How much sugar is in cinnamon raisin bread?

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

A single slice of cinnamon raisin bread can have between 5 and 14 grams of sugar. The amount varies greatly between brands and recipes. This variation depends on the type of sugar, amount of sweeteners, and the natural sugars in raisins.

Quick Summary

Sugar in cinnamon raisin bread ranges from moderate to high, varying by brand and recipe. It comes from natural fruit sugars and added sweeteners. Homemade versions allow more control over sugar. Analyzing labels helps identify natural versus added sugars for healthier choices.

Key Points

Sugar Varies Widely: The sugar content in cinnamon raisin bread differs greatly based on the brand or recipe, ranging from 5 to 14 grams per slice.
Understand Sugar Types: The total sugar includes both naturally occurring sugar from raisins and added sugars from sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup or white sugar.
Homemade Control: Baking your own cinnamon raisin bread allows you to control and reduce the amount of added sugar, especially the concentrated sugar in the swirl.
Read Labels Carefully: Look at the nutrition facts panel for total sugars and, specifically, 'Includes Added Sugars' to compare commercial brands.
Not Always Healthy: Due to potentially high added sugar content, cinnamon raisin bread is not always a healthy choice, especially for those watching their blood sugar levels.

The Sugar Breakdown: Natural vs. Added

The total sugar content on a nutrition label is a combination of two types of sugar.

Natural Sugars: Raisins contain natural sugars, primarily fructose and glucose. They contribute to the bread's sweetness and, with the fruit's fiber, are absorbed more slowly, causing a less dramatic blood sugar spike compared to added sugars.
Added Sugars: These are sugars intentionally added during production, including high-fructose corn syrup and white sugar. Many commercial breads have significant added sugar.

Sugar Content in Store-Bought Brands

Store-bought cinnamon raisin bread has varied sugar content. Always check the nutrition facts panel and ingredients.

Example 1: Thomas' Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Total Sugar: 7g
- Added Sugars: 2g This example shows some sugar is from raisins, but it still contains added sugar.
Example 2: Alpha Baking Company Cinnamon Raisin Bread
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Total Sugar: 9g
- Added Sugars: 0g This bread achieves sweetness without added sugar, relying on raisins.
Example 3: Pepperidge Farm Raisin Cinnamon Swirl Bread
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Total Sugar: 9g This shows total sugar but doesn't specify added sugar, a practice before updated FDA labeling. Consumers must use the ingredient list.

The Advantage of Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Homemade cinnamon raisin bread offers full control over ingredients, especially sugar. Most recipes use sugar in the dough and cinnamon-sugar swirl. Homemade baking can reduce or eliminate added sugar.

Tips for Reducing Sugar in Homemade Recipes:

Reduce Sugar in Dough: Yeast needs a small amount of sugar. You can reduce the total amount used.
Minimize the Swirl: The cinnamon-sugar swirl adds a lot of sweetness. You can use less sugar or substitute with alternatives like brown sugar and more cinnamon.
Add Spice, Not Sugar: Enhance flavor with cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices.
Plump Raisins Naturally: Soak raisins in warm water or rum to get the most sweetness and moisture.

Comparison: Store-Bought vs. Homemade Sugar Content

The difference in sugar levels can be revealed by comparing store-bought and homemade bread.


Feature	Typical Store-Bought Loaf	Customizable Homemade Loaf
Total Sugar per Slice	7-14 grams	2-8 grams (depending on recipe)
Added Sugar per Slice	2-7 grams (varies)	0-4 grams (easily adjusted)
Source of Sweetness	A blend of added sugars (e.g., high-fructose corn syrup, dextrose) and natural sugars from raisins.	Natural fruit sugars from raisins and a small, controllable amount of added sugar.
Ingredient Quality	May contain preservatives, emulsifiers, and artificial flavors in addition to sugars.	All ingredients are chosen by the baker, ensuring a clean and simple list.
Flavor Profile	Often sweeter, with a more pronounced, consistent sweetness from the added sugar.	A more nuanced flavor profile, with the spice of the cinnamon and natural sweetness of the raisins being more prominent.

How to Find a Healthier Option

Whether buying or baking, take steps to reduce sugar intake. When purchasing, look for brands that state '0g Added Sugars' or have a lower total sugar count. Check the ingredients list. For homemade versions, reduce sugar in the dough and swirl.

Conclusion

The sugar in cinnamon raisin bread varies based on preparation and ingredients. Store-bought options can have a significant amount of added sugar, while homemade versions offer greater control. Being mindful of labels and choices helps enjoy the bread without overdoing sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

To reduce sugar, use less sugar in the dough and the cinnamon swirl. You can also rely more on the natural sweetness of the raisins and enhance the spice flavor with extra cinnamon or other spices.

Yes, raisins contain natural fruit sugars, and since they also contain fiber, these sugars are absorbed more slowly than refined, added sugars. They contribute to the bread's sweetness in a more wholesome way than added sweeteners.

Yes, as a sweetened bread with carbohydrates, cinnamon raisin bread can raise blood sugar. For individuals with blood sugar concerns, choosing versions with low or no added sugar is recommended.

Check the nutrition facts panel for the line item 'Includes Added Sugars.' Also, examine the ingredients list; if sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or other sweeteners are listed near the beginning, the product has a higher concentration of added sugar.

Cinnamon raisin toast is often high in sugar and calories. Healthier breakfast options include whole-grain toast, oatmeal, or Greek yogurt, which offer more protein and fiber without the high sugar load.

Total sugar includes all sugars in the product, both natural (from ingredients like raisins) and added (from sweeteners). Added sugar refers specifically to sugars and syrups intentionally added during processing.

Yes, you can substitute sugar with alternatives like Stevia or monk fruit, but this may affect the bread's texture and ability to brown. It's best to test recipes with sugar substitutes or follow recipes specifically designed for them.