = 10 calories

This demonstrates that the calorie count for a single piece is quite small. The real calorie impact comes from the quantity consumed. A handful of ten croutons could add 75 to 100 calories to your salad or soup, which is a significant addition if you are strictly monitoring your intake.

Comparison of Crouton Types

Texas toast croutons are not the only type available, and their calorie content differs significantly from other varieties. Plain, unseasoned croutons will have a lower calorie density, while seasoned or extra-fatty versions will have a higher one. Making your own croutons at home can also lead to variations depending on the bread, oil, and toppings used.


Crouton Type	Approximate Calories per 1.5g Crouton	Key Characteristics
Texas Toast (Store-Bought)	7.5–10 calories	Larger, thicker cut, often buttery and heavily seasoned.
Standard Seasoned (Store-Bought)	~5-7 calories	Smaller cubes, seasoned but less saturated with oil or butter.
Homemade (Lightly Oiled)	~3-5 calories	Dependent on the type of bread and amount of oil used; highly customizable.
Homemade (Air-Fried)	~2-4 calories	Can be made with very little oil, resulting in a drier, lower-calorie crouton.

Making Healthier Crouton Choices

If you love the crunchy texture of croutons but are concerned about the calories, there are several ways to make a healthier choice:

Portion Control: Measure your croutons instead of pouring them directly from the bag. Use the '2 tablespoons' guideline on the nutrition label as a starting point.
Choose Wisely: Compare nutrition labels across brands, as some will be naturally lower in calories and fat than others. Look for options with fewer added oils or sugars.
Go Homemade: Creating your own croutons allows for complete control over the ingredients. Using whole-wheat bread and a minimal amount of olive oil can drastically reduce the calorie count. Baking or air-frying instead of pan-frying also cuts down on fat.
Alternative Toppings: Consider swapping some or all of your croutons for lower-calorie alternatives. Nuts, seeds, or crispy roasted chickpeas can provide a satisfying crunch with different nutrient profiles.

The Role of Fats and Seasonings

The higher calorie count in Texas toast croutons compared to regular bread is mainly due to the fats and seasonings. The initial bread is toasted, but it is the added oils (canola, sunflower, soybean), butter flavorings, and cheese that contribute the most to the calorie density. These additions are what give Texas toast croutons their distinctive, bold flavor. While they enhance the taste, they also increase the calorie load. For anyone tracking macronutrients, it's important to recognize that a significant portion of the calories in these croutons comes from fat.

Conclusion

In summary, a single Texas toast crouton from a popular brand like New York Bakery or Fresh Gourmet likely contains between 5 and 10 calories. The exact number depends on the crouton's size, but the calorie-per-gram density is a consistent metric derived from the product's nutrition label. For those managing their caloric intake, being mindful of portion sizes is far more impactful than worrying about a single crouton. Choosing homemade or lighter varieties can also be a simple and effective way to enjoy the crunch without the extra calories. Ultimately, understanding how to read the label and estimate the per-piece calorie count allows for smarter, more informed dietary decisions.

Making Croutons at Home

Making your own croutons is a simple process that allows for customization and calorie control. Start with day-old bread, cut it into desired sizes, and toss with a small amount of olive oil and your choice of herbs and spices. Bake at a low temperature until golden brown and crispy. This method eliminates the extra oils and additives found in many store-bought options.

The Verdict on Snacking

While a single Texas toast crouton is not a high-calorie item on its own, their easy-to-eat nature can lead to overconsumption. Snacking directly from the bag can cause you to eat several servings without realizing it, quickly adding up the calories. If you plan to snack on them, measure out a single serving beforehand to stay on track with your nutritional goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the most accurate count, you would need to weigh a single crouton on a food scale. Then, multiply that weight (in grams) by the calorie-per-gram density, which you calculate by dividing the serving's total calories by its weight in grams (e.g., 35 calories / 7g = 5 calories/g).

Texas toast croutons are often larger and have a higher fat content due to extra butter and seasoning, making them more calorie-dense per piece than smaller, standard croutons. The healthiness depends on overall portion size and dietary needs.

A standard serving size is typically 2 tablespoons, which weighs about 7 grams and contains roughly 30–35 calories for most major brands.

The number varies, but based on a 7g serving, you might get anywhere from 4-8 large Texas toast croutons. As a comparison, smaller croutons can have as many as 4 cubes per 1g.

Yes, making croutons at home is an excellent way to reduce calories. You can use whole-wheat bread, air-fry them instead of baking, and use a minimal amount of oil, or opt for a low-calorie spray.

The higher calorie count comes from the larger size and the added ingredients like extra butter and oil used in the seasoning and baking process.

Yes, croutons can be part of a balanced diet. The key is moderation and portion control. Measuring your serving helps prevent consuming extra, unplanned calories. Opting for homemade, lighter versions is another strategy.

The calorie count for a homemade Texas toast crouton depends heavily on the bread and the amount of oil used. A conservative estimate for a 2g piece would be around 5–8 calories, but this can be adjusted based on your recipe.