Whether you’re trying to cut down on your carb intake or are just a curious cat like I am, one question that might pop into your mind is whether or not sourdough is low carb. Sure, it’s got plenty of benefits compared to other types of bread, but will it be safe for a low-carb diet?
Hello, there! My name is Michelle, and I love sourdough bread (although my Mother is at least ten times the fan as I am). While I don’t necessarily live a low-carb lifestyle, I was curious whether or not this bread was lower in carbs.
That’s when I started to do some research. I discovered that the honest answer is yes and no. It mostly depends on how the bread is made.
Keep reading to learn some interesting facts about sourdough and carbohydrates!
Contents
Is Sourdough Bread Low Carb?
Ah, those pesky carbs. They’re delicious, but too much of them can be a bad thing, which means most low-carb diets tell you to stay away from bread as they’re incredibly high in carbs. But is sourdough bread on the “Do not eat” list?
Sourdough bread can be low carb, but not always.
For example, a traditional sourdough loaf won’t be considered “low-carb.” That’s because they’re made with all-purpose flour, which is high-carb. In fact, a small slice of traditional sourdough typically renders between 17 and 20 grams of carbs.
However, if it’s made with whole wheat flour or marketed as a “keto” sourdough bread, it will have far fewer carbs. Whole wheat sourdough will have fewer than 17 grams, while keto varieties will have less than ten – the same number as most “low-carb” loaves of bread on the market.
That said, you have to pay extra close attention to the ingredients and nutritional facts. Just don’t forget to calculate the carbs correctly. You should always minus the “fiber” from the “carbs” for an accurate reading. For example, 30 grams of carbs and 3 grams of fiber will equal 27 “net carbs.”
How to Enjoy Sourdough Without the Guilt
If you love to eat sourdough bread but are on a low-carb diet, that doesn’t mean that sourdough is entirely out of the question. Note that sourdough bread is a much better choice than other bread types, so you’re already winning in that regard.
However, if you’re looking to cut down the carbs even further, here are a few ideas.
1. Get Whole Wheat Sourdough
Whole wheat sourdough bread contains under 17 carbohydrates per slice compared to white bread, which typically hovers around 20 grams or more. So, swapping to the whole wheat option is a great idea.
2. Enjoy Smaller Portions
If you’re still unhappy with the number of carbohydrates in a slice of whole wheat sourdough bread (or traditional sourdough, for that matter), you can always enjoy smaller portions. Consider half a slice of sourdough instead of the entire slice.
3. Buy/Make Keto Sourdough Bread
The best option is to turn to keto sourdough bread! You can buy keto sourdough pre-made or make it yourself. It’s not as challenging as you might think, and the result is not only fantastic, but it’s ultra-low-carb and guilt-free, too.
FAQs
Now you know everything you want to know about whether or not sourdough bread is low-carb. If you’re still craving to learn (and probably craving sourdough bread, sorry), then keep reading. I’ve selected some interesting questions you will want to know the answers to!
Is sourdough lower in carbs?
Compared to other kinds of bread, sourdough bread is lower in carbs (and calories). That’s thanks to the lengthy fermentation process, which allows most of the starches and sugars to be consumed. Whole wheat and keto sourdough use different flours to lower the carb count, too.
Is sourdough bread better than low-carb bread?
Many people agree that sourdough bread is better than low-carb bread because it has the best flavor and added health benefits. However, if you’re looking to go low-carb and consume sourdough, you should look for whole wheat or keto varieties.
Is sourdough bread good for weight loss?
“Bread” and “weight loss” don’t typically end up in the same sentence. While sourdough bread isn’t the magic pill for weight loss, it can help in some ways behind the scenes.
For example, it helps to aid in digestion and regulates blood sugar levels. However, excessive consumption will render the opposite results.
Final Words
Sourdough bread, in itself, isn’t a “low-carb” choice, but it’s lower in carbs than other types of bread. This is especially true if you opt for whole wheat or keto options, both of which have far fewer than 20 grams of carbs per slice.
Do you like sourdough bread? Do you eat sourdough bread while on a low-carb diet? Share with us!
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