Bread is so much more than a staple food. The rich tapestry of human civilisation is reflected in bread. From France’s crispy baguettes to India’s soft naan. Different types of bread have their own local ingredients and cooking methods, and they emphasise unique flavours.
Artisanal breadmaking has become more and more popular in recent years. As a result, bakers try out various flours, grains, and methods in order to produce distinctive and tasty bread.
In this article, we will explore the different types of bread ranging from white bread to nan and also learn about the nutritional profile and the popular uses of different types of bread.
Nutritional Comparison of Different Types of Bread
These nutritional values are per 100g. so the value can vary based on the brand of the bread and the production method.
| Type of Bread | Calories (Kcal) | Protein (g) | Carbohydrates (g) | Fat (g) | Fibre (g) | Sugar (g) |
| White Bread | 256 | 7.9 | 49.0 | 3.2 | 2.7 | 5.0 |
| Milk Bread | 281 | 7.5 | 47.8 | 5.5 | 2.1 | 6.3 |
| Multi-Grain Bread | 252 | 9.0 | 43.3 | 4.2 | 5.9 | 2.5 |
| Wheat Bread | 247 | 8.0 | 43.3 | 3.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Sprouted-Grain Bread | 228 | 8.0 | 41.0 | 1.5 | 6.0 | 1.0 |
| Whole-Grain Bread | 247 | 9.6 | 43.5 | 2.4 | 6.0 | 4.2 |
| Baguette Bread | 270 | 8.2 | 56.0 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.5 |
| Ciabatta | 271 | 8.4 | 50.2 | 3.0 | 2.6 | 1.0 |
| Rye Bread | 259 | 8.5 | 48.3 | 3.3 | 5.8 | 1.4 |
| Sourdough Bread | 240 | 8.9 | 47.2 | 1.9 | 3.3 | 1.4 |
| Hawaiian Bread | 289 | 7.5 | 50.5 | 5.4 | 1.2 | 10.2 |
| Naan | 310 | 9.0 | 55.0 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 |
White bread
White bread is made from refined wheat flour, which has its bran and germ removed, giving it a soft, pillow-like texture. It usually has a mild flavour and a light, consistent texture.
White bread is often used for toast and sandwiches due to its soft, silky texture. It is a popular choice in many households as it has a mild taste and light colour.
Nutritional profile:
- Typically, lower fibre due to processed flour.
- Lower in nutrients than whole grain breads
- A high glycaemic index
- Each slice contains around 70-80 calories.
Popular uses:
- Sandwiches
- Toast
- Cheese grilled
Milk Bread
This Japanese bread is known for its exceptionally fluffy and soft texture. The crumb of this bread, which is made with milk, butter, and occasionally cream, is rich, soft, and almost cloud-like.
Milk bread usually has a delicate flavour, a very soft structure, and a very white colour. A special method is used in its preparation to give it its distinctively soft texture.
Nutritional profile:
- Higher fat content due to butter and milk.
- Higher protein and calcium content.
- Each slice contains around 80–90 calories.
Popular uses:
- Japanese-style sandwiches
- French toast
- Soft dinner rolls
Multigrain Bread
Multigrain bread is a dense bread that is made with a variety of grains, including corn, wheat, oats, barley, and others. Often, the grains are mixed into the dough to create a dense, textured loaf.
Compared to single-grain bread, multigrain bread has a more complex texture and a strong, nutty flavour. Because each slice displays a variety of grains, it looks wholesome and rustic.
Nutritional profile:
- High in fibre
- Loaded with various nutrients from different grains
- More complex carbohydrate structures
- Lower glycaemic index
- Each slice contains around 80–100 calories.
Popular uses:
- Nutritious sandwiches
- Breakfast bread for health-conscious individuals
Wheat Bread
Compared to white bread, wheat bread contains more wheat grain because it is mainly composed of wheat flour. It has a taste and colour that are slightly deeper in comparison to the former.
Wheat bread has a harder bite and denser texture. The bread is different from other good bread varieties through its rich earthy flavour and normally golden-brown crust.
Nutritional profile:
- Greater fibre content than white bread.
- Higher retention of nutrients.
- Moderate amount of protein
- Each slice contains around 70-85 calories.
Popular uses:
- Breads
- Sandwiches
- Toast for people who are health-conscious
Sprouted-grain Bread
Sprouted-grain bread consists of whole grains that were sprouted or germinated to a point before they have been processed into flour. At sprouting, the grain begins breaking down its starch and liberating dormant nutrients within.
Grains are usually picked when they have begun to sprout. Such a method in picking changes the inherent makeup of grain with an added special factor. Such bread-making entails observation during sprouting processes towards a desired flavour and texture balance.
Nutritional profile:
- High nutrient intake capacity
- Easier protein absorption
- Highly mineral and vitamin content
- Fewer anti-nutrients
- Each slice contains around 80–90 calories.
Popular uses:
- Health food diets
- Nutrient-dense foods
- toasted bread for breakfast
Whole-grain Bread
Whole-grain bread is prepared using the entire wheat kernels, including the bran, germ, and endosperm of the grain. Whole-grain bread retains every component of the original grain kernel, unlike refined flour breads that remove the outer layers.
The flour used to make whole-grain bread contains the entire wheat kernel, which retains the grain’s inherent complexity and qualities. This bread-making process ensures that the bread retains all of the original wheat grain, thus making the loaf more substantial and textured.
Nutritional profile:
- Highest fibre level
- Full spectrum of nutrients from grains
- Rich in vitamin B.
- Lower glycaemic index
- Each slice contains around 80–100 calories.
Popular uses:
- Diets that focus on health and weight loss
- Meal substitute
- Healthy sandwiches
Baguette Bread
A baguette is a long, thin French bread that has a soft, fluffy inside and a crunchy, golden-brown outside. Baguettes are known for their unique shape and crusty outside, which are products of a unique baking process.
Usually this bread requires only four basic ingredients: flour, water, yeast, and salt. Its soft, chewy centre and crispy crust qualify it as a quintessence of French baking.
Nutritional profile:
- Lower fibre content
- The basic profile of carbohydrates
- Each slice contains around 70–80 calories.
Popular uses:
- French food
- Sandwiches
- Baskets of bread
- To go with salads and soups
Ciabatta
Italian white bread is known for its long, flat shape and porous texture. Due to its crispy crust and soft, hole-filled interior, it is great for oil and sauce absorption.
The dough’s high moisture content gives this bread its characteristic airy texture, almost pillow-like. It is rustic in appearance and originated in Italy.
Nutritional profile:
- A moderate amount of fibre
- Excellent for absorbing olive oils
- Somewhat increased caloric intake because of porosity
- Each slice contains around 90–110 calories.
Popular uses:
- Italian food like panini sandwiches
- Bread to dip in oil
- Base of appetisers
Rye Bread
It is rich and black because it was made with a mixture of wheat and rye flour. It is unlike any other type of bread, as it has a dark colour and a strong, sour taste.
Rye bread usually tastes earthy, but it is typically heavier and denser than the bread that was made from wheat. The distinct flavour profile comes from rye grain; hence it has a very robust taste.
Nutritional profile:
- High in fibre
- Lower glycaemic level
- Rich in minerals
- Each slice contains around 60-75 calories.
Popular uses:
- Deli sandwiches
- European food
Sourdough Bread
A naturally fermented bread made without commercial yeast, a natural yeast starter is used. Sourdough is characterised by its tangy flavour and chewy, firm texture.
The longer fermentation process involved in making bread creates a range of flavours and a bit of a sour taste. Because the starting and fermentation conditions are unique for each sourdough loaf, every loaf is distinctive.
Nutritional profile:
- Easier to digest
- Potential benefits of probiotics
- Moderate amount of fibre
- Lower glycaemic index
- Each slice contains around 70–85 calories.
Popular uses:
- Fine sandwiches
- Artisan bread plates
- Toast
Hawaiian Bread
Hawaiian bread is soft, sweet, golden, and rich in flavor. Hawaiian bread is inspired by Portuguese sweet bread and has a fragile sweetness and light texture that is pillowy.
It is very tasty because the bread is very light and soft in structure, and some ingredients such as milk, sugar, and even pineapple juice give it its flavour.
Nutritional profile:
- More sugar
- Softer, richer texture
- More calories due to additives
- Each slice contains around 90–110 calories.
Popular uses:
- Use for sweet bread
- Dinner rolls
- Use as a dessert base
Naan
It is a typical Indian subcontinental leavened flatbread. Naan is usually cooked in a clay oven called a tandoor, which gives it its distinctively soft, fluffy texture and burnt patches.
Usually drizzled with butter or ghee, this white flour-based dish has an elastic, slightly chewy texture. It is well known that Nan can be both delicate and just a little bit crunchy.
Nutritional profile:
- Higher calorie counts
- Soft, rich texture
- Typically made with white flour.
- Each piece contains around 100–120 calories.
Popular uses:
- Indian food with curry sauce
- Sandwich and wrap substitute
- Appetiser
Conclusion
The bread industry is very diversified and broad, with options to fit every taste and nutritional requirement. Different types of bread have their own distinct flavour, texture, and nutritional profiles, ranging from traditional white bread to healthier whole wheat, unusual sourdough, and gluten-free varieties.
You can wisely choose breads and put them in a balanced diet with awareness of their nutritional content and common applications. Remember to sample the diversity and enjoy the flavour of this classic dish the next time you grab a piece of bread.