A tasty, low-calorie bread is a great way to start the day, particularly if you're a bread lover like I am, but also trying to watch your weight. You’ll know the struggle: that warm, crusty slice is hard to resist - especially at breakfast or alongside a comforting bowl of soup (which is my favourite). But cutting calories doesn’t have to mean cutting out bread altogether. In fact, with the rise of low-calorie loaves and even the option to make your own at home with a good bread maker, you can enjoy your favourite toast or sandwich without derailing your health goals.
Whether you like it topped with jam in the morning for breakfast, dunked in warming tomato soup or layered up as a sandwich, bread is one of those household staples that we all add to our shopping trolleys, and some of us even bake bread at home.
With so many different types available to buy, it can be tough to resist - 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 - literally.
Best low calorie bread UK at a glance:
So, 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.
Best Low-calorie bread UK
Best overall low calorie bread
Warburtonswww.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. As one reviewer puts it: "Low in sugar, low in carbs, great taste." What more could you want?
| Calories per slice: | 55kcal |
| Weight per slice: | 23.8g |
| Calories per 100g: | 231kcal |
| Fibre per slice: | 1.5g |
Best low-calorie gluten-free bread
Dillon Organicwww.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.
| Calories per slice: | 73kcal |
| Weight per slice: | 68.75g |
| Calories per 100g: | 373kcal |
| Fibre per slice: | 3.2g |
Best budget low calorie bread
Hovisgroceries.morrisons.com
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. Perfect for sandwiches, toasties and more, one reviewer described it as "the best wholemeal bread out there."
| Calories per slice: | 64kcal |
| Weight per slice: | 29g |
| Calories per 100g: | 221kcal |
| Fibre per slice: | 2g |
Best low calorie, sugar and fat bread
Hoviswww.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 |
| Fibre per slice: | 1.5g |
Bew low calroie bread with calcium
Warburtonswww.tesco.com
Soft, circular and a source of calcium, kids find it "moooooorish". Their joke, not ours. Jokes aside, this Warburton Milk Roll is seriously a great source of calcium, and is only 46 calories per slice, which is one of the lowest on our list. One customer stated that it's perfect for sandwiches or toast.
| Calories per slice: | 46kcal |
| Weight per slice: | 18.4g |
| Calories per 100g: | 248kcal |
| Fibre per slice: | 0.4g |
Best low-calorie keto bread
Dillonwww.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. As one customer pointed out, it's perfect for a low-carb diet.
| Calories per slice: | 93kcal |
| Weight per slice: | 25g |
| Calories per 100g: | 370kcal |
| Fibre per slice: | 13g |
Best low-calorie 50/50 bread
Kingsmillwww.sainsburys.co.uk
With this Kingsmill Medium Sliced 50/50 Bread, as one customer said, you get "the best of both worlds as 50% brown flour, good price point, too." It's a great source of fibre, super low in sugar and fat and just as tasty as ordinary white bread. This is a great choice.
| Calories per slice: | 68kcal |
| Weight per slice: | 29g |
| Calories per 100g: | 236kcal |
| Fibre per slice: | 1.4g |
Best Danish low-calorie bread
Warburtonswww.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. Customers recommend as "it also freezes well."
| Calories per slice: | 62kcal |
| Weight per slice: | 25.8g |
| Calories per 100g: | 239kcal |
| Fibre per slice: | 0.5g |
Verdict: Which is best?
Our favourite low-calorie loaf is the Warburtons Small Wholemeal Medium Bread. Wholemeal (also known as wholewheat) 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?
The main ingredient is in bread is determining factor in calorie content, 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.