How many carbs are in one slice of garlic toast?

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

Typically, one slice of garlic toast contains between 15 and 25 grams of carbohydrates. This can change based on the type of bread used, the size of the slice, and the ingredients added.

Quick Summary

Garlic toast's carb content varies depending on the bread, size, and added ingredients. This article breaks down the nutritional content and factors to consider for a balanced diet.

Key Points

Carb Content: One slice of garlic toast has 15-25g of carbs, depending on the bread, size, and toppings.
Influencing Factors: Factors include bread type (Texas toast vs. thin bread) and the amount of butter used.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade toast offers more ingredient and carb control.
Sodium and Fat: Be aware of high sodium and fat content, especially in commercial products.
Lower-Carb Options: Reduce carbs using low-carb bread, homemade spread, or vegetable bases.
Eat in Moderation: Enjoy garlic toast in moderation by being mindful of its nutritional profile.

Understanding the Carb Content of Garlic Toast

The carb count in garlic toast is not a fixed number, as several factors can significantly affect the final carbohydrate amount. These factors include the type of bread used, the size or thickness of the slice, and any additions such as butter or cheese. Knowing these variables is essential if monitoring your carbohydrate intake or making informed dietary choices.

Bread Type and Thickness

The foundation of garlic toast is the bread itself. The bread's type and thickness are the most important factors determining the carbohydrate content. A thin slice of white sandwich bread will generally have fewer carbs compared to a thick-cut Texas toast or a dense Italian loaf. Whole wheat bread can have a similar carbohydrate load to white bread, even though it may contain more fiber. A thicker slice equals more flour and thus, more carbs.

Influence of Toppings: Butter and Cheese

While garlic toast is defined by its garlic-infused spread, the ingredients and quantities used can alter its nutritional profile. Traditional recipes often include butter and garlic, but commercial varieties may include added sugars and preservatives. The addition of extra butter does not increase the carb count, while adding cheese adds some extra carbs, but more fat and calories.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Options

Store-bought frozen garlic toast often contains added sugars and preservatives that can slightly modify the carbohydrate content. A typical 40-gram slice of frozen garlic toast might have around 15 to 18 grams of carbohydrates. When making garlic toast at home, there is complete control over the ingredients, allowing for changes to manage the carb count, such as using lower-carb bread or being conservative with the spread.

Nutritional Breakdown of Garlic Toast

Besides carbohydrates, a single slice of garlic toast also offers other macronutrients and a notable amount of sodium. Based on data from nutritional resources, the following list details what to expect:

Calories: Ranges from roughly 130 to over 200 calories per slice, based on the fat from butter or oil.
Total Fat: Usually between 5 to 10 grams, with a significant amount of saturated fat.
Protein: Provides a modest 3 to 5 grams of protein per slice from the bread.
Sodium: The sodium content can be unexpectedly high, often exceeding 200mg per slice.

Comparison Table: Garlic Toast Varieties

To illustrate the differences, here is a comparison of estimated carbohydrate and calorie counts for several garlic toast options. Note: These are approximations based on standard recipes and product information.


Garlic Toast Type	Estimated Carb Count (per slice)	Estimated Calories (per slice)	Key Considerations
Standard White Bread Garlic Toast	15-18g	130-160 kcal	Standard slice, moderate butter.
Thick-Cut Texas Toast Garlic Toast	20-25g	180-220 kcal	Heavier, larger slice of bread.
Garlic Toast with Cheese	17-22g	160-200 kcal	Adds cheese, potentially increasing fat and calories.
Homemade (Low-Carb Bread)	5-10g	80-120 kcal	Using a keto or low-carb bread alternative.
Restaurant Style	18-27g	170-250 kcal	Often uses larger, butterier slices.

Tips to Reduce Carbs in Garlic Toast

For those who love garlic toast but want to cut back on carbs, several adjustments can make a considerable difference. Homemade is always best for full control.

Choose a lower-carb bread. Many bakeries and grocery stores now offer low-carb or keto-friendly bread alternatives. These can reduce the carb count.
Make your own garlic spread. Instead of pre-made butter blends, mix minced garlic with softened butter or a healthier oil, like olive oil. This avoids potential hidden sugars or preservatives.
Practice portion control. If you're using conventional bread, consider enjoying a smaller serving size, like half a slice.
Explore alternative bases. Explore options besides traditional bread. Use large slices of zucchini or eggplant, or even a portobello mushroom cap, as a base for your garlic spread. This adds nutrients and cuts carbs entirely.
Use less butter. A thinner layer of the garlic butter spread will reduce both the fat and overall calorie load, though it won't impact the bread's carb count. Using olive oil instead of butter can be a healthier option.

Conclusion

The carb count in garlic toast is not a fixed number but a range. It is influenced by the preparation method. A standard slice usually has between 15 and 25 grams of carbs. For those who need to monitor their intake, homemade versions provide the most control over the ingredients and portion size. It's possible to enjoy this savory treat and remain on track with dietary goals by choosing lower-carb bread and controlling the amount of butter. Garlic toast can be a delicious addition to a meal when consumed in moderation and with awareness of its nutritional components.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, garlic toast generally has more carbohydrates than a plain slice of toast. This is because the buttery garlic spread, often containing oil or sometimes cheese, increases the overall volume and calorie count per slice, and thicker cuts of bread are often used.

Texas toast is a much thicker cut of bread than standard toast, so it contains significantly more carbohydrates per slice. While a standard slice might have 15-18g of carbs, a slice of Texas toast could contain 20-25g or more.

Traditional garlic toast is high in carbohydrates and not suitable for a keto or strict low-carb diet. However, it can be made keto-friendly by using a low-carb bread substitute and a homemade butter-garlic spread.

To reduce calories, you can use less butter or replace it with a smaller amount of olive oil. Using a lighter, thinner bread slice and avoiding cheese will also help lower the calorie count.

The net carb count is the total carbohydrates minus dietary fiber. Since most garlic toast is made with white bread and contains little fiber, the net carbs are very close to the total carb count, ranging from 15-24g depending on the slice.

Homemade garlic toast is typically healthier because you have full control over the ingredients. You can choose a healthier bread, use real butter or olive oil, and avoid the extra sodium and preservatives often found in commercial versions.

Yes, different brands use different types of bread and spreads. This results in varying nutritional profiles. For example, brands like Furlani Foods and store-specific versions like Walmart or Tesco will have different carb and calorie counts.