Articles
Bread Slice Sizes on the Increase
Apart from seemingly making their products healthier and healthier, bread manufacturers also appear to be making their loaf slices larger and larger. While there has been a huge increase in the variety of breads available on the market, with various grains, cereals and added vitamins and nutrients, the increase in actual loaf and slice size has also seen an increase in the average serving size of the good old sandwich.
Before larger loaves hit our shelves, the average bread slice weighed approximately 30-35 grams, making the average serving size of 2 slices 60-70 grams, with an average kilojoule content of 680KJ. Since the era of ‘super-breads’, slice sizes have increased to anywhere from 45-55 grams, with an average kilojoule content of 800KJ. Despite these new bread varieties having the benefits of added vitamins and nutrients, they are also delivering a greater kilojoule/calorie load. Hypothetically, if the average person consumes 4 slices of bread a day between breakfast and lunch, this equals 28 slices a week. This approximately equates to an extra 280g of bread a week (6-9 slices of bread) and an extra 1700KJ when the larger slices are consumed.
It is hard to stand in the bread isle and reach for the boring loaf of home brand wholemeal when there is an array of whole grain, linseed, quinoa, spelt, rye and nutritionally enhanced loaves to choose from. It is great to see that bread manufacturers are giving consumers variety, and aiming to make the age old loaf of bread nutritionally superior but it is also wise as a consumer to look at your own priorities. Not only are these loaves generally much more expensive (ranging anywhere up to $6 a loaf!), but many of the claims made by these companies about their nutritional superiority is really just hype. Read our upcoming article on The Great Bread Debate for a more in-depth look at bread nutritional claims.
For a final word on bread slice serving sizes. If you are watching your weight, it is wise to discuss with your dietitian which bread option is best for you. At least make sure you are checking bread nutrition labels. Look at the serving size, and what the kilojoule, fat and carbohydrate content is per serving. Compare a few different loaves that you are keen on (by looking at the per 100g column) and choose accordingly. If you are a big bread eater, it might be a good idea to have a smaller loaf on hand in the freezer to make sure you are not overdoing the super sized slices every day.
Added to site on : Monday, 9 July 2012