Whole grain bread is made from whole grains that are unrefined or minimally refined, so it retains a full range of nutrients from the entire grain. It is high in dietary fibre, which also supports healthy digestion.
What Does Whole Grain Bread Look Like?
On the outside, whole grain bread is brown, from 100% unbleached wheat flour. Inside, it contains various grains and seeds such as sesame, barley, oats, sunflower seeds and pecans. These all provide nutrients that benefit the body, such as magnesium, calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin B2.
How Is Whole Grain Bread Different from Whole Wheat Bread?
Whole wheat bread is another type of bread containing grains, and it is also brown from 100% unbleached wheat flour. The difference lies in the grains inside: whole grain bread contains a mix of many types of grain, while whole wheat bread has only certain grains added.
Nutritional Value: White Bread vs Whole Grain Bread
Comparing 100 g of white bread with 100 g of whole grain bread, the two contain different nutrients (according to USDA data):
| Per 100 g | Whole grain bread | White bread |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 264 kcal | 265 kcal |
| Total fat | 4.2 g | 3.2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 43 g | 49 g |
| Fibre | 7 g | 2.7 g |
| Sugar | 6 g | 5 g |
| Protein | 13 g | 9 g |
This makes whole grain bread an excellent source of carbohydrates for health-conscious people, especially those trying to lose weight or control fat intake, as it helps keep blood sugar levels steady thanks to its high fibre and antioxidants. It is also suitable for people with diabetes and heart disease.
