Plenty of people reach for English muffins for breakfast. Are you one of them? If so, you might wonder if English muffins are healthy or not. Well, English muffins aren’t exactly the healthiest option, but they certainly aren’t the worst – especially if you opt for the whole wheat variety.
Hi! My name is Michelle, and I love English muffins. However, I am also pretty health-conscious (most of the time). I had to do extensive research on whether or not an English muffin could be a part of my breakfast regime. Let’s just say I was satisfied with my findings.
And now, I’m here to share my knowledge with you! If you’re a fan of English muffins but are trying to improve your health, keep reading. This article will share useful information on whether or not English muffins truly are healthy.
Let’s dive into the delicious world of English muffins!
Contents
Are English Muffins Healthier than Bread or Other Baked Goods?
English muffins often replace other unhealthy breakfast baked goods like bread, bagels, and donuts. But does that mean they’re a healthy option? The simple answer is yes, English muffins are fairly healthy, but not the healthiest option out there.
Keep in mind, though, that toppings play a major role in how healthy your English muffin breakfast is. That said, you don’t want to pile on a bunch of unhealthy toppings. Opt for healthy choices such as avocado, eggs, tuns, or hummus.
Baking your English muffins is also a great way to enhance the nutritional content and keep unhealthy ingredients out. Here’s a great recipe that only uses eight ingredients and about two hours of your time.
Nutrition Facts of English Muffins
A traditional English muffin will have around 132 calories and no unhealthy trans fats or saturated fats. It is also low in sugar, making the English muffin a low-calorie and safe option for a healthy breakfast.
Let’s take a closer look into the nutritional facts of an English muffin.
- Carbs – English muffins typically have around 25 grams of carbs in the form of starch.
- Sugars – One major benefit of going the English muffin route is that there are almost no sugars present.
- Fiber – Unless you are opting for whole wheat English muffins, this popular breakfast food has almost no fiber.
- Fats – There are almost no fats in English muffins, either. The fat content increases when toppings such as butter and cream cheese are used.
- Protein – English muffins are a fairly good source of protein, with around 5 grams per muffin. The protein in English muffins is designed to keep you full and build muscle.
- Nutrients – Another reason why English muffins are deemed healthy is that they are a good source of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, manganese, and phosphorus.
Types of English Muffins
However, not all English muffins are the same. When you’re strolling through the bread aisle, you will come across a wide variety of English muffin flavors and styles. How do these stand up in terms of health? Let’s take a closer look.
- 100% whole wheat English muffins – These muffins are even lower in calories yet have a higher percentage of dietary fiber. For that reason, whole-wheat English muffins are a more nutritious option.
- Multigrain English muffins – In this type of English muffin, you have around the same amount of calories, protein, and fat as a traditional muffin, but there is less sugar and sodium.
- Oat bran English muffins – Oat bran English muffins have a higher amount of protein and fiber and contain more sugars.
- English muffins with raisins – This popular English muffin treat has fewer calories but a higher amount of dietary fiber.
What is the Healthiest Type of English Muffin?
While a traditional English muffin won’t ruin your diet (unless you are on a low-carb or keto diet, you need to find a low-carb option), there is still one standout English muffin type that ranks above the others – the whole-wheat English muffin.
Whole wheat muffins are designed a bit differently from their traditional counterparts. Here are some of the main benefits you will find in whole wheat options.
- 4+ grams of fiber per serving – English muffins might not be known for their fiber content, but whole wheat muffins are. With this amount of dietary fiber, you can become ‘regular’ (in the bathroom department), strengthen your immune system, and suppress your appetite.
- Richer in nutrients such as thiamin, niacin, calcium, iron, phosphorous, and selenium – A more nutrient-packed breakfast can encourage a healthier and stronger body overall.
English Muffins vs Other Breakfast Foods
Now, we know that English muffins are a great option for breakfast. But how do they stand up against the competition? Why should you consider an English muffin over other options, such as a bagel or a breakfast burrito?
Fewer Calories and Carbohydrates
Compared to other breakfast foods, English muffins contain far fewer calories and carbs. For example, a breakfast burrito will typically have over 600 calories and 70 grams of carbs. An English muffin is only around 130 calories and 25 grams of carbs.
Provides Steady Energy
Some breakfast foods, such as breakfast cereals and white bread, are designed with a ridiculous amount of carbs and sugars that give you quick energy. Although you may feel rejuvenated and ready for the day, you will quickly crash.
The same is not true for English muffins. English muffins provide steady energy to help you conquer the whole day. This is especially true for whole wheat varieties that have a higher fiber content.
FAQs
Want to learn more about English muffins? Here are a few commonly asked questions to help get you started.
Are English muffins better for you than bread?
English muffins are slightly better for you than bread because they have fewer calories, carbohydrates, fats, and sugar. However, both have a fairly high carb content that can provide energy throughout the day. They also contain a decent amount of nutrients.
Are English Muffins healthy to eat?
Yes, although it is recommended to go with the whole wheat option. Whole wheat English muffins have a higher fiber content with plenty of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and selenium. Top with cottage cheese, almonds, or peanut butter to add protein.
Is an English muffin healthier than a bagel?
Yes. English muffins have far fewer calories, fats, and carbohydrates than a bagel. Going with whole wheat also ups the fiber content. English muffins act as a greater source of various nutrients, such as manganese and riboflavin, that tend to lack in the bagel department.
Is an egg on an English muffin healthy?
Yes, and it is highly recommended! Eggs will provide the essential protein needed for strong muscles and long-lasting energy that can see you through your whole day.
Do English muffins raise blood sugar?
A traditional English muffin can raise blood sugar. If you want to indulge in an English muffin without negative repercussions, a whole wheat English muffin is a better option as it won’t raise blood sugar as much.
Final Thoughts
English muffins aren’t the healthiest choice for breakfast, but they are a healthier option than other breakfast goods such as white bread, donuts, and cereal. Just make sure you go for the whole wheat option and top it with healthy ingredients such as eggs, avocado, or hummus.
What type of English muffins do you prefer? What toppings do you use?
About Michelle
Mike J.
Regrading bagels, I will add another negative trait: bagels are almost universally high in sodium. Surprisingly so.
Michelle
Hi Mike,
Thanks for your input. Great point!
Happy baking,
Michelle
Ca
What about Thomas’s light multigrain English muffins? They have 100 calories, dietary fiber 8g, 0 added sugar, protein 4g, fat 1g.
CA
Hi, CA! That’s an excellent choice. Again, it mostly comes down to what you’re using as a topping (if any).
Happy baking.
Michelle