White Bread: GI, GL, Carbs & Blood Sugar Impact

Q: "What is the GI of White Bread?"

"The typical published GI of White Bread is 75, with a reported range of 70-89 (evidence level: Moderate)."

Q: "How many carbohydrates are in White Bread?"

"About 12.2 g per 1 slice (25 g) (49 g per 100 g), including 0.7 g of fiber."

Q: "Is White Bread suitable for people with diabetes?"

"A single slice has a moderate GL; the problem is usually how many slices end up in a meal."

Q: "What is the estimated glycemic load of White Bread?"

"About 8.7 per 1 slice (25 g), calculated as GI × available carbohydrate ÷ 100. See the methodology for the exact formula."

Glycemic index of white bread (75), glycemic load, carbs per slice, and why the number of slices matters more than the brand.

Category: Grains & Starches · Nutrition data source: USDA FoodData Central · GI source: International Tables of GI & GL Values / University of Sydney · Last verified:

75 Glycemic Index High

8.7 Estimated GL 1 slice (25 g)

12.2 g Carbohydrate per 1 slice (25 g)

0.7 g Fiber per 1 slice (25 g)

Does White Bread Raise Blood Sugar?

White bread has a high published GI (around 75) with almost no fiber — a single slice carries about 12 g of quick-absorbing carbohydrate. Very airy, highly processed white breads test highest.

How to Eat It

The problem is rarely one slice; it is the sandwich, toast with jam, and the second roll. If bread is a daily staple, a true 100% whole-grain loaf is the better default — see the whole wheat bread page.

Nutrition Facts (White Bread)

Nutrient	Per 100 g	Per serving
Calories	265 kcal	66 kcal
Carbohydrate	49 g	12.2 g
Fiber	2.7 g	0.7 g
Sugars	5 g	1.2 g
Protein	9 g	2.2 g
Fat	3.2 g	0.8 g

Source: USDA FoodData Central, record FDC ID 174924 ("Bread, white, commercially prepared (includes soft bread crumbs)"). Values may differ from brand-specific products.

Glycemic Index

Published GI: 75 (typical value).
Reported range: 70-89.
Evidence level: Moderate.
Note: Brand and processing affect the value; very airy white breads test highest.

Sources: International Tables of Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load Values (2008/2021); University of Sydney GI Database (glycemicindex.com). GI values are reported relative to a glucose reference.

Learn more: What is GI? · What is GL? · GI vs GL

Estimated Glycemic Load

GL ≈ 8.7 per 1 slice (25 g).

Calculation: GI (75) × available carbohydrate per serving (11.6 g = 49 g − 2.7 g fiber) ÷ 100. Calculated by DMSafeHaven; formula per standard published GL methodology.

Diabetes consideration: A single slice has a moderate GL; the problem is usually how many slices end up in a meal.

What can change the impact?

Brand / processing
Number of slices
Fillings and spreads

GI values can vary with variety, ripeness, preparation and testing conditions. The value above is a typical published figure, not a universal prediction for every individual or every serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GI of White Bread?

The typical published GI of White Bread is 75, with a reported range of 70-89 (evidence level: Moderate).

How many carbohydrates are in White Bread?

About 12.2 g per 1 slice (25 g) (49 g per 100 g), including 0.7 g of fiber.

Is White Bread suitable for people with diabetes?

A single slice has a moderate GL; the problem is usually how many slices end up in a meal.

What is the estimated glycemic load of White Bread?

About 8.7 per 1 slice (25 g), calculated as GI × available carbohydrate ÷ 100. See the methodology for the exact formula.

DMSafeHaven provides educational information based on publicly available nutrition databases and published research. It is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Nutrition values: USDA FoodData Central (CC0). GI values: published tables (see methodology). GI/GL estimates do not predict any individual's glucose response — test your own blood glucose with your care team's guidance.