Low-carbohydrate bread has a lower carbohydrate content than traditional bread. They are often marketed as bread for diabetics, as they are believed to help regulate blood sugar levels.
Low-carbohydrate bread can be made from various grains, including wheat, rye, and barley. They are available in both white and whole-grain varieties. Some low-carbohydrate bread types also contain added fiber or protein, making them healthier than traditional white bread.
If you have diabetes, you should always moderate your bread consumption. Even the healthier low-carb bread might still increase your blood sugar, so you should not overeat. But there is no reason why you should cut bread entirely from your diet either.
In this Diabetic & Me article, you will learn about the following:
- What are the differences between low-GI and low-carb?
- What are carbohydrates, and how does it affect our body?
- What are the different kinds of bread?
- What is the best low-carb bread for diabetics?
- Is sourdough bread good for diabetics?
The #1 Best Bread for Diabetics
What is the Glycemic Index (Gl)?
The glycemic index indicates how quickly carbohydrates are absorbed into the blood. Food with a low glycemic index (GI) is absorbed less quickly, producing fewer high blood sugar spikes and less fluctuating blood sugars. This reduces the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), and complications.
Foods with a low or medium glycemic index (GI) are often recommended for people with diabetes, as they stabilize blood sugar levels. The glycemic index of a food is expressed as a number from 0 to 100. A glycemic index of less than 55 is low, 55 to 70 is medium, and greater than 70 is high.
Is Low-carb the Same as Low-GI?
At first glance, there aren't many differences between low-carb and low-gi; both involve reducing the number of carbohydrates you eat. Sometimes we confuse low carbohydrates with a low glycemic index. A low glycemic index is measured differently and does not consider the total amount of carbohydrates a food contains.
What Are Carbohydrates?
The function of carbohydrates is simple; they provide energy. Carbohydrates consist of several simple sugars. In the digestive tract, carbohydrates are converted into those simple sugars, after which they can be used in the body. For example, the liver converts fructose and galactose (different types of linked simple sugars) into glucose. Glucose is a form of sugar that is ready for use by the cells in our body.
How to Keep Your Bread Fresh?
The best way to keep your low-carb bread fresh is by keeping it refrigerated. Store it in a dark and cool place. If you want to keep it good for a while, I suggest you freeze it. I always freeze my bread in double portions for my girlfriend and me. We take it out in the morning, and it's eatable at lunchtime.
What Type of Bread is Best for Diabetics?
One popular question among most diabetic people I have encountered remains, "Which bread is best for diabetics?"
Well, you will find many kinds of low-glycemic bread in the bread aisle of your favorite store, but the following are classified to be best for people with diabetes:
- Whole grain bread (whole wheat bread)
- Sprouted bread (sprouted grains)
- Sourdough bread
- Pumpernickel bread
Try to avoid refined grains and white bread. Eat bread that is made with wheat flour and whole grains.
The Best Low-carb Bread for Diabetics
Together with my girlfriend, I tested different tasty low-carb loaves of bread and came up with a list of the best bread for diabetics to eat:
1. Kiss My Keto Bread Zero Carb (Variety Pack)
- Net Carbs: 0 gram
- Protein: 5 grams
The tasty Kiss My Keto low-carb bread multi-pack comes in 4 flavors. It contains 0 grams of net carbs and 5 grams of protein per slice. It contains no sugars but reserves its taste.
The loaves are shipped frozen to keep their taste and freshness and defrost when they arrive. The taste and texture are incredible.
The perfect bread for diabetics and Keto diet enthusiasts.
Benefits
Cons
2. Sola Golden Wheat Bread
- Net Carbs: 2 grams
- Protein: 5 grams
This amazing wheat low-carb bread from Sola Golden is the perfect fit for anyone that want to cut on their carb intake. It contains no added sugar but it contains low-carb sweeteners such as erythritol and stevia leaf extract. No need to worry over sugars. Using a mixture of arrowroot flour and defatted soy flour it lowers the carb count but keeping the same taste.
Benefits
Cons
3. Franz Keto Bread
- Net Carbs: 0 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
The Franz zero net low-carb bread offers an excellent source of fiber and protein. It's low in fat and it's a great option for diabetics trying to cut on some carbs and still satisfy the cravings of bread.
When ordering it comes in a 3 pack. No worries because this bread is absolutely safe to freeze and keep fresh when defrosted.
Benefits
Cons
5. Chompies Cinnamon Raisin Low Carb Bread
- Carbs: 7 grams
- Sugar: >1 grams
- Protein: 8 grams
Chompies low-carb bread comes with a cinnamon flavor and on top af that in contains raisins. It's perfect for diabetics and only has 2 grams of net carbs per slice.
The bread itself might feel a bit rubbery. If you're really craving a cinnamon toast and trying cut on some carbs it kind of takes care of that craving.
This bread is kosher.
Benefits
Cons
6. Base Culture Keto Bread
- Carbs: 8 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
Base Culture's low-carb bread is an absolute winner when it comes to the texture of the bread. It's very bread like. Although it has 4 grams of net carbs it's grain free, dairy free, gluten free, soy free and is paleo certified.
The flavor is not really on point but that is normal as you consider it's "not really bread".
To keep it fresh make sure you keep it in the fridge.
Benefits
Cons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sourdough bread good for diabetics?
Yes. Sourdough bread can be a better option for diabetics than other types of bread since it has a lower glycemic index. The low glycemic index score of sourdough bread means they may cause a slower and more gradual rise in blood sugar levels.
Does zero net carb bread raise blood sugar?
The zero net carb bread is designed to have minimal impact on blood sugar levels because the main ingredients are low in carbohydrates and high in indigestible fiber. Some good examples are almond flour, coconut flour, psyllium husk, and flaxseed meal. However, while the zero net carb bread is healthier for diabetic patients, it may contain small amounts of carbohydrates, potentially raising blood sugar levels, depending on the individual and the amount consumed.
How much bread is too much bread for a diabetic?
The right amount of bread for a person with diabetes may depend on a couple of factors, including the bread type and individual glycemic response. Besides, you won't be eating only bread all day. So it's crucial to evaluate your meal plan comprehensively by figuring out the number of carbohydrates, protein, and fat you can eat (which may include bread) throughout the day. This will give you a clearer picture of how much bread you can eat to keep your blood sugar levels steady.
Generally, adults with diabetes should aim for 45-60 grams of carbs per meal and 15-20 grams of carbs per snack. The American Diabetes Association posits that whole-grain breads are the best for people with type 2 diabetes when taken in moderation. And "moderation" could be one slice of bread (containing 12-15 grams of carbohydrates) per snack. But this number may go up or down, depending on how active you are and the medicines you take. Overall, it's crucial to discuss your meal plan with your doctor or a registered dietitian.
How many carbs a day should a diabetic have?
Although there's no one-size-fits-all recommendation for how many carbs people with diabetes should eat, having carbs account for no more than 26% of their daily calories may help them control blood sugar. It's also worth mentioning that some dieticians recommend a consistent carbohydrate intake of 130-145 grams of carbohydrates per day for most people with diabetes. However, these specifications may be adjusted based on age, sex, weight, activity level, and overall health.
Conclusion
At this point, I hope you got some vital information about different low-carb bread types and how they can help lower and control your blood sugar. Pay attention to the net carbs but also the full carbohydrates. All loaves of bread are freshly delivered; you can keep them fresh in the freezer. Overall they all taste great, but it's more of a personal choice.
Last update on 2023-02-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sources
To ensure that we give you correct, accurate, and relevant information, all articles on Diabetic & Me are backed by verified information from academic research papers, well-known organizations, research institutions, and medical associations.
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