Is 647 white bread healthy?

Bread has long been a dietary staple, but in recent years white bread has gotten a bad reputation. With 647 white bread in particular, some people view it as an unhealthy option while others see it as a perfectly fine food to enjoy in moderation. So is 647 white bread actually healthy or not?

Table of Contents

The controversy around white bread

The main issue with white bread is that it is made with refined grains, meaning the bran and germ are removed from the wheatkernel during processing. This leaves mostly the endosperm, which contains starch and some protein. As a result, white bread is low in fiber, vitamins, and minerals compared to whole grain breads.

Additionally, the refining process gives white bread a higher glycemic index, meaning it causes faster spikes in blood sugar. This has led some experts to suggest limiting foods with refined grains to reduce risk of diabetes and heart disease.

However, others argue that white bread is not inherently harmful in moderation. The concerns around blood sugar and fiber can be mitigated by combining it with protein, fat, and produce as part of a balanced diet.

Nutrition profile of 647 white bread

647 white bread is a commercially available brand of white sandwich bread. Here is the basic nutrition information per 1 slice (32g):

Calories	80
Protein	3g
Carbohydrates	15g
Fat	1g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	3g

As you can see, a single slice of 647 white bread has 80 calories and 15g of carbohydrates, 3 of which are sugars. It also provides 3g of protein and 1g of fiber.

Compared to whole wheat bread, 647 white bread is lower in fiber, protein, and micronutrients like folate, iron, and calcium. However, it’s not devoid of nutrition either. The enriched flour used in 647 provides a good amount of added vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid.

Glycemic index and blood sugar

647 white bread has a relatively high glycemic index of about 70. This means it causes a quicker rise in blood sugar compared to foods like oatmeal or sweet potatoes that have more fiber and complex carbs.

However, glycemic index doesn’t tell the whole story. The total carbohydrate content is also important. Since a slice of bread only has 15g carbs, it will not spike blood sugar levels nearly as much as other high GI foods like white rice or potatoes.

The American Diabetes Association says that glycemic index is just one piece of the puzzle. Overall carb intake, portion sizes, and nutrition should all factor into food choices for managing blood sugar.

Fiber content

One slice of 647 white bread contains 1g of fiber, which amounts to 4% of the daily value. This is low compared to the 4g or more per slice found in most types of whole wheat bread.

However, we don’t necessarily need to get all our fiber from one food source. Eating 647 bread with a source of protein and healthy fats helps slow digestion, while adding fruits and vegetables to meals provides additional fiber.

For those with gluten sensitivity or seeking higher fiber, 647 also offers a “Double Fiber” white bread with 4g per slice. So there are ways to increase fiber while still enjoying the taste and texture of white bread.

Weight loss

At just 80 calories a slice, 647 white bread can easily fit into a weight loss diet. However, some dieters avoid it because they think eliminating all refined grains leads to faster weight loss.

In truth, whole grains and refined grains can both be included in a balanced diet for weight management. The satiety and nutrients from whole grains may give them a slight advantage. But for some, the enjoyment and convenience of breads like 647 makes sticking to a diet easier. Neither needs to be completely avoided.

Nutritional recommendations

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend making at least half your daily grain servings whole grain. For a 2,000 calorie diet, this equates to 3-4 ounce equivalents of whole grains per day.

But they also state that refined grains can fit into a healthy diet, and do not need to be eliminated. The key is balance and moderation. Limiting portion sizes of refined grains while focusing more on whole grains, proteins, produce, and healthy fats leads to the best dietary pattern.

Taste and texture preferences

Nutrition aside, 647 white bread has a soft, airy texture and mild taste that many people prefer over 100% whole wheat breads. There is no harm or foul in enjoying the taste and texture of white bread in moderation.

For sandwiches, toast, and French toast, the lighter texture of breads like 647 can provide an enjoyable base. As long as servings are controlled and it’s balanced with other whole foods, white bread can fit into an overall healthy diet.

Ingredients

647 white bread contains enriched wheat flour (flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), water, sugar, yeast, wheat gluten, soybean oil, contains 2% or less of each of the following: salt, dough conditioners (mono and diglycerides, ethoxylated mono and diglycerides datem, ascorbic acid, enzymes), calcium propionate and potassium sorbate (preservatives), wheat starch, calcium sulfate, soy lecithin, grain vinegar, calcium carbonate, soy flour.

So in addition to enriched wheat, it’s made with soybean oil, yeast, wheat gluten, and dough conditioners to improve texture. Overall, a pretty standard white bread ingredient list.

Health implications

For most people, there are minimal health concerns around eating products made with enriched wheat flour like 647 white bread. Eating too much refined grains to the exclusion of whole grains could increase risks for chronic disease according to some population studies. But these risks appear small for those who eat a varied diet.

Those with gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, or wheat allergy will need to avoid 647. For managing diabetes, portion control and pairing with protein and fat is important. But 647 white bread does not need to be completely avoided for those without specific dietary restrictions or conditions.

Cost and availability

647 white bread is sold at many major grocery chains such as Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, and more. It’s widely available across the US. A typical price is $2-3 for a 20 oz loaf.

So it provides a budget-friendly option compared to some artisan or specialty breads that can cost $5 or more. The wide availability and low cost makes 647 white bread an accessible option for many shoppers.

Alternatives

There are several alternatives that provide similar taste and texture to 647 white bread:

Nature’s Own Whitewheat Bread

Sara Lee Classic White Bread
Oroweat Country White Bread
Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Hearty White Bread

Arnold Country Classics White Bread

All of these offer soft, lighter wheat breads that work well for sandwiches, toast, and French toast. They will have slightly differing nutrition profiles but are nutritionally comparable overall.

Taste test comparisons

Here is how 647 white bread stacks up in taste and texture compared to other common varieties:

Vs. whole wheat bread: 647 has a lighter density and texture vs. the heavier, heartier texture of whole wheat breads. The flavor is also milder without the nuttiness from whole wheat. The higher fiber content in whole wheat gives it more nutritional value.

Vs. sourdough: 647 has a uniformly soft texture whereas sourdough often has a chewier crumb. Sourdough has a tangy, sour flavor from the fermentation process. 647 has a simpler, milder taste.

Vs. white sandwich bread brands: Among the major brands, 647, Sara Lee, Nature’s Own, etc. are all quite similar in density, texture, softness, and flavor. Minor differences come down to preference.

Common uses

647 white bread can be used for all the following purposes:

Sandwiches – 647 makes a soft bread for sandwiches of all types.
Toast – It yields crisp, lightly browned toast.

French toast – The lighter bread makes for delicious French toast.
Bread crumbs – Dried 647 slices can be processed into bread crumbs.
Stuffing – Cubed 647 bread makes a nice base for stuffing.

Garlic bread – Spread garlic butter on slices then toast or broil.

Storing guide

To maximize freshness, store 647 white bread in a bread box or paper bag at room temperature. Keeping it enclosed helps prevent the slices drying out. Stored this way, it will stay fresh 3-5 days after opening.

For longer storage, keep 647 bread in the fridge in a plastic bag. It will keep for 7-10 days. The fridge will cause the bread to lose some softness but will slow mold growth. Frozen 647 bread will keep for 2-3 months.

Where it’s made

647 white bread is made by Flowery Branch, Georgia based Flowers Foods. The company operates 46 bakeries in the United States that produce breads, buns, and snack cakes.