Wheat Bread — Nutrients, Health Benefits, And Shopping Tips

Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 4, 2024
Wheat bread nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 238 kcal
Nutrients per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
---|---|---|
Carbs | 41 g | 14.91% |
Fiber | 7 g | 25% |
Sugars | 5 g | 10% |
Glycemic Index | 69 | - |
Protein | 13 g | 26% |
Sodium | 491 mg | 21.35% |
Total Fat | 4 | 5.13% |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
13 g
🧀 Good Protein Content
7 g
🥔 Good Fiber Content
Wheat bread facts & tips
Health benefits
- High in fiber if made from whole wheat, supporting digestive health, promoting regular bowel movements, and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
- Rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, which support overall health and well-being.
- Provides sustained energy from complex carbohydrates, making it a good source of fuel for the body and brain.
- Supports heart health by helping to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Health risks
- High carbohydrate content particularly in bread made from refined wheat flour, which can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, particularly concerning for diabetics.
- Potential for gluten content making it unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, potentially causing digestive discomfort and other health issues.
- Potential for overconsumption due to its palatable nature, leading to excessive calorie intake if not mindful of portion sizes.
- High sodium content in some commercial wheat bread products, which can contribute to hypertension and increased cardiovascular risks.
How to choose wheat bread
Wheat bread should have a dense texture and a nutty, sweet aroma. The crust should be firm but not overly hard, and the slices should hold together well when cut.
Do not buy wheat bread that is dry or crumbly, as it may be stale. Bread with a sour or off smell should also be avoided, as it indicates poor quality ingredients or a problem during the baking process.

How to store wheat bread
Wheat bread should be kept at room temperature in a sealed container or bread box. Proper storage maintains its softness and freshness for about 3-5 days.
Exposure to air can lead to staleness in wheat bread. Refrigerating the bread is not recommended, as it may cause it to dry out. Ensuring it is wrapped securely helps preserve its texture and flavor. For the best quality, consume it within a few days of buying it, or freeze it for up to 3 months for longer storage.
✅ Extra Tip
How long does it last?
Wheat bread can last for 3-5 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, wheat bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover wheat bread can be used in a variety of savory and sweet dishes. Use it to make sandwiches, paninis, or grilled cheese, or toast it and serve with butter, jam, or honey for a quick breakfast. Wheat bread is also great when turned into croutons by cubing, tossing with olive oil and seasonings, and baking until crispy.
Use leftover wheat bread to make a bread pudding by tearing it into pieces and mixing with eggs, milk, and spices, then baking until set. If you have a lot of wheat bread, consider using it to make French toast by dipping it in an egg mixture and frying until golden. Wheat bread can also be used as a base for bruschetta or crostini, topped with tomatoes, cheese, and fresh herbs, or blended into breadcrumbs for coating meats or vegetables. For a quick snack, enjoy wheat bread with cheese, cold cuts, or a spread like peanut butter or Nutella.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
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Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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