Top 10 Calorie-Dense Sandwich Breads

Understanding the Calorie Content of Popular Sandwich Breads

When it comes to choosing the right bread for a sandwich, many people focus on taste and texture. However, for those keeping an eye on their calorie intake, the nutritional profile of different breads can vary significantly. Some types of bread may seem like a simple addition to a meal but actually contribute a surprising number of calories—especially when they are thick-sliced, sweetened, or packed with seeds and grains. Here’s a closer look at some of the highest-calorie sandwich breads available on the market.

10. Arnold Country White Bread – 110 Calories per Slice

Arnold’s Country White Bread is a staple in many households. While it may appear to be a basic white loaf, each slice contains 110 calories. The soft, fluffy texture comes from enriched wheat flour and added sugar, which makes it more calorie-dense than many whole grain options. It's often used for hearty sandwiches due to its size and durability.

9. Dave’s Killer Bread 21 Whole Grains and Seeds – 110 Calories per Slice

Dave’s Killer Bread is known for being both nutritious and flavorful. The 21 Whole Grains and Seeds variety has 110 calories per slice, thanks to ingredients like flax, sunflower seeds, and oats. While it provides a good boost of fiber and protein, the calorie count can add up quickly if consumed frequently.

8. Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Hearty White – 120 Calories per Slice

This thick-cut white bread offers a hearty texture and a robust flavor. With 120 calories per slice, it’s designed to hold up to heavy fillings like deli meats and spreads. However, it may not be the best option for those aiming for a low-calorie lunch.

7. Sara Lee Artesano Bakery Bread – 120 Calories per Slice

Sara Lee’s Artesano line brings a bakery-style quality to the grocery aisle. The thick, soft slices have 120 calories each, largely due to enriched flour, added sugars, and a generous slice size. It’s a popular choice for grilled cheese or paninis, but two slices can easily reach nearly 250 calories before any toppings are added.

6. Trader Joe’s Sourdough Sandwich Bread – 130 Calories per Slice

Trader Joe’s Sourdough Sandwich Bread offers a tangy flavor and a dense texture, with 130 calories per slice. While sourdough isn’t always high in calories, this version is thicker and heartier than most, making it more calorie-rich than the average store-bought loaf.

5. Oroweat Oatnut Bread – 140 Calories per Slice

Oroweat’s Oatnut Bread combines wheat flour, oats, and hazelnuts for a unique flavor and texture. With 140 calories per slice, it’s one of the highest-calorie “nut and grain” sandwich breads available. The added nuts give it a nutritional boost, but they also increase the calorie count significantly.

4. Whole Foods 365 Sprouted Multigrain Bread – 150 Calories per Slice

Sprouted grain breads are often seen as a healthier choice, but they can be dense and calorie-packed. Whole Foods’ 365 Sprouted Multigrain Bread has 150 calories per slice, thanks to ingredients like sprouted wheat, oats, and millet. It’s nutrient-dense, but may not be ideal for those looking to trim calories.

3. Dave’s Killer Bread Powerseed – 150 Calories per Slice

Another entry from Dave’s Killer Bread, the Powerseed variety is made with organic flax, sunflower, and sesame seeds. With 150 calories per slice, it’s among the heaviest in the grocery store. However, it also delivers significant fiber and protein, which may be worth the calorie trade-off.

2. Canyon Bakehouse Gluten-Free Heritage Style Whole Grain – 160 Calories per Slice

Gluten-free bread often compensates for structure and flavor with added fats and starches. Canyon Bakehouse’s Heritage Style Whole Grain loaf contains 160 calories per slice—higher than most gluten-containing breads. It’s a go-to for gluten-free eaters who want a standard sandwich-size slice, but it’s definitely not light.

1. Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Oatmeal Bread – 170 Calories per Slice

Topping the list is Pepperidge Farm’s Farmhouse Oatmeal Bread, with a whopping 170 calories per slice. It’s thick-cut, mildly sweet, and full of oats, contributing to both texture and calorie density. Two slices can easily bring your sandwich base to over 340 calories—before you add a single topping.