Consider a tasty low-calorie bread alternative to help you start the day. Whether you like it topped with jam in the morning for breakfast, dunked in warming tomato soup or layered up with bacon, lettuce and tomato, bread is one of those household staples we all add to our shopping trolleys or even bake bread at home. And with so many different types available to buy, it can be tough to resist buying - especially when it tastes so good. So, what can be done?
If you've been trying to lose weight without exercise, bread might be one of the foods you've been trying to avoid. But the good news is that you don't have to go without. There are lots of low-calorie bread options that contain as little as half the calories of regular bread. So you can still have your bread - and eat it.
Best low-calorie bread UK at a glance
• Best overall low-calorie bread: Warburtons Small Wholemeal Medium Bread - View Offer at Tesco
• Best low-calorie gluten free bread: Dillon Organic Sliced Gluten Free Seeded Bread - View at Holland + Barrett
• Low in sugars and fat: Hovis Nimble Wholemeal - View Offer at Ocado
If you'd like to make the swap, we've found some of the best low-calorie bread options in the UK, all available at your local supermarket. Believe it or not, even reputable brands like Hovis and Warburton have started making bread that'll help with your diet - or New Year's health kick. Plus, there's a gluten-free option to try. Read more on Yours.
Low-calorie bread UK
Best overall low-calorie bread
www.tesco.com
Baked with 100% Wholemeal flour, this great-tasting Warburtons Small Wholemeal Medium Bread loaf is high in fibre with no added sugar, so ideal for the whole family to enjoy. 40 years on, this loaf is one of our favourites.
Calories per Slice: 55kcal
Weight per Slice: 23.8g
Calories per 100g: 231kcal
Carbohydrates per slice: 9g
Fibre per sliice: 1.5g
Customer review: "Low in sugar, low in carbs and great taste. It’s my favourite sliced bread."
Best low-calorie gluten-free bread
www.hollandandbarrett.com
The Dillon Organic Sliced Gluten Free Seeded Bread, is a high-fibre, filling option made with organic seeds, oats, and a gentle sourdough. Vegan, yeast-free, and without fillers, additives, or preservatives, perfect for toasting or sandwiches.
Fat per 100g: 28g
Calories per 100g: 373kcal
Carbohydrates per 100g: 16g
Fibre per 100g: 9.6g
Budget pick
www.sainsburys.co.uk
Naturally rich in whole grains and made with wholemeal flour, this tasty Hovis Tasty Medium Sliced Wholemeal Bread loaf is high in fibre and low in fat. This wholemeal loaf is perfect for sandwiches, toasties and more.
Calories Per Slice: 64kcal**
Weight Per Slice:** 29g**
Calories per 100g:** 221kcal**
Carbohydrates per slice:** 11gFibre per slice: 2g
Customer review: "I love the size and taste of this bread, definitely one of the best wholemeal breads out there!!"
Low in sugars and fat
www.ocado.com
For a toastie low in sugars and fat, this Hovis Nimble Wholemeal loaf is baked with wholemeal flour, plus malted wholegrains for an even richer flavour. It's only 50 calories per slice and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Calories Per Slice: 50kcal
Weight Per Slice: 22g
Calories per 100g: 226kcal
Carbohydrates per slice: 8.1g
Fibre per slice: 1.5g
Customer review: "Light and toasts beautifully. Have been buying for years but cant enjoy the last loaf as some clever packer in Ocado put it in the same bag as a multipack of large water bottles! Come on Ocado sort this out my bread arrived squashed beyond enjoyable."
Low in calories, high in calcium
www.tesco.com
Soft, circular and a source of calcium, kids find it moooooorish. Their joke, not ours. Jokes aside, this Warburton ilk Rollis seriously a great source of calcium - and is only 46 calories per slice - which is one of the lowest on our list.
Calories Per Slice: 46kcal
Weight Per Slice: 18.4g
Calories per 100g: 248kcal
Carbohydrates per slice: 8.3g
Fibre per slice: 0.4g
Customer review: "Really lovely sliced bread. I’ve never had a problem with bread and buy it most weeks. It’s perfect for sandwiches or toast. Lovely !!"
Best low-calorie gluten free bread
www.hollandandbarrett.com
We recommend the Dillon Organic Original Flax Keto Bread offers high-fiber, gluten-free, vegan, and omega-3-rich slices. With a blend of flax, sunflower, and caraway seeds, this half-loaf is a low-calorie and gluten-free option.
Fat per 100g: 29g
Calories per 100g: 370kcal
Carbohydrates per 100g: 12g
Fibre per 100g: 13g
Customer review: “Love this Keto bread it’s so tasty and filling. Bought it many times and enjoyed it on a low-carb diet.”
Best low-calorie 50/50 bread
www.sainsburys.co.uk
With this Kingsmill Medium Sliced 50/50 Bread, you get the best of both worlds. It's a great source of fibre, super low in sugar and fat, whilst being just as tasty as ordinary, white bread. This is a great choice.
Calories Per Slice: 68kcal
Weight Per Slice: 29g
Calories per 100g: 236kcal
Carbohydrates per slice: 12.2g
Fibre per slice: 1.4g
Customer review: "Nice soft bread, tasty and best of both worlds as 50% brown flour, good price point, too."
Best Danish low-calorie bread
www.tesco.com
Light and airy, Warburton Danish Sliced Small White Breads are made in a larger baking tin to allow the bread to rise higher. Consequently. they are low in fat and sugar; plus, it is only 62kcal a slice - which is perfect for a health kick.
Calories Per Slice: 62kcal
Weight Per Slice: 25.8g
Calories per 100g: 239kcal
Carbohydrates per slice: 11.9g
Fibre per slice: 0.5g
Customer review: "A lovely light soft bread, low in sugar and freezes well too. I can thoroughly recommend."
Verdict: Which is best?
Our favourite low-calorie loaf is the Warburtons Small Wholemeal Medium Bread. Whole wheat is the best alternative to ordinary wheat - as it has enough fibre and carbohydrates to help you kickstart the day.
FAQs
What type of bread has the lowest calories?
We have the low-down on low-calorie bread for your meals, snacking and more. Perhaps, you're wondering: what makes bread healthy - or low in calories? Well, the main ingredient is a large determining factor, as wheat can be high in carbs - and therefore, calories. For a low-calorie bread alternative, opt for bread made with whole grains, such as:
Whole Wheat
Rye
Oats
Is low-calorie bread bad for you?
Your new favourite low-calorie slice may be appealing, but it can be let down in other areas. Make sure you look out for the fibre content, the amount of vitamins and minerals and either elements such as potassium or magnesium. After all, fewer calories aren't the only thing you should implement into your new diet. Nutrient-rich food should be at the top of the list, providing all the necessary vitamins, minerals and more for a happy, healthy start to your day.
Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Yours, an all-rounder who will write on anything from décor to wellness. When not scouring the net for the best home bargains, Piper is listening to a musical soundtrack and tending to her houseplants.