Brennans Be Good Bread: A Comprehensive Calorie Breakdown
Brennans' 'Be Good' range is designed for health-conscious consumers looking for a lighter option without sacrificing taste. The line primarily consists of high-fiber, low-fat bread and bagels with a carefully controlled calorie count. For many, the main appeal lies in the low number of calories per slice, making it a staple for those monitoring their intake. Below, we break down the calorie information and other key nutrients for popular products in the range.
Calorie Content of Brennans Be Good Sliced Bread
The flagship products of the 'Be Good' range are the sliced loaves, which are consistent in their calorie offering. Both the White and Wholemeal varieties are baked to contain a specific amount of energy per slice.
- Brennans Be Good Wholemeal Bread: A single slice contains 60 calories (256kJ). This bread is also high in fiber, with approximately 1.9g per slice, and low in fat.
- Brennans Be Good White Bread: Each slice contains 60 calories (256kJ). Despite being white bread, it is high in fiber, a key feature of the 'Be Good' line, and also low in fat.
- Brennans Be Good Wholegrain Bread: This wholegrain option also comes in at 60 calories per slice, offering whole grains with the same low-calorie promise.
Brennans Be Good Bagels: Calorie Information
Beyond the sliced bread, the 'Be Good' range also includes bagels, which offer a different calorie profile due to their size and density.
- Brennans Be Good Wholemeal Bagels: These bagels offer 108 calories per item. They are also noted for being high in fiber.
- Brennans Be Good Seeded Bagels: Packed with seeds for extra flavour and texture, these have a slightly higher calorie count at 109 calories per bagel.
- Brennans Be Good Plain Bagels: The plain variety is the highest in calories of the bagel line, coming in at 114 calories per bagel.
Other Nutritional Aspects of the 'Be Good' Range
While the low-calorie aspect is a key selling point, the 'Be Good' products also offer other nutritional benefits. They are generally:
- High in fibre: Important for digestive health and can help promote a feeling of fullness.
- Low in fat: A benefit for those watching their overall fat intake.
- No added sugar: Contains only naturally occurring sugars.
Comparison: Brennans Be Good vs. Other Breads
To put the 'Be Good' calorie content into perspective, let's compare it to a standard, non-diet bread option from Brennans, such as their seeded multigrain loaf.
| Feature | Brennans 'Be Good' Bread (per slice, avg.) | Brennans Bakehouse Seeded Multigrain (per slice, avg.) | Brennans 'Be Good' Bagel (per bagel, avg.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 60kcal | ~87kcal | ~110kcal (varies) |
| Fat | Low Fat (0.4g) | ~2.0g | Low Fat (varies) |
| Saturated Fat | Low (0.1g) | ~0.5g | Low (varies) |
| Fibre | High Fibre (1.9g) | High Fibre (2.8g) | High Fibre (varies) |
The comparison table clearly illustrates that a single slice of 'Be Good' bread offers a significant calorie saving compared to a standard seeded loaf, making it an excellent choice for those managing their weight.
Incorporating 'Be Good' Bread into a Balanced Diet
For those on a calorie-controlled diet, including 'Be Good' bread is straightforward. A single slice makes for a light toast option, while two slices are perfect for a traditional sandwich, still keeping the base calorie count low. However, it's crucial to remember that toppings, spreads, and fillings can quickly add calories. For example, a single teaspoon of butter adds around 36 calories, and a tablespoon of mayonnaise adds around 94 calories. By being mindful of these additions, you can maintain the low-calorie benefit.
How to Create Healthy Meals with Brennans Be Good
- Open-faced sandwiches: Use a single slice with toppings like avocado, a poached egg, or smoked salmon to reduce your total bread intake.
- Breakfast toast: Enjoy a simple piece of 'Be Good' toast with a light spread, or pair it with eggs for a protein-rich start to your day.
- Soups and stews: Serve a hearty bowl of soup with a slice of 'Be Good' bread on the side for dipping, providing a filling meal without excessive calories.
- Croutons: Cube up some 'Be Good' bread, lightly spray with oil, and bake to create low-calorie croutons for salads.
Conclusion
In summary, the calorie content of Brennans 'Be Good' products is quite clear: the sliced bread varieties contain just 60 calories per slice, while the bagels range from 108 to 114 calories per item. The 'Be Good' range stands out as a low-calorie, high-fiber, and low-fat option for those seeking healthier alternatives. By paying attention to toppings, these products can be a valuable tool for managing your calorie intake while still enjoying bread. For more information on the full product lineup and nutritional details, you can visit the official Brennans website.
