How much protein is in 2 slices of white bread with butter?

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

While butter is a dairy product, it contains only trace amounts of protein, typically less than 0.12 grams per tablespoon. Therefore, the vast majority of the protein in a simple serving of white bread with butter comes exclusively from the bread itself.

Quick Summary

Two slices of white bread with butter provide a small amount of protein, ranging from 4 to 5.5 grams, with the bread being the primary source and butter contributing negligible protein.

Key Points

Minimal Protein from Butter: Butter contributes negligible protein, with a tablespoon providing less than 0.12 grams.
Bread is the Source: The protein in two slices of white bread with butter comes primarily from the flour in the bread itself.
Moderate Protein Content: Two standard slices of white bread generally contain between 4 and 5.5 grams of protein.
Variability Exists: The specific protein amount can vary depending on the bread brand, slice size, and recipe used.
Low Per-Serving Contribution: The total protein in a serving is relatively small compared to a person's daily requirements.
Easily Boosted: To increase protein, add nutrient-dense toppings like eggs, cheese, or nut butter to the toast.

The Protein Breakdown: Bread vs. Butter

To understand the protein content of this common breakfast item, it's essential to look at its two main components individually. The flour used to make the white bread is the source of the protein, while the butter offers very little nutritional contribution in this regard.

The Protein Contribution from White Bread

Multiple sources confirm that two standard slices of white bread contain a modest amount of protein. A detailed nutritional analysis from Nutritionix, for instance, shows that two slices provide 5.5 grams of protein. Other sources report slightly different figures, such as 4 grams for two slices. The discrepancy often relates to variations in portion size and bread manufacturing processes, but it is safe to assume the protein falls within the 4 to 5.5 gram range for a two-slice serving.

The Insignificant Protein in Butter

Despite being a dairy product, butter is not a meaningful source of protein. It is predominantly composed of fat and water. A single tablespoon of butter contains less than 0.12 grams of protein, an amount so small it is often rounded down to zero on nutritional labels. For a two-slice serving of toast, even with a liberal application of butter, the protein contribution from the butter is virtually non-existent.

Factors Influencing Protein Content

While the 4-5.5 gram figure is a solid estimate, several factors can alter the exact amount of protein in your meal.

Bread Brand and Recipe: The manufacturing process and specific recipe of the bread can significantly impact its protein content. Some brands may add extra ingredients or use different flour blends, resulting in a higher or lower protein count.
Serving Size and Thickness: Nutrition labels are based on specific serving sizes, and the thickness of your bread slices can vary. Thicker slices will naturally have more protein simply because they contain more mass.
Enrichment and Fortification: Some white bread is enriched with extra vitamins and minerals, which can also slightly alter the overall nutritional profile, though it is unlikely to drastically change the protein content.

Comparison Table: White Bread vs. Higher-Protein Alternatives

For those looking to maximize their protein intake, comparing white bread with other options can be enlightening. This table shows the approximate nutritional values for two slices of various types of bread.


Bread Type	Protein (g)	Fiber (g)	Note
White Bread	4–5.5	~1–2	Lower in fiber and protein compared to whole-grain options
Whole-Wheat Bread	6–8+	4+	Made from whole grains, offering more fiber and protein
Sourdough Bread	8+	~2	The fermentation process can increase protein and improve digestibility
Sprouted Bread	10+	6+	Sprouting increases nutrient availability and is higher in protein

Contextualizing 4-5 Grams of Protein

In the context of a balanced diet, 4-5 grams of protein is a very small amount. The average sedentary adult needs about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. For a 70 kg (154 lb) person, that's 56 grams of protein. Two slices of white bread with butter would provide less than 10% of that daily requirement. It is an energy-dense snack, rich in refined carbohydrates and fats from the butter, but it is not a protein-rich meal.

How to Increase the Protein in Your Toast

If you want to make your toast a more substantial and protein-packed meal, consider adding these toppings:

Nut Butter: A tablespoon of peanut butter adds around 4 grams of protein, while almond butter offers about 3.5 grams.
Scrambled or Poached Eggs: Adding one or two eggs can increase the protein by 6 to 12 grams.
Avocado and Seeds: Mashed avocado with a sprinkle of hemp or chia seeds provides healthy fats and a few extra grams of protein.
Cheese: Cottage cheese or a slice of cheddar can transform your toast into a much higher-protein option.

Conclusion: Bread's Place in a Balanced Diet

In conclusion, two slices of white bread with butter contain a small, though not entirely insignificant, amount of protein, with the total typically ranging from 4 to 5.5 grams. The protein comes almost entirely from the bread itself, as butter contributes a negligible amount. This makes a simple buttered toast a low-protein, high-calorie snack that should not be relied upon as a primary source of protein. For those aiming to increase their protein intake, substituting white bread with whole-wheat or sprouted bread and adding protein-rich toppings can turn this staple into a more nutritionally balanced meal. As always, for specific dietary recommendations, consulting a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian is best.

More resources

For more detailed nutritional information on white bread and other foods, consult authoritative sources such as the USDA FoodData Central database.

Frequently Asked Questions

One slice of white bread contains approximately 2 to 2.8 grams of protein. Combined with the negligible protein from butter, a single slice with butter would provide roughly 2 to 3 grams of protein.

No, white bread is not considered a good source of protein. While it contains some protein, the amount is relatively low compared to other protein-rich foods. It is predominantly a source of carbohydrates.

Butter has a negligible amount of protein, typically less than 0.12 grams per tablespoon. Its primary macronutrient content is fat, which constitutes about 80% of its composition.

Whole-wheat bread generally contains more protein than white bread. For example, two slices of whole-wheat bread can provide 6 grams of protein or more, compared to the 4 to 5.5 grams in white bread.

To increase the protein in your toast, add protein-rich toppings. Excellent options include scrambled eggs, cheese, smoked salmon, or nut butter.

No, toast with butter is not a complete protein source. It is low in protein overall and lacks a balanced profile of all essential amino acids. Complete protein sources include meat, eggs, and dairy products.

The protein content can vary due to different recipes, types of flour used, and manufacturing processes. For instance, some breads are fortified or enriched, while the grain quality can also differ between brands.