How many calories does bread have? Your Guide to Calorie Counts

December 2, 2025 •

3 min read

An average slice of bread typically contains between 70 and 100 calories, but the exact count varies significantly depending on the type and brand. Learning how many calories does bread have is crucial for effective weight management and informed nutritional planning.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of bread varies by type and serving size, with whole wheat and multigrain varieties often being more nutrient-dense despite similar calorie totals per slice. Key factors influencing caloric content include ingredients, density, and added sugars or fats.

Key Points

Calorie variation: A slice of bread typically contains 70-100 calories, but the exact number depends on the type, brand, and weight.
Whole wheat advantages: While often slightly higher in calories per slice than white bread, whole wheat offers significantly more fiber and nutrients.
Beware of added ingredients: Commercial breads and toppings like butter or jam can add significant calories, fat, and sugar.
Read the label: Look for '100% whole wheat' as the first ingredient to ensure you are getting a genuine whole grain product, not just colored white bread.
Focus on moderation: The healthiest approach is to consume bread in moderation as part of a balanced diet, emphasizing whole grain varieties and mindful topping choices.
Home-baked vs. store-bought: Home-baked bread allows for precise calorie calculation by totaling ingredients, while store-bought items require careful label reading.

Understanding the Caloric Content of Bread

Bread is a versatile dietary staple, but its nutritional profile is not one-size-fits-all. When trying to understand how many calories does bread have, it's essential to look beyond the general assumptions and consider the specific type and preparation. The primary drivers of calories in bread are carbohydrates, with added fats and sugars also playing a significant role in many commercial products.

The Calorie Breakdown of Different Bread Types

The most common bread varieties—white, whole wheat, and sourdough—have distinct nutritional differences. While a slice's calorie count might seem similar at a glance, the overall nutritional value, especially fiber content, can vary dramatically.

White Bread: Made from refined flour, white bread is lower in fiber and digested quickly, leading to rapid blood sugar spikes. A single slice (around 25-29g) typically contains 65-77 calories.
Whole Wheat Bread: Produced with the entire wheat kernel, whole wheat bread is richer in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. A slice (around 33g) often contains slightly more calories, roughly 70-92, due to its denser, more nutrient-rich composition.
Sourdough Bread: This fermented bread can have a variable calorie count depending on the recipe and weight. One small slice (approx. 32g) may contain about 93 calories, and it's also more digestible and lower on the glycemic index than white bread.
Multigrain Bread: Often denser and packed with seeds, this variety's calorie count depends on its exact ingredients, but it generally offers more fiber and protein. Calories per slice can range from 79 to over 100.
Rye Bread: Made from rye flour, a slice of this bread has around 83 calories, providing a good source of fiber.

Comparison Table: Calories in Common Breads


Bread Type	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Key Nutritional Difference
White Bread	1 slice (25-29g)	65-77	Low in fiber, rapidly digested.
Whole Wheat	1 slice (33g)	70-92	Richer in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Sourdough	1 small slice (32g)	~93	Easier to digest, lower glycemic index.
Multigrain	1 slice	79-110+	Denser, higher fiber content.
Rye Bread	1 slice	~83	Good source of fiber.
Pita Bread	1 whole piece (70g)	~140-175	Higher calories due to larger serving size.

Factors Influencing a Bread's Calorie Count

Beyond the base flour, several other elements can influence the total calories in bread:

Added Ingredients: Many commercial breads include extra sugars, oils, and other additives to improve flavor and texture. These additions can increase the caloric density significantly.
Density and Weight: A thicker, denser slice of whole grain bread will naturally contain more calories than a lighter, airier slice of white bread, even if the per-gram calorie density is similar. Always consider the weight of your serving, not just the slice count.
Moisture Content: Breads with lower moisture content are more calorie-dense by weight, as the water adds weight without adding calories.
Toppings and Spreads: While not part of the bread itself, toppings are a major source of added calories. Adding a tablespoon of butter can add 100 calories, and a tablespoon of jam can add 50 calories or more.

Making Healthier Bread Choices

For most people, choosing whole grain bread is a healthier option, especially for weight management. The higher fiber content promotes satiety and better digestive health, which can prevent overeating. However, it's crucial to read the ingredients list. Some brown breads are merely white bread with added coloring and lack the nutritional benefits of true whole wheat. Look for the words '100% whole wheat' or 'whole grain' at the top of the ingredients list. For those with gluten sensitivities or digestive issues, sprouted or sourdough varieties can be easier to digest. Remember that moderation is key, and the bread's toppings often add more calories than the bread itself.

Conclusion: Navigating Bread Calories for a Healthy Diet

Understanding how many calories does bread have requires paying close attention to its type, ingredients, and density. While single slices of white and whole grain breads may have similar calorie counts, their overall nutritional value, particularly fiber, can be vastly different. By choosing whole grain options, reading labels carefully, and being mindful of portion sizes and toppings, you can easily incorporate bread into a balanced and healthy diet. Bread is not inherently "fattening," and focusing on nutrient-rich options rather than eliminating it entirely can support long-term health and weight management goals.

Visit the American Heart Association for more information on whole grains

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, white bread tends to have slightly fewer calories per standard slice than whole wheat or multigrain, but this is because it is less dense and lower in fiber. The difference is often minimal, around 5-15 calories per slice.

Yes, calorie counts can vary significantly between brands. Factors like slice thickness, added sugars, and oils mean you should always check the nutritional information on the specific product's label.

Not necessarily. A slice of whole wheat bread is often denser and slightly heavier, meaning it can sometimes have a slightly higher calorie count than a comparable slice of white bread. However, it is more nutrient-dense and satisfying due to its fiber content.

No, toasting bread does not alter its caloric content. Toasting simply removes moisture, which can make the slice feel lighter but does not change the number of calories from the macronutrients.

To get an accurate count for homemade bread, sum the total calories of all ingredients. Then, weigh the entire baked loaf and divide the total calories by its weight to find the calories per gram. You can then multiply this by the weight of each slice you cut.

No single food is inherently fattening; weight gain is caused by a sustained calorie surplus. While refined white bread can lead to blood sugar spikes and less satiety, whole-grain bread is a nutritious source of energy and fiber that can aid weight management when consumed in moderation.

The calorie difference is substantial primarily due to portion size. A typical bagel is much larger and denser than a single slice of bread, often containing 200-350 calories or more, compared to bread's 70-100 calories per slice.