Quick Answer
Yes, garlic bread is high in carbs. A 1-ounce slice of garlic bread can contain around 15-20 grams of carbohydrates, coming mostly from the bread itself. The butter, garlic, and any other ingredients added also contribute small amounts of carbs. The exact carb count varies depending on the type and brand of bread used, as well as the size of the slice. But in general, garlic bread is a high carb food.
What is Garlic Bread?
Garlic bread consists of bread (usually a baguette or loaf of Italian bread), that is sliced and brushed with garlic butter or olive oil. It is then toasted or baked until crisp and golden brown.
In addition to the garlic and butter/oil, other ingredients like Parmesan cheese, herbs like parsley or oregano, or spices may be added on top for extra flavor.
The bread acts as the base and main source of carbohydrates. The most common types of bread used for garlic bread are:
– French baguette – This classic skinny loaf has a crispy crust and fluffy interior. A 1 ounce slice provides around 15 grams of net carbs.
– Italian bread – Italian bread has a firm dense texture perfect for thick slices of garlic bread. One ounce contains approximately 15 grams of net carbs.
– Sourdough bread – The tangy flavor of sourdough complements the richness of garlic bread. A 1 ounce slice has roughly 10-15 grams of net carbs.
– Ciabatta – This rustic Italian bread has a chewy crumb and crispy crust. A 1 ounce slice has around 15 grams of net carbs.
– Focaccia – The characteristic dimples in focaccia are perfect for pooling melted garlic butter. A 1 ounce piece contains about 15 grams of net carbs.
So no matter what type of bread is used, garlic bread is high in carbohydrates due to its main ingredient – bread. The exact carb content changes based on the size and variety of bread.
Why is Bread High in Carbs?
Bread is high in carbohydrates because the main ingredients are typically wheat or another grain flour along with water, yeast, oil, and salt.
Flour provides nearly all the carbohydrates found in bread. During the bread making process, the starches in the flour are broken down by the yeast and convert into simple sugars, which causes the dough to rise.
One cup of all-purpose flour contains about 95 grams of total carbs, 80 of which are starch and 15 grams are fiber. So when portioning out bread, the more flour in the slice, the more carbs it will have.
The main types of carbohydrates found in bread are:
– Starch – Bread flour is mostly starch, which is a complex carbohydrate. The starch provides structure and subsistence for the yeast.
– Fiber – Whole grain breads contain fiber, which are the indigestible carbohydrates from the bran of the grain.
– Sugars – A small portion of the carbs come from natural sugars in the grains. The yeast also produces sugars during fermentation that provide food for the yeast and sweetness in the bread.
In addition to the carbohydrates naturally present in flour, some breads have additional sugars added, like honey, molasses, or corn syrup. So reading nutrition labels is important to identify any sources of added sugar.
Nutritional Profile of Garlic Bread
Now that we know bread is high in carbs, how many carbs are actually in garlic bread?
Here is the nutritional breakdown for a 1 ounce slice (about 1/3 cup or 28g) of garlic bread:
– Calories: 75
– Total fat: 2.5g
– Saturated fat: 1.5g
– Trans fat: 0g
– Sodium: 125mg
– Total carbs: 15g
– Fiber: 0.5g
– Sugars: 0.5g
– Protein: 2g
The exact nutrition facts vary between brands, but on average a standard slice of garlic bread contains about 15 grams of carbs.
Of those 15 grams of carbs:
– 13.5 grams come from the bread itself.
– 0.5 grams come from naturally occurring sugars in the bread.
– 0.5 grams of fiber.
– Around 1 gram comes from butter or oil added.
So the bread contributes the bulk of the carbohydrates. The butter, garlic, and seasonings add minimal additional carbs.
How Many Carbs in Different Styles of Garlic Bread?
There are many ways to make garlic bread with different types of bread and ingredients. Here is the carb count for some popular styles:
– Texas Toast Garlic Bread – 20g carbs
– French Baguette Garlic Bread – 15g carbs
– Sourdough Garlic Bread – 13g carbs
– Focaccia Garlic Bread – 13g carbs
– Garlic Breadsticks – 22g carbs
– Cheesy Garlic Bread – 17g carbs
Texas toast, cheesy garlic bread, and breadsticks tend to be higher in carbs because they contain thicker slices of bread. Sourdough and focaccia are often thinner and lighter.
But no matter how you slice it, all variations of garlic bread contain a significant amount of carbohydrates.
How Does Garlic Bread Compare to Other Breads?
Garlic bread contains slightly fewer carbs than some other popular bread products. Here’s how it compares:
– 1 slice white bread – 15g carbs
– 1 slice whole wheat bread – 17g carbs
– 1 small dinner roll – 15g carbs
– 1 slice raisin bread – 20g carbs
– 1 English muffin – 22g carbs
– 1 bagel – 53g carbs
As you can see, classic garlic bread has fewer carbs than many other bread choices, like rolls, raisin bread, and bagels. However it still contains a significant amount of carbohydrates.
Even though it’s slightly lower in carbs than some other breads, a slice or two of garlic bread significantly increases the carbs and calories of a meal. It’s considered more of treat than a daily staple.
Tips for Reducing Carbs in Garlic Bread
If you love garlic bread but want to reduce the carbs, here are some tips:
– Use thin baguette slices rather than thick Texas toast or ciabatta.
– Opt for a smaller size like garlic breadsticks.
– Limit yourself to 1-2 slices.
– Look for low-carb gluten-free bread options.
– Skip any cheese or additional toppings that add extra carbs.
– Choose a sprouted whole grain bread that is lower in net carbs.
– Replace half the regular flour with almond or coconut flour.
– Consider lettuce wrap “garlic bread” using lettuce leaves brushed with garlic butter and toasted.
While these tweaks can help slightly reduce the carb count, garlic bread is still a high carb food. Those monitoring their carbohydrate intake will probably want to consider it an occasional indulgence.
Is Garlic Bread Keto?
The ketogenic or “keto” diet strictly limits carb intake, normally to under 50 grams per day. Most keto meal plans emphasize very low carb foods.
So is garlic bread keto? Unfortunately, garlic bread is not keto-friendly and does not fit into a ketogenic eating pattern. A 1-2 slice serving could easily consume almost the entire day’s allotment of carbs.
There are some low-carb replacement options like:
– Garlic butter-topped portobello mushroom caps
– Roasted garlic rubbed on chicken or steak
– Cauliflower “bread” seasoned with garlic
But true garlic bread is high carb and should be avoided on keto. Trying to make substitutions or very small portions may lead to cravings and disappointment.
Those following a keto diet will need to skip garlic bread most of the time to stay in ketosis. It can be something enjoyed very sparingly on special occasions when carbs are increased.
Is Garlic Bread Paleo?
The paleo diet eliminates grains, legumes, dairy, and processed foods. So conventional garlic bread made with bread, butter, and cheese would not be paleo-approved either.
However, there are some paleo “garlic bread” alternatives:
– Roasted garlic rubbed onto slices of roasted sweet potato
– Slices of zucchini or eggplant toasted with garlic-infused olive oil
– Portobello mushroom caps topped with garlic butter
– Garlic compote served alongside cauliflower steaks
So with some creativity, the flavors of garlic bread can be replicated in grain-free paleo recipes. But traditional garlic bread would not be paleo-compliant due to its use of bread, wheat flour, and dairy products.
Is Garlic Bread Gluten Free?
Traditional garlic bread is not gluten-free because it is made from wheat bread which contains gluten.
However, for those avoiding gluten, there are many gluten-free bread options that can be used to make homemade garlic bread. Some examples include breads made from:
– Rice flour
– Almond flour
– Coconut flour
– Cassava flour
– Nut flours like chickpea flour
When preparing gluten-free garlic bread, always read labels carefully and use a certified gluten-free bread. Avoid cross-contamination by thoroughly cleaning cooking surfaces.
There are also many pre-made gluten-free garlic breads available from brands like Udi’s, Schar, and Canyon Bakehouse. These provide a quick and easy gluten-free garlic bread option.
Low Carb Alternatives to Garlic Bread
Here are some ideas for low carb alternatives:
– Zucchini rounds brushed with garlic oil or butter – 5g net carbs
– Portobello mushroom caps topped with melted garlic butter – 3g net carbs
– Roasted cauliflower florets tossed in garlic oil and parmesan – 5g net carbs
– Chicken breasts coated in garlic herb compound butter – 0g net carbs
– Flank steak rubbed with a garlic paste – 0g net carbs
– Baked brie round served with garlic and roasted peppers – 1g net carb
While not exactly the same as traditional garlic bread, these low carb options can satisfy a craving in a healthier way. Keep the flavors of garlic and herbs, but use veggie replacements for the bread.
Health Impact of Regular Garlic Bread Consumption
Garlic bread tastes great, but regular consumption can have negative health impacts due to these drawbacks:
– High in calories and carbs – The typical serving of 1-2 slices provides 150-300 calories and 30+ grams of carbs, mostly from refined flour. Consuming this frequently can promote weight gain and make it hard to control blood sugar.
– Low nutrient density – Beyond some B vitamins and minerals from the enriched flour, garlic bread is lacking in nutrients. The calories come predominantly from carbs and fat.
– High in sodium – Store bought and restaurant garlic bread can be very high in sodium, ranging from 300-700mg per serving. This can increase blood pressure.
– Contains refined grains – Refined flour lacks the fiber of whole grains. A diet high in refined grains is linked to obesity, heart disease, and certain cancers.
– Can trigger digestive issues – The high-fat content coupled with fermentable carbs from garlic and yeast can cause discomfort like heartburn, bloating, or diarrhea in sensitive individuals.
While fine in moderation, regular garlic bread consumption can negatively impact overall nutrition, health, and digestive comfort. It’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat.
Conclusion
Garlic bread is absolutely high in carbohydrates since the main ingredient is bread, no matter what type of bread is used. A standard 1 ounce slice of garlic bread contains around 15 grams of carbs. So those monitoring their carb intake or following low carb, keto, gluten-free, or paleo diets should consume garlic bread sparingly.
There are ways to slightly reduce the carbs by using thin bread slices, limiting portions, and avoiding any extra ingredients like cheese. But at the end of the day, garlic bread is a high carb indulgence best enjoyed occasionally and in moderation by most people. The healthiest approach is to think of it as a special treat food rather than an everyday staple.
