Nutrition Diet: How many carbs are in 2 slices of butter bread?

November 8, 2025 •

4 min read

A single slice of commercially prepared white bread can contain around 13 grams of carbohydrates, before adding any toppings. To accurately determine how many carbs are in 2 slices of butter bread, you need to consider the combined nutritional value of both the bread and the butter. The total carb count will largely be dictated by the type of bread you choose, as butter itself contains negligible carbohydrates.

Quick Summary

The total carbohydrate count for two slices of buttered bread is primarily from the bread itself, as butter is a negligible source of carbs. This breakdown helps in managing macronutrient goals effectively.

Key Points

Carbs primarily from bread: The vast majority of carbohydrates in butter bread come from the bread itself, not the butter, which is almost carb-free.
White bread is higher in carbs: A typical two-slice serving of enriched white bread can have 24-34 grams of carbs, depending on the brand.
Whole grain options offer more fiber: Choosing 100% whole wheat bread over white bread provides more dietary fiber, which aids digestion and can help with satiety.
Low-carb breads are available: For a significantly reduced carb count, consider specialty low-carb breads made from almond or coconut flour.
Portion control is key: To manage carb intake, practice portion control by opting for smaller slices or consuming just one slice instead of two.
Butter is keto-friendly: Because butter contains almost no carbs, it is a suitable addition for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.

The Simple Calculation: Bread + Butter

Calculating the carbohydrate content of two slices of buttered bread is a two-step process: you must consider the carbs from the bread and the carbs from the butter. As search results show, butter contributes almost no carbohydrates to the total, with the bread being the primary source.

Carbohydrates in Bread

The carbohydrate content of bread can vary widely depending on the type and brand. According to one search result, 2 slices of enriched white bread may contain around 24 grams of carbs, while another suggests 2 slices of standard white bread could have 31 grams. This difference is influenced by factors like slice size and recipe. Whole wheat and specialty low-carb breads will have different nutritional profiles, with whole wheat offering more fiber.

Carbohydrates in Butter

Research confirms that butter is almost entirely fat, containing a minimal amount of carbohydrates. Sources state that a tablespoon of butter contains approximately 0 grams of carbohydrates. This makes butter a popular choice for those on low-carb diets, such as the ketogenic diet. For the purpose of calculating carbs for buttered bread, the contribution from the butter is considered virtually zero.

The Total Sum: 2 Slices of Butter Bread

To get a reasonable estimate, you can take a typical value for two slices of white bread and add the negligible amount from the butter. For example, if two slices of white bread contain around 26 to 34 grams of carbohydrates (depending on the brand) and a typical portion of butter is 0 grams of carbs, your total is between 26 and 34 grams. However, the exact amount will depend on the specific bread and butter used. To be precise, you should check the nutritional label of your chosen bread.

Factors Influencing the Carbohydrate Count

Several factors can affect the exact number of carbs you consume when eating buttered bread. Being mindful of these can help you make more informed dietary choices.

Type of Bread

Choosing the right bread is the single biggest determinant of your carbohydrate intake. Enriched white bread is high in refined carbs, while whole wheat or whole grain bread typically contains more fiber and complex carbohydrates, which can lead to a lower glycemic impact. For those on very low-carb diets, specialized keto-friendly breads made from almond flour, coconut flour, or flaxseed are available, which drastically reduce the carb count.

Portion Size

The amount of bread and butter you use will directly affect the carbohydrate and calorie total. Spreading a thick layer of butter won't add carbs, but it will significantly increase the fat and calorie count. Sticking to recommended serving sizes, often a single pat or teaspoon of butter, is key for overall calorie management. However, when the focus is purely on carbs, the bread portion size is the main concern.

Brand and Preparation

Different bread brands have varying recipes and slice sizes, leading to fluctuations in carb content. For instance, two slices of 'Sara Lee butter bread' were noted to contain 26 grams of carbohydrates, while other brands might differ. The preparation method can also have a minor impact. Toasting bread doesn't change its fundamental carbohydrate profile, but some people feel that it makes the bread feel denser and more filling.

Comparison Table: Carbohydrate Content of Bread and Butter Combinations


Bread Type	Carbs per Slice (approx.)	Fiber per Slice (approx.)	Total Carbs for 2 Slices with Butter (approx.)
Enriched White Bread	13g	<1g	26-34g
100% Whole Wheat Bread	17g	2g	34g (17g x 2)
Low-Carb Bread	2-5g	2g+	4-10g (2-5g x 2)

Healthier Ways to Enjoy Bread

If you're watching your carb intake but still love bread, consider these healthier strategies:

Choose High-Fiber Options: Opt for 100% whole grain or high-fiber breads. The added fiber aids digestion and makes you feel full longer, which can help prevent overeating. Whole wheat bread is a good option.
Control Portion Sizes: Instead of two large slices, try one smaller slice or an open-faced sandwich to reduce your carb count. You can also use low-carb alternatives like lettuce wraps.
Add Protein and Healthy Fats: Pair your bread with protein-rich toppings like eggs or turkey, or add healthy fats from sources like avocado or nuts. This helps balance the meal and enhances satiety.
Try Carb-Conscious Bread Alternatives: If following a strict low-carb or keto diet, seek out specialty products like almond flour bread or cauliflower bread, which can provide a bread-like experience with minimal carbohydrates. Brands like Sola Bread and ThinSlim Foods also offer low-carb options.
Enhance Flavor without Extra Carbs: Instead of high-carb spreads, use fresh herbs, spices, or a light drizzle of olive oil with your butter to add flavor without increasing carb load.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of carbohydrates in two slices of buttered bread is primarily dependent on the bread itself, as butter is a virtually carb-free ingredient. A typical serving of two slices of white bread with butter can range from 26 to 34 grams of carbohydrates. For those managing their carb intake, choosing low-carb bread alternatives or whole grain bread and practicing portion control are effective strategies. Bread can be part of a balanced diet, provided smart choices are made to align with individual nutritional goals. Making informed decisions about the type of bread and toppings you use can significantly influence the overall nutritional profile of your meal.

For more information on the health benefits of various foods, consider consulting resources from reputable institutions like WebMD.

Frequently Asked Questions

The number of net carbs depends on the bread. Net carbs are calculated by subtracting fiber from total carbohydrates. For two slices of white bread with butter, net carbs are similar to total carbs, as white bread has little fiber. For two slices of whole wheat bread with butter, the net carbs would be lower due to the higher fiber content.

Traditional butter bread made with regular wheat flour is not suitable for a keto diet due to its high carbohydrate content. However, butter itself is keto-friendly due to its high fat and almost zero carb content. You can make a keto-friendly version using keto-specific low-carb bread.

No, toasting bread does not change its fundamental macronutrient composition. While the dehydration process slightly alters the bread's density, it does not significantly change the carbohydrate content.

Instead of traditional butter bread, consider alternatives like avocado toast on whole grain bread, or using lettuce wraps or bell peppers for a low-carb option. These choices offer healthy fats, fiber, and nutrients while reducing overall carb intake.

No, adding salt to butter does not affect the carbohydrate content. Salt is a mineral and contains no carbohydrates.

To reduce carbs, you can switch from regular white bread to a low-carb or whole grain option, use a thinner slice of bread, or have an open-faced toast instead of a double slice. You can also replace toast with vegetable-based alternatives.

No, there is no significant difference in the carbohydrate content between salted and unsalted butter. Both contain virtually zero carbs per serving.