Is malted bread high in calories? Unpacking the nutrition facts

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

While many assume malted bread is inherently high in calories, a single slice often contains a comparable number of calories to regular white or wholemeal bread, typically hovering around 80–100 kcal, depending on the brand and size. The question, is malted bread high in calories?, requires a closer look at its overall nutritional profile beyond just the energy count.

Quick Summary

Malted bread's calorie count per slice is often similar to other bread types. Its nutritional value, including fiber and minerals, depends heavily on the flour used and added ingredients. Choose whole-grain versions for maximum benefits while managing your calorie intake effectively.

Key Points

Comparable Calorie Count: Malted bread slices generally have a similar number of calories to white or wholemeal bread slices, not significantly higher.
Look Beyond Calories: The primary health benefit of malted bread depends on whether it's made with whole-grain flour, which provides more fiber and nutrients.
Malting Boosts Nutrients: The malting process itself can increase key nutrients like B vitamins, minerals such as iron and magnesium, and antioxidants.
Check the Ingredients: Not all "brown" or "malted" bread is whole-grain; always check the label for refined flour and added sugars.
Supports Slower Digestion: Whole-grain malted bread has a lower glycemic index than white bread, leading to a slower and more sustained release of energy.
Aids Weight Management: The high fiber in whole-grain malted bread promotes satiety, helping to reduce overall calorie intake and support weight loss goals.

Decoding Malted Bread: What is Malting?

Malting is a natural process where cereal grains, such as wheat or barley, are sprouted and then quickly dried. This germination activates enzymes within the grain, which begin to break down starches into simpler sugars. Malted flour is then used in bread making, often to enhance flavor, aid fermentation, and produce a richer color and softer crumb. The use of malted flour can also boost the bread's nutrient content, adding B vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

The Truth About Calories in Malted Bread

The calorie content of malted bread is not inherently high compared to other common bread types. A single slice of malted grain bread generally falls into a similar calorie range as a slice of wholemeal or even white bread. For instance, one brand's malted grain bread was noted to have 101 calories per slice, while a typical slice of wholemeal bread contains around 82 calories. Some variations, like a sweet malt loaf, can be higher in calories due to added sugar and raisins, with some examples reaching 118 calories per slice. The final calorie count is determined by the specific ingredients and processing methods, not just the presence of malt.

Malted Bread vs. Other Breads: A Nutritional Comparison

To understand where malted bread stands, it's helpful to compare its nutritional profile against other popular bread types. The table below illustrates the typical values per 100g, though these can vary significantly between brands.


Feature	Malted Wholegrain Bread	Wholemeal Bread	White Bread
Energy (kcal/100g)	~235-259	~207-217	~219
Fibre (per 100g)	High (e.g., 4.7–7.5g)	High (due to whole grain)	Low
Vitamins	Good source of B vitamins	Source of B vitamins, E	Fortified with some B vitamins
Minerals	Good source of magnesium, iron, zinc	Source of magnesium, zinc	Lower mineral content
Added Sugar	Varies by brand, check label	Typically low or none	Can contain added sugar

The Glycemic Index Factor

The Glycemic Index (GI) measures how quickly a carbohydrate-containing food raises blood sugar levels. Many malted breads, particularly those made with whole-grain flour and containing added fiber, have a lower GI than highly refined white bread. This means they cause a slower, more sustained release of energy, which can help manage blood sugar levels and keep you feeling fuller for longer. Studies have shown that malted rice-wheat bread, for example, had a significantly lower GI than standard wheat flour bread.

Beyond Calories: The Full Nutritional Profile

Looking solely at calories provides an incomplete picture. Malted bread made with whole-grain flour offers a robust nutritional package:

Dietary Fiber: High fiber content supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar, and promotes satiety.
B Vitamins: The malting process and use of wholegrain flour mean malted bread is often rich in B vitamins like thiamine, niacin, and B6, which are vital for energy conversion and nervous system function.
Minerals: It can be a good source of essential minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, which play roles in everything from bone health to immune function.
Antioxidants: Some research indicates that malting can increase the antioxidant content of grains, which may offer protective health benefits.

How to Choose a Healthier Malted Bread

Not all malted bread is created equal. Some commercial brands add malt extract purely for flavor and color, while the base flour remains refined white flour. To make the healthiest choice, always read the ingredients list. Look for terms like "100% whole grain," "wholemeal flour," or specific grains like "malted wheat" or "malted barley" listed prominently. Be wary of ambiguous terms like "brown bread" and check for added sugars, as these can negate the nutritional benefits.

Does Malted Bread Affect Weight Loss?

For those focusing on weight management, the primary benefit of a whole-grain malted bread is its fiber content. The high fiber helps you feel full, which can naturally lead to consuming fewer calories overall. A wholemeal malted loaf is a far better choice for satiety than a white malted loaf, which is low in fiber and can spike blood sugar. While no bread is a magic bullet for weight loss, incorporating a genuinely nutritious, high-fiber malted bread into a balanced, calorie-conscious diet can be a sensible strategy. To avoid pitfalls, steer clear of versions with high levels of added sugars or fats. For more detailed information on whole grains and health, consult reputable sources like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

In short, is malted bread high in calories? Not necessarily. The calorie count per slice is often on par with other loaves. However, the health value of malted bread lies not in its malting but in whether it's made from nutrient-rich whole grains or refined flour. A whole-grain malted loaf offers the benefits of higher fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which can support overall health and weight management by promoting satiety. To ensure you're making the healthiest choice, always read the label, prioritize whole-grain ingredients, and be mindful of added sugars. Ultimately, moderation and intelligent choices based on the full nutritional picture are what truly matter for a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wholemeal bread is made from the entire grain, including the bran, endosperm, and germ. Malted bread is made with malted flour (sprouted grain) but can be based on either wholemeal or refined white flour. A truly nutritious malted bread uses wholemeal flour in its base recipe.

It depends on the type. Malted bread made with whole-grain flour is a good source of dietary fiber. However, if it's made with refined white flour, the fiber content will be low, despite the presence of malted grains.

The malting process itself converts starches into fermentable sugars, but this doesn't drastically affect the final calorie count. However, some recipes, particularly sweet malt loaves, have added sugars, which significantly increase the calorie count.

A whole-grain malted bread with a low glycemic index can be a better choice for diabetics than high-GI white bread, as it causes a slower rise in blood sugar. However, those managing diabetes should check labels for added sugars and consult a healthcare professional.

Always check the ingredients list. The healthiest malted breads will have "100% whole grain," "wholemeal flour," or specific whole grains listed as the primary ingredient. Don't rely on color alone, as some manufacturers use additives to darken bread.

Yes, as long as it's part of a balanced, calorie-controlled diet and you choose a whole-grain, high-fiber variety. The fiber promotes satiety, which can help manage your overall calorie intake. Avoid sugary malt loaves, which are higher in calories.

Beyond fiber (in wholegrain versions), malted bread can be rich in B vitamins (like thiamine and niacin), minerals (magnesium, iron, zinc), and antioxidants. These nutrients are vital for energy production, immune function, and overall health.