Quick Answer
The number of calories in a slice of bread with butter can vary depending on the type and size of bread, as well as the amount of butter added. However, on average, one slice of white bread with 1 tablespoon of butter contains around 150 calories. Whole wheat bread with butter would be slightly lower in calories at around 130 calories per slice.
Calories in Different Types of Bread
The number of calories in a slice of bread depends on the type of bread. Here is an overview of the average calories per slice for different bread varieties:
White Bread
– One slice of white bread (1 oz) contains about 75-80 calories
Whole Wheat Bread
– One slice of whole wheat bread (1 oz) contains about 60-70 calories
Sourdough Bread
– One slice of sourdough bread (1 oz) contains about 75-80 calories
Rye Bread
– One slice of rye bread (1 oz) contains about 80 calories
Pumpernickel Bread
– One slice of pumpernickel bread (1 oz) contains about 80 calories
French Bread
– One slice of french bread (1 oz) contains about 95 calories
Challah Bread
– One slice of challah bread (1 oz) contains about 95 calories
So as you can see, the number of calories per slice ranges from 60-95 calories depending on the variety. Whole wheat tends to be on the lower end while richer breads like challah and french bread are higher in calories. The size of the slice also impacts the calories. A thicker slice would have more calories than a thinner slice of the same bread type.
Calories in Butter
Butter is very high in fat and calories. Here are the calories in different serving sizes of butter:
– 1 teaspoon of butter contains about 35 calories
– 1 tablespoon of butter contains about 100 calories
– 1 stick of butter (8 tablespoons) contains about 800 calories
So a common amount to spread on bread would be 1 tablespoon which contains 100 calories. This can vary based on personal preferences for how much or how little butter is used. Less butter would mean fewer calories, while more butter increases the calories.
Total Calories in Bread with Butter
If we combine the average slice of bread with 1 tablespoon of butter, the total calories would be:
– White bread (80 calories) + 1 tbsp butter (100 calories) = 180 calories
– Whole wheat bread (65 calories) + 1 tbsp butter (100 calories) = 165 calories
– Sourdough bread (80 calories) + 1 tbsp butter (100 calories) = 180 calories
So on average, one slice of bread with 1 tablespoon of butter contains about 150-180 calories depending on the type of bread. Whole wheat and other whole grain varieties tend to be on the lower end of the range.
The calories can be reduced by using less butter or opting for a bread with lower calories to begin with. For example, one slice of light whole wheat bread (45 calories) with 1 tsp butter (35 calories) would be only 80 calories total.
Calories in Bread with Butter Alternatives
People looking to reduce calories may want to consider using alternatives to regular butter on bread. Here are some lower calorie options:
Light Butter
– Regular butter: 100 calories per tbsp
– Light butter: 50 calories per tbsp
Butter Spreads/Blends
– Butter-olive oil blend: 70 calories per tbsp
– Butter-canola oil blend: 60 calories per tbsp
Jams, Jellies, Preserves
– 1 tbsp jam or jelly: 50 calories
– 1 tbsp fruit preserves: 45 calories
Nut Butters
– 1 tbsp peanut butter: 95 calories
– 1 tbsp almond butter: 100 calories
Avocado
– 2 tbsp mashed avocado: 50 calories
Hummus
– 2 tbsp hummus: 60 calories
So using one of these alternatives in place of regular butter can shave off 50 or more calories per slice of bread. Combining whole wheat bread with one of these spreads can create a slice of bread with butter for around 100-130 calories depending on the products used.
Lowest Calorie Options
To get a slice of bread with butter as low in calories as possible, choose options like:
– Light whole wheat bread (45 calories per slice)
– 1 tsp tub butter spread (25 calories)
– Total calories: 70
Or
– Thin sliced whole wheat bread (40 calories per slice)
– 1 tbsp peanut butter (95 calories)
– Total calories: 135
Another option is one slice of light bread (40 calories) with 1 tbsp jam (50 calories) for a total of 90 calories.
So choosing lighter versions of bread and spread, and controlling portions can create a satisfying slice of bread with butter for less than 150 calories.
High Calorie Options
On the other end, some bread and butter combinations end up being quite high in calories. Some examples include:
– Thick cut challah bread (140 calories)
– 2 tbsp regular butter (200 calories)
– Total calories: 340
Or
– Large croissant (330 calories)
– 2 tbsp butter (200 calories)
– Total calories: 530
As well as:
– 1 bagel (275 calories)
– 2 tbsp peanut butter (190 calories)
– Total calories: 465
So thicker, larger breads paired with more generous amounts of higher calorie spreads can end up being 300, 400 or even 500+ calories for a single slice with butter.
Factors Affecting Calories
The main factors that affect the calories in bread with butter include:
Type of Bread
– Whole wheat and whole grain breads are lower in calories than white and enriched breads.
Slice Size and Thickness
– The bigger and thicker the slice of bread, the more calories it will contain.
Type and Amount of Spread
– Butter and peanut butter are high calorie spreads compared to jams or hummus. And larger amounts of any spread mean more calories.
Additions
– Adding extras like honey, cream cheese, or avocado will increase the calorie count.
Serving and Portion Size
– Having multiple slices of bread in one sitting will multiply the calories.
So pay attention to all these factors to determine the number of calories in a slice of bread with butter. Making small tweaks like choosing 100% whole wheat bread, limiting your spread amount, and sticking to a single slice can make a significant difference.
Nutritional Breakdown
In addition to calories, here is the nutritional breakdown for a sample slice of whole wheat bread with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 135 |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Sodium | 190mg |
As you can see, while the slice of whole wheat bread with peanut butter provides protein and fiber, the majority of calories are coming from carbohydrates and fat.
This nutritional profile can help guide modifications based on your own dietary needs. For example, opting for a nut butter lower in sodium or choosing an unsalted butter may be a better option for limiting sodium intake.
Healthiest Bread Options
If you’re looking to make your bread choice as nutritious as possible, here are some of the healthiest options:
– 100% whole wheat bread
– Whole grain rye bread
– Sprouted grain breads
– Whole grain sourdough
– Ezekiel bread
– Pumpernickel bread
These breads are made from whole grains and retain more fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals compared to white breads. Look for options with short ingredient lists and minimal added sugars.
Pairing one of these nutritious breads with a healthy spread high in good fats like nut butter, avocado or hummus can create a balanced, satisfying snack or light meal.
Tips for Reducing Calories
Here are some tips for lowering the calories in bread with butter:
– Choose 100% whole grain varieties of bread
– Opt for lighter or diet breads
– Pick thin sliced bread over thick cut bread
– Use a smaller slice or mini bagel
– Limit your portion to just one slice
– Measure spreads to control serving size
– Select reduced-fat or light butters and spreads
– Use alternatives like avocado or hummus instead of regular butter
– Avoid additions like honey, cream cheese, or sugary jams
– Drink water with your bread instead of juice or soda
Making some of these simple modifications can shave 100 or more calories off your bread with butter. Multiplied over time, this can make a significant impact!
Common Questions
Is whole wheat or sourdough bread healthier?
Whole wheat bread is usually healthier than sourdough. Whole wheat bread is made from 100% whole grains, retaining all the bran and germ which provides more fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. Sourdough uses refined wheat flour with some of the bran. However, sourdough’s fermentation process does make it easier to digest. So sourdough can be a good option for some.
Is peanut butter or almond butter healthier?
Peanut butter and almond butter have their own nutritional benefits. Peanut butter has more protein, fiber and healthy fats. Almond butter contains more vitamin E, magnesium and iron. Both offer antioxidants and healthy monounsaturated fats. The healthiest option contains just nuts with minimal added salt and sugar.
Does butter or olive oil have fewer calories?
Butter contains about 100 calories per tablespoon while olive oil contains about 120 calories per tablespoon. So butter is slightly lower in calories, but olive oil contains healthier unsaturated fats. Using a light butter or reducing the amount can lower the calorie count of butter.
Is it OK to eat bread and butter every day?
There are no strict rules on how often you can enjoy bread and butter. However, eating multiple servings of bread and/or large amounts of butter daily can lead to excessive calories, carbohydrates, fat, and sodium in the diet. Moderation is key – stick to just 1-2 slices of wholesome bread with a small amount of spread to incorporate it into a healthy diet.
Conclusion
The number of calories in a slice of bread with butter ranges widely based on the type and size of the bread and amount of spread. But on average, one slice of whole wheat bread with 1 tablespoon of butter contains about 150 calories. Paying attention to portion sizes, choosing healthier whole grain breads and spreads, and avoiding high calorie additions can keep the calorie count reasonable. Bread and butter can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and paired with other whole foods as part of an overall healthy eating pattern.
