How many calories does a 1 slice of bread have?

October 24, 2025 •

5 min read

According to nutrition data, a standard slice of commercially prepared white bread contains approximately 67 calories. However, the exact number of calories can vary significantly depending on the type of bread, its ingredients, and the serving size. Understanding these factors is key to knowing how many calories does a 1 slice of bread have for your dietary needs.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a single slice of bread varies based on the type of bread, with whole wheat and multigrain options often having slightly more calories than refined white bread due to density. Serving size and added ingredients also play a crucial role. Opting for less processed options like whole wheat can provide more nutritional benefits.

Key Points

Calories Vary by Type: A single slice of bread can range from approximately 60 to over 100 calories depending on whether it's white, whole wheat, multigrain, or sourdough.
Whole Grain vs. White: While a slice of whole wheat bread might have slightly more calories than white, it is nutritionally superior due to higher fiber, protein, and micronutrient content.
Check Slice Weight: The thickness and density of a slice significantly impact its calorie count. Artisan or bakery bread might be denser and higher in calories than standard packaged loaves.
Ingredients Add Up: Added sugars, oils, nuts, and seeds in bread can increase the calorie density, so it's important to read the nutrition label carefully.
Mind Your Toppings: The calories from toppings like butter, spreads, and jam can quickly exceed the calories from the bread itself, dramatically increasing the total intake.
Fiber is Key for Health: Opting for high-fiber bread is beneficial for digestive health, blood sugar stability, and promoting a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight management.

Calorie Breakdown by Bread Type

The calorie content of a single slice of bread is not a fixed number; it is influenced by several factors, including the type of grain, preparation method, and added ingredients. While a slice of white bread typically contains fewer calories than some denser whole-grain varieties, it also offers fewer nutrients and less fiber. This section breaks down the calorie counts for some of the most common types of bread.

White Bread

A standard, commercially prepared slice of white bread usually contains between 60 and 80 calories. This bread is made from refined white flour, which is stripped of its bran and germ. This process removes much of the fiber, vitamins, and minerals, resulting in a product that is mostly simple carbohydrates. Though some white bread is fortified with nutrients, it is less nutritionally dense than whole-grain alternatives.

Whole Wheat Bread

Whole wheat bread is made from flour that contains the entire wheat grain, including the bran and germ. This results in a product with more fiber, protein, and micronutrients. A single slice of whole wheat bread generally contains between 70 and 90 calories, though denser loaves can be higher. The higher fiber content helps promote satiety and can lead to a more stable blood sugar response compared to white bread.

Sourdough Bread

Sourdough bread is known for its distinct tangy flavor, which comes from a fermentation process using wild yeast and bacteria. The nutritional profile varies, but a single small slice of sourdough often contains around 90-95 calories. The fermentation process may also make some nutrients more accessible and potentially aid in digestion.

Multigrain Bread

Multigrain bread contains multiple types of grains, and often seeds, giving it a hearty texture and a higher fiber content. The calorie count for a slice can range widely, often between 80 and 110 calories, depending on the number and type of added grains and seeds. These additions contribute to both the calorie count and the nutritional richness of the bread.

Factors Affecting a Bread's Calorie Content

Several factors can cause the calorie count of a single slice of bread to vary, even within the same type. Being aware of these can help you make more informed dietary choices.

Slice Thickness and Weight: A thicker, heavier slice will naturally contain more calories than a thinner one. Nutrition labels typically base their values on a standard slice weight, but if you're eating a bakery-fresh or artisan loaf, the calorie count per slice could be much higher than estimated.
Added Ingredients: Many commercial breads include sweeteners, oils, or preservatives that can increase the calorie density. Breads with added seeds, nuts, or dried fruit will also have higher calorie and fat content.
Fortification: Some refined white breads are enriched with iron and B vitamins to replace nutrients lost during processing. This fortification doesn't significantly impact calories but improves the bread's nutritional value.

Calorie Comparison: A Quick Reference Table

To provide a clearer picture, here is a comparison of the typical calorie counts and nutritional highlights for a few common bread types based on standard serving sizes.


Bread Type	Calories per Slice (Approx.)	Fiber per Slice (Approx.)	Key Nutritional Benefit
White Bread	67-77	<1 gram	Low fat, but low in fiber
Whole Wheat Bread	80-92	2-3 grams	Higher fiber and protein content
Sourdough Bread	90-95	1 gram	Potential for improved digestion due to fermentation
Multigrain Bread	80-110	2-4 grams	Contains various grains and seeds, higher in fiber
Ezekiel 4:9 Bread	80	3 grams	Sprouted grains, high in fiber and nutrients

How to Choose the Healthiest Bread

While calorie count is important, it's not the only factor to consider when choosing a healthy bread. Focusing on the nutritional density of your food is essential for sustained energy and overall wellness. A slice of whole wheat or multigrain bread might contain slightly more calories than a slice of white bread, but its higher fiber, protein, and micronutrient content offers far greater health benefits.

Here's a list to guide your bread selection:

Read the Label: Check the ingredient list. The first ingredient should ideally be "whole wheat" or "whole grain," not "enriched wheat flour".
Check the Fiber: Look for at least 2-3 grams of fiber per slice. Fiber aids digestion and helps you feel full longer.
Consider the Glycemic Index (GI): Whole-grain breads often have a lower GI than white bread, leading to a slower and more stable rise in blood sugar.
Beware of Hidden Sugars: Examine the sugar content on the nutrition label. Some mass-produced breads add sugars to improve taste and shelf life.
Look for Sprouted Grains: Breads made from sprouted grains, such as Ezekiel bread, can be easier to digest and have a higher nutritional value.

The Impact of Toppings on Your Calorie Count

The calories in a slice of bread are often minimal compared to what you put on it. A slice of bread is often the vehicle for high-calorie toppings like butter, jam, or nut butter. For example, adding just one tablespoon of butter can add over 100 calories, significantly increasing your total intake. To keep your meal healthy, opt for lean protein sources or fiber-rich vegetable toppings. For instance, an open-faced sandwich with avocado and tomato is a much healthier option than a stack of processed deli meat and cheese.

Conclusion

So, how many calories does a 1 slice of bread have? The answer is not a single number, but a range typically between 60 and 110 calories, depending on the bread type, slice size, and ingredients. While focusing on calories can be useful, a more holistic approach is to consider the overall nutritional quality of the bread. Choosing whole-grain and high-fiber varieties can provide more sustained energy and a host of health benefits, even if they sometimes contain slightly more calories per slice than their refined white counterparts. By being mindful of both the bread and its toppings, you can make smarter, healthier dietary choices every day.

Note: Nutritional information can vary by brand and country. Always check the nutrition label for the most accurate information. For example, some brands offer lower-calorie options, and portion sizes can be thinner.

Common Bread Toppings and Added Calories

To put the impact of toppings into perspective, consider the following list of common additions and their approximate calorie contribution per tablespoon:

Butter (1 tbsp): ~100 calories
Mayonnaise (1 tbsp): ~94 calories
Peanut Butter (1 tbsp): ~94 calories
Cream Cheese (1 tbsp): ~50 calories
Jam or Jelly (1 tbsp): ~50-60 calories

These numbers highlight how quickly the calorie count of a single slice can double or triple with just one or two simple additions. For a low-calorie alternative, consider toppings like mashed avocado, sliced vegetables, or a light sprinkle of herbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

A slice of whole wheat bread often contains slightly more calories than a slice of white bread, primarily because it is denser and contains more fiber and protein. However, its higher nutritional value often makes it the healthier choice.

The most accurate way to determine the calorie count is to check the nutrition label on the bread's packaging. For unpackaged or homemade bread, you can weigh the slice and use a nutrition database for an estimate.

No, not all brown breads are healthier. Some commercially available brown breads are simply colored white bread. It is crucial to read the ingredients list and look for "whole wheat flour" as the first ingredient to ensure it's a genuinely whole-grain product.

To reduce calories, you can choose a thinner slice of bread, opt for high-fiber varieties that promote fullness, or, most effectively, use low-calorie toppings instead of high-calorie spreads like butter or rich sauces.

Yes, bread can be part of a healthy, balanced diet, even when managing weight. The key is moderation and choosing nutrient-dense varieties, like whole-grain or sprouted bread, over refined white bread.

Toppings can significantly increase the total calories. High-calorie spreads like butter or peanut butter can add 90-100+ calories per tablespoon, often more than the slice of bread itself. Lean protein, vegetables, or avocado are healthier alternatives.

A slice of Food for Life Ezekiel 4:9 bread contains approximately 80 calories, which is comparable to or slightly higher than standard whole wheat bread. Its primary benefit is its sprouted grain process, which enhances nutrient availability.