How many calories does a slice of brioche bread have?

December 2, 2025 •

3 min read

A slice of store-bought brioche bread typically contains around 100-110 calories, but this can vary significantly based on the brand and recipe. This rich, buttery bread, known for its soft texture and golden crust, is a popular choice for many dishes but often has a higher calorie and fat content than traditional loaves. Understanding the specific nutritional makeup is key for anyone monitoring their calorie intake.

Quick Summary

A typical slice of brioche bread contains 100-110 calories, though specific nutritional details vary by brand. This higher calorie count is due to its rich ingredients like butter, milk, and eggs, setting it apart from standard white bread. Consider portion control and ingredient checks for accurate calorie tracking.

Key Points

Typical Calorie Count: A standard slice of brioche bread usually contains around 100-110 calories.
Rich Ingredients: Brioche's higher calorie density comes from its enriched dough, which includes more butter, milk, and eggs than regular bread.
Calorie Comparison: Brioche is typically more caloric than a standard slice of white or sourdough bread, which often have around 75-80 calories per slice.
Portion Matters: The exact calorie count depends on the slice size, with thicker artisanal slices containing more calories.
Dietary Considerations: Due to its higher fat and sugar content, brioche should be consumed in moderation, especially when managing weight.
Healthier Swaps: For a lighter option, look for whole wheat brioche recipes or consider using olive oil instead of butter.

Brioche vs. Other Breads: The Calorie Breakdown

The calorie content of a slice of brioche is a direct result of its enriched dough. Unlike standard bread which uses flour, water, salt, and yeast, brioche's signature fluffy texture and rich flavor come from a generous addition of butter, eggs, and milk. These ingredients, particularly the high fat content of butter, significantly increase the overall caloric value compared to leaner breads.

For example, while a standard slice of white bread might hover around 75-80 calories, a comparable slice of brioche is often found in the 100-110 calorie range. Sourdough, another popular artisan bread, is typically slightly lower in calories than brioche, with a 1-ounce slice containing around 77 calories. This makes brioche a higher-calorie choice for sandwiches, toast, or other dishes.

Factors Influencing Brioche's Calorie Count

Several factors can cause variation in how many calories a slice of brioche bread have, including:

Ingredients: Homemade brioche, which often uses higher quantities of full-fat butter and eggs, can be more calorie-dense than commercial versions. Some store-bought brioche is made with vegetable oils, which can also contribute to calories but may differ in fat composition.
Portion Size: The thickness and weight of a slice directly impact the calorie count. A thicker, more generous slice from an artisanal loaf will have more calories than a thinner, pre-packaged slice.
Add-ins: Some brioche recipes include extra sugar, honey, or toppings like chocolate chips, which further increases the calorie and sugar content.

A Detailed Nutritional Comparison Table


Feature	Brioche Bread	White Bread	Sourdough Bread
Typical Calories per Slice	~100-110 kcal	~75-80 kcal	~77 kcal
Key Ingredients	Flour, water, yeast, high amounts of butter, milk, eggs, sugar	Flour, water, yeast, salt, sugar	Flour, water, starter culture, salt
Fat Content	Higher (due to butter/eggs)	Low	Low
Sugar Content	Higher (enriched dough)	Variable, often low	Low
Protein Content	Moderate (from eggs and flour)	Moderate	Moderate
Flavor Profile	Rich, buttery, slightly sweet	Neutral, mild	Tangy, slightly sour
Best For	French toast, burgers, sweet applications	Everyday sandwiches, toast	Savory pairings, sandwiches

Making Health-Conscious Choices with Brioche

While delicious, brioche should be consumed in moderation, especially if you are managing your weight or following a low-fat diet. Here are some tips for enjoying brioche while staying mindful of your health goals:

Mind your portion size: A single slice can be a rich treat, so consider having it as a standalone item rather than stacking multiple slices in a sandwich.
Pair wisely: Offset the richness of brioche by pairing it with lean proteins or fresh vegetables instead of heavy fillings.
Explore healthier alternatives: If brioche is a regular craving, you can find lighter versions of brioche buns or even create your own at home using healthy swaps like olive oil instead of butter. Opting for whole wheat brioche can also increase fiber content.
Look for lower-calorie brands: Some manufacturers offer lighter brioche bread or rolls with a lower calorie count. Always check the nutrition facts label on the packaging to compare.

How to Burn Off Brioche Calories

For a single slice of brioche with approximately 110 calories, you would need to perform some light activity to burn it off. Keep in mind this varies based on your weight and metabolism, but here are some examples:

Walking: Around 20-30 minutes of brisk walking.
Light Jogging: Approximately 10-15 minutes.
Cycling: About 15-20 minutes of cycling at a moderate pace.
Swimming: Roughly 10-15 minutes of light swimming.

Conclusion

Brioche bread is a delectable, indulgent bread that gets its high calorie and fat content from its rich ingredients like butter and eggs. A single slice typically ranges from 100 to 110 calories, making it more calorie-dense than most standard white or sourdough bread slices. While it can be a part of a balanced diet, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes and consider healthier preparation methods or alternatives if you are actively managing your weight. By understanding the nutritional facts, you can continue to enjoy the luxurious flavor of brioche in a health-conscious way.

Explore more nutritional information at Verywell Fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, brioche bread is generally not healthier than regular white bread. While both are processed carbohydrates, brioche contains more calories, fat, and sugar due to the higher amounts of butter, milk, and eggs used in its recipe.

Homemade brioche can sometimes be more calorie-dense than store-bought versions. Many home recipes use a higher proportion of butter and eggs for a richer flavor, whereas commercial bakeries may use substitutes or lighter recipes.

Toasting brioche bread does not significantly alter its calorie count. It may cause a very minor reduction due to moisture loss, but the difference is negligible. Adding butter or other toppings during toasting, however, will increase the calorie total.

Brioche is an enriched bread with higher calories, fat, and sugar compared to sourdough. Sourdough bread is made with a simple starter, resulting in a leaner bread with a tangy flavor and slightly lower calorie count per slice.

Due to its higher calorie, fat, and sugar content, brioche bread is not the best choice for a weight-loss diet. It should be enjoyed as an occasional indulgence, and portion control is important.

Brioche buns are often more caloric than standard slices because they are typically larger and contain more dough. For instance, a burger-sized bun can contain 150-200 kcal or more.

You can make a healthier brioche at home by using substitutions like olive oil instead of butter, or incorporating whole wheat pastry flour to increase fiber and nutrients.