White Bread

White bread is frequently used as a base for sandwiches, as a side for soups and salads, and as a key ingredient in various recipes such as bread pudding, French toast, and stuffing. It also serves as an accessible food for making quick snacks like toast with butter or jam. In many cultures, white bread plays a vital role in traditional meals and comfort food dishes.

A typical slice of white bread contains about 66 calories (275 kilojoules).

Each slice provides roughly 2 grams of protein (0.07 ounces).

White bread contains minimal fat, with an average of 1 gram per slice (0.035 ounces).

The majority of the calories in white bread come from carbohydrates, with each slice containing around 13 grams (0.46 ounces).

White bread is often enriched with vitamins, such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid.

The enrichment process also adds minerals like iron and calcium to white bread, enhancing its nutritional profile.

Enriched white bread can contribute to daily vitamin and mineral intake. The added iron helps to prevent anemia, while folic acid is important for pregnant women to support fetal development. However, white bread should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Consuming white bread in excess can lead to potential health risks such as weight gain and blood sugar spikes. The lack of fiber compared to whole-grain breads can also affect digestive health. Individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease should avoid white bread as it contains gluten.

White bread is used in a multitude of recipes, from classic American grilled cheese sandwiches to European bread-based desserts like Summer Pudding. It's also a staple ingredient in many stuffing and breadcrumb recipes.

Besides being consumed fresh, white bread can be toasted, grilled, baked, or even fried to suit various recipes and taste preferences.

White bread pairs well with both sweet and savory spreads, can be used as a base for pizza-like snacks, and complements egg dishes for breakfast or brunch. It is also commonly used for croutons in salads and soups.

White bread is a widely-consumed food that forms an integral part of many diets around the world. Its versatility and mild taste make it suitable for numerous culinary applications. While it provides certain nutritional benefits, particularly when enriched, it is best enjoyed as part of a varied and balanced diet, mindful of its lower fiber content and refined nature in comparison to whole-grain alternatives.