How many calories does a slice of 50/50 bread have? A complete nutritional guide

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

A slice of 50/50 bread typically contains between 90 and 105 calories, but this can vary by brand and thickness. Knowing how many calories does a slice of 50/50 bread have is useful for managing your daily intake and making informed choices about your diet.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a slice of 50/50 bread depends on the brand and thickness, generally falling between 90 and 105 calories. This hybrid bread offers a nutritional middle ground, blending white and wholemeal flour to provide a balance of taste, texture, and fiber content.

Key Points

Varying Calories: A single slice of 50/50 bread typically ranges from 90 to 105 calories, depending on the manufacturer and slice thickness.
Nutritional Blend: 50/50 bread combines refined white flour and wholemeal flour, offering a compromise in taste and texture.
More Fiber than White: It contains more dietary fiber than standard white bread, which helps with digestion and provides more nutrients.
Less Fiber than Wholemeal: While more nutritious than white bread, it offers less fiber compared to a true 100% wholemeal loaf.
Check the Label: For precise nutritional information, it is crucial to read the label of the specific brand you are buying due to variations in processing and ingredients.
Healthier for Blood Sugar: The fiber content helps prevent the rapid blood sugar spikes often associated with eating refined white bread.

Understanding the Calorie Content of 50/50 Bread

When you pick up a loaf of 50/50 bread, you might be surprised to find that the calorie count per slice isn't always consistent. This variation is influenced by several factors, including the specific manufacturer, the slice thickness, and the precise ingredients used. The name "50/50" refers to the blend of refined white flour and nutrient-rich wholemeal flour, aiming to provide a texture similar to white bread with some of the health benefits of wholemeal.

Brand and Slice Thickness Variations

Different brands of 50/50 bread will have different nutritional information, so checking the label is always the most accurate approach. Based on public nutritional data, a standard-sized slice is a reliable starting point:

Kingsmill Medium 50/50 Bread contains approximately 94 calories per slice.
Kingsmill Thick 50/50 Bread is slightly higher, at around 103 calories per slice.
Warburtons Half and Half Medium Bread reports about 100 calories for an average slice.

These differences highlight why relying on a single, fixed number can be misleading. Always consider the portion size and thickness when evaluating the energy contribution to your diet.

50/50 Bread vs. Other Common Bread Types

To put the calorie count of 50/50 bread into context, it's helpful to compare it with its two parent bread types: standard white and wholemeal/whole wheat bread. The comparison below shows how 50/50 sits in the middle ground, offering a step up from plain white bread in nutritional value.


Bread Type	Typical Calories Per Slice	Fiber Content	Key Features
White Bread	~75-80 calories	Low	Made from refined flour, soft texture, lower nutritional density.
50/50 Bread	~90-105 calories	Moderate	Blend of white and wholemeal flour, balanced texture, moderate fiber.
Wholemeal/Whole Wheat	~80-100+ calories	High	Made from whole grain, higher fiber and nutrient content, denser texture.

The Nutritional Middle Ground

Choosing 50/50 bread is a popular compromise for families. It provides more fiber and nutrients than standard white bread, which has been stripped of its bran and germ during processing. However, it does not offer the same level of fiber and vitamins as a true 100% wholemeal loaf. This balance makes it a good option for those transitioning to a higher fiber diet or for children who may not prefer the denser texture of wholemeal bread. The fiber in 50/50 bread, though less than pure wholemeal, still helps slow digestion and stabilize blood sugar levels more than white bread. For more detailed analysis on whole grains versus refined grains, the Bon Appétit magazine provides interesting insights on the subject.

Beyond Calories: A Complete Nutritional Profile

Beyond just the energy count, 50/50 bread offers a range of important nutrients due to its wholemeal content. While exact values vary, here's a general breakdown based on typical product labels:

Carbohydrates: Provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy. For instance, a medium slice from Kingsmill contains around 16.8g of carbs.
Fiber: Contains a decent amount of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health.
Protein: Includes a source of protein, with a medium slice having roughly 3.8g.
Vitamins and Minerals: The wholemeal flour provides essential micronutrients like Vitamin B, magnesium, and iron.
Fat: Generally low in fat, with very little saturated fat.

How to Incorporate 50/50 Bread into a Balanced Diet

Using 50/50 bread effectively in your diet comes down to smart pairing and portion control. Here are some tips:

Make it a sandwich: Use it for a lunch sandwich filled with lean protein and plenty of vegetables to maximize nutrition.
Start the day right: Enjoy it toasted with a light spread of avocado, nut butter, or poached eggs.
Watch the toppings: Remember that what you put on the bread can significantly increase the calorie count. Heavy butter, sugary jams, or excessive spreads can quickly add up.
Mind your portion: Sticking to one or two slices is a sensible portion size for most people managing their calorie intake.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in a slice of 50/50 bread is not a fixed figure but typically ranges from 90 to 105, depending on the brand and slice thickness. It serves as a beneficial bridge between less-nutritious white bread and full wholemeal options, offering improved fiber and nutrient content. For accurate calorie information, always consult the nutritional label on the specific product you purchase. By understanding these nuances, you can make informed choices to fit 50/50 bread into a healthy, balanced diet.

Note: Not all brown bread is the same as 50/50 bread. Some can be colored white bread with minimal nutritional benefits. Always check the ingredient list to ensure it specifies wholemeal or whole wheat flour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, 50/50 bread is generally considered healthier than standard white bread because it contains a mix of wholemeal flour, which provides more fiber and nutrients.

The variation in calorie count is primarily due to differences in slice thickness, the specific ratio of flours used, and any added ingredients like oils or sugar used by different manufacturers.

A 50/50 bread has a higher fiber content than white bread but typically less than a 100% whole wheat or wholemeal loaf, as it only uses half whole grain flour.

The term '50/50' refers to the bread being made from an equal mixture of refined white flour and wholemeal or whole wheat flour. This combines the soft texture of white bread with some nutritional benefits of wholemeal.

While 50/50 bread can be part of a healthy diet, weight loss depends more on overall calorie balance and portion control. It is a more nutritious option than white bread, but it is not a magic solution for weight loss.

For individuals with diabetes, wholemeal bread is generally recommended over 50/50 bread because its higher fiber content helps in releasing glucose more slowly. The 50/50 variant is still better than white bread, but portion control is still important.

Always check the ingredients list. Look for 'whole wheat flour' or 'wholemeal wheat flour' listed as a primary ingredient. Some brown bread is simply colored white bread without added nutritional benefits.