The Exact Count: Walmart's Great Value Bread Slices
The most straightforward answer to "How many slices are in Walmart bread?" comes from inspecting the nutritional information on the packaging, particularly for Walmart's private label, the Great Value brand. As a general guide, the slice count varies significantly based on the type of bread and its weight, often indicated in ounces.
Great Value Bread Slice Count Breakdown
- Great Value White Sandwich Bread (20 oz): A standard 20 oz loaf of this popular soft white bread contains 24 slices, including the end pieces.
- Great Value Wheat Sandwich Bread (20 oz): The wheat counterpart to the white sandwich loaf typically has about 22 slices per 20 oz package. The slight difference from the white bread can often be attributed to slightly denser dough or marginal variations in slice thickness during production.
- Great Value Multi Grain Bread (24 oz): Despite being heavier at 24 oz, this multi-grain loaf provides fewer slices, with a count of 15 slices. This difference is due to the heartier, thicker-cut slices that are characteristic of multi-grain breads.
- Great Value Thick Sliced Texas Toast (20 oz): This bread, designed for durability in recipes like Texas toast or thick grilled cheese, features a much lower slice count, often around 14-16 slices, due to its extra-thick cut.
Factors Affecting Slice Count
Beyond the specific Great Value brand, the slice count for any bread purchased at Walmart is determined by several factors. The most prominent are the loaf's total weight and the thickness of each individual slice. Shoppers can find a wide variety of national and specialty brands at Walmart, each with its own slicing standards.
Loaf Weight and Density
Bread loaves at Walmart vary widely in weight. A compact, dense loaf of sourdough will contain a different number of slices than a light, airy white sandwich bread, even if they are the same weight. Breads with added ingredients like nuts, seeds, and extra grains tend to be heavier and denser, leading to a lower slice count.
Slice Thickness
Slice thickness is a critical factor. The rise of specialized bread types has led to variations in cutting. Thin-sliced breads, like some varieties of Dave's Killer Bread or Pepperidge Farm, are designed to offer more slices per loaf for calorie-conscious consumers, while thick-cut options offer fewer, more robust slices.
How to Find the Precise Slice Count
The best practice for determining the exact number of slices in a Walmart bread loaf is to consult the nutrition facts panel on the packaging. The panel explicitly lists the serving size, typically indicating that one or two slices constitute a single serving. By noting the total number of servings per container, you can perform a simple calculation to find the total slice count.
For example, if the nutrition facts state there are 22 servings per loaf and the serving size is one slice, then you know the loaf contains 22 slices. For thin-sliced options, the serving size might be listed as two slices, meaning you must multiply the number of servings by two to get the total slice count.
Comparison of Walmart Bread Slice Counts
| Brand/Type | Loaf Weight | Typical Slice Count | Slice Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Value White Sandwich | 20 oz | 24 slices | Standard |
| Great Value Wheat Sandwich | 20 oz | ~22 slices | Standard |
| Great Value Multi Grain | 24 oz | 15 slices | Thick |
| Great Value Texas Toast | 20 oz | ~14-16 slices | Extra-Thick |
| Dave's Killer Bread Thin-Sliced | 20.5 oz | Varies (up to ~26+) | Thin |
| Nature's Own Sourdough | 12 oz (half loaf) | Varies (e.g., 10-12) | Standard |
| Marketside Bakery Breads | Varies | Depends on cut | Varies |
Expert Bread Storage Tips
Once you've purchased your bread from Walmart, proper storage is key to maintaining freshness and maximizing its lifespan. While many loaves are sold in plastic bags, airtight storage and freezing are the most effective methods to prevent staling and mold growth.
- Freezing is Best for Long-Term Storage: For optimum long-term storage (longer than a couple of days), wrap your bread in single-day portions and freeze it. Freezing stops the staling process, preserving the texture and moisture. You can thaw and reheat slices in a toaster or oven as needed.
- Slice from the Middle: To minimize moisture loss, consider slicing your loaf from the middle. By pressing the two cut halves back together, you protect the soft interior from air exposure.
- Avoid the Refrigerator: Counterintuitively, the refrigerator is one of the worst places to store bread. The cold temperatures accelerate the staling process, causing the bread to become hard and dry much faster.
For more detailed information on proper bread preservation, consider resources like King Arthur Baking.
Conclusion
In short, the number of slices in Walmart bread is not a single, fixed number but varies depending on the specific product. For the Great Value brand, common loaves like the 20 oz White and Wheat have 24 and 22 slices, respectively, while the 24 oz Multi Grain has 15 slices. The ultimate determining factors are the loaf's total weight and the thickness of the slices. By checking the nutrition facts and considering the type of bread, consumers can make informed choices based on their needs, whether it's for thicker toast or a higher slice count for sandwiches.
