How many carbs are in a thin slice of Italian bread?

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, a standard 1-ounce (approximately 28-gram) slice of Italian bread contains around 14 grams of carbohydrates, though a thin slice may have less. The exact amount depends heavily on the specific bread's recipe, slice thickness, and overall weight.

Quick Summary

The carb content of a thin slice of Italian bread typically ranges between 10 to 15 grams, influenced by the slice's thickness and ingredients. Commercial brands often provide nutrition labels, while homemade bread requires estimation based on weight.

Key Points

Carb Range: A thin slice of Italian bread typically contains 10 to 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Weight is Key: The weight of the slice, determined by its thickness and density, is the primary factor influencing its carb count.
Read Labels: For pre-packaged bread, the most accurate carb information is on the nutrition label.
Estimate Homemade Carbs: When dealing with bakery bread, a good estimate is that carbs make up about 50% of the slice's total weight.
Lower-Carb Options Exist: Alternatives like keto breads (using almond or coconut flour) and sprouted grain bread offer significantly lower carbohydrate counts.

Understanding the Carbohydrate Content of Italian Bread

When counting carbohydrates, the most critical factor is portion size. While a 'thin slice' might seem straightforward, its nutritional value can vary significantly from one bakery to another. This article breaks down what influences the carbohydrate content in Italian bread and offers a comparative look at different options.

Factors Influencing Carb Count

The carbohydrate count for a slice of Italian bread is not a universal constant. Several factors play a role, making it essential to pay close attention to the specific product you're consuming.

Slice Thickness: This is the most obvious factor. A mechanically sliced, thin slice from a commercial loaf will have a lower weight—and therefore fewer carbs—than a thicker, hand-cut slice from a fresh artisan loaf. For instance, a 20-gram medium slice might have 10 grams of carbs, while a 28-gram commercial slice could have 14 grams.
Bread Density: The density of the bread's crumb and crust will affect its weight. A light, airy loaf might contain fewer carbs per slice than a dense, compact loaf, even if the slices are the same size.
Ingredients: The type of flour used can alter the carb content. Standard Italian bread is typically made from enriched white flour, which is higher in refined carbohydrates. Whole wheat or multi-grain versions, while generally more nutritious, may have a different carb profile.
Brand and Recipe: Different bakeries and brands use unique recipes. Some might add sugar or other ingredients that influence the final carbohydrate total. Always check the nutrition facts label on pre-packaged bread for the most accurate information.

Comparing Different Bread Varieties

To put a thin slice of Italian bread into perspective, let's compare its typical carbohydrate content to other popular bread types. This table uses approximate values for a standard single slice, but actual amounts may vary.


Bread Type	Approx. Carb Count (per slice)	Key Differences
Thin Italian Bread	10-15g	Lower end of the range for standard white bread due to thinner slicing; typically made with enriched white flour.
Standard White Bread	15-20g	A typical slice is thicker, leading to a higher carb count per piece.
Whole Wheat Bread	17-20g	Often has a higher carb count than thin Italian but also contains more fiber and other nutrients.
Keto Bread	2-6g net carbs	Formulated with alternative flours (almond, coconut, psyllium husk) to be significantly lower in net carbs, making it keto-friendly.
Sprouted Grain Bread	Typically 15-20g	Grains are sprouted, which breaks down starches and can make it easier to digest. Nutritional profile can vary.

Finding and Estimating Your Carbs

For commercially packaged thin-sliced Italian bread, finding the exact carb count is as simple as reading the nutrition label. The serving size is usually listed in both slices and grams, offering a clear picture of the content. However, for fresh bakery bread, you will need to estimate.

A reliable method for estimation involves using a food scale. A simple rule of thumb for bread is that carbohydrates make up roughly 50% of the bread's total weight. So, if a thin slice from a bakery weighs 25 grams, a conservative estimate would be approximately 12.5 grams of carbohydrates.

Lower-Carb and Alternative Options

For those watching their carb intake closely, there are excellent alternatives to traditional Italian bread. Sprouted grain breads, like Ezekiel bread, are often easier to digest and can have a more favorable nutrient profile. For those on a ketogenic diet, dedicated low-carb and keto breads from brands like Schmidt Old Tyme or Base Culture provide significantly fewer net carbs per slice.

Alternatively, consider making your own Italian bread using alternative flours such as almond or coconut flour, which drastically reduces the carbohydrate load. This allows for greater control over ingredients and portion size. For those managing specific health conditions, such as diabetes, weighing food and carefully monitoring glucose levels after consumption is the most accurate approach.

Conclusion

The number of carbohydrates in a thin slice of Italian bread is not fixed, but a reasonable estimate is between 10 and 15 grams, depending primarily on the slice's weight and the recipe. For precise tracking, checking the nutrition label or using a food scale is the best strategy. By understanding the factors that influence carb content and exploring lower-carb alternatives, you can enjoy bread as part of a balanced diet. Whether you choose to opt for a thinner cut of a traditional loaf or experiment with modern keto-friendly options, mindful consumption is key.

For more detailed nutritional information and food data, a great resource is the USDA FoodData Central database.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 'thin slice' is typically less than a standard commercial slice, weighing approximately 20 to 25 grams. This is lighter than the larger, thicker slices often found in artisan or bakery-fresh loaves.

Yes, bread made with enriched white flour has a different carbohydrate profile than bread made from whole wheat or multi-grain flours. However, for a given weight, the percentage of carbohydrates is roughly similar, though whole grains provide more fiber.

No, Italian bread is not inherently 'bad.' Carbohydrates are a key source of energy. The health impact depends on overall diet, portion size, and individual health goals. For most people, consuming Italian bread in moderation is perfectly healthy.

The most effective way is to control portion size by opting for a thinner slice. Other methods include choosing a lower-carb bread alternative, such as a keto-friendly or sprouted grain variety.

Net carbs are calculated by subtracting fiber from total carbohydrates. Since most Italian bread has a low fiber count (less than 1 gram per slice), the net carb count will be very similar to the total carb count, typically around 10-14 grams for a thin slice.

Yes, several companies now produce low-carb or keto-friendly Italian bread, formulated with ingredients like modified wheat starch, almond flour, or coconut flour. Always check the nutrition label, as brands and recipes vary.

To get the most accurate measurement, use a digital food scale to weigh your slice in grams. Then, use the estimation that carbohydrates account for approximately 50% of the bread's total weight.