Oprah Winfrey once enthusiastically declared her love for bread in a viral Weight Watchers commercial. Even with a net worth north of $3 billion, her sentiment could not be more relatable.
While nutritionists have argued that carbohydrates are not the enemy, many diets and weight-loss plans including keto and paleo limit carb intake (or at least bad ones derived from sugar) as a quicker fix to dropping pounds. This has resulted in the new trend of low- and zero-carb breads that are made with a scientifically backed resistant wheat starch that’s heavy on fiber and other nutrients.
Low-carb bread has gotten pretty great in 2024.
Surprisingly, the result doesn’t deprive loaves, slices and even croissants of the softness and bulkiness found in the original versions. In fact, most low-carb bread from keto-friendly brands are downright tasty and make a wonderful alternative to what you may be accustomed to eating on the regular. I sampled dozens of options to narrow down my top five favorites. Here’s how they stacked up.
Best keto and low-carb bread for 2024
Aside from traditional sliced bread, Hero boasts a bevy of scrumptious items, including flaky croissants, classic burger buns and even cheddar biscuits. The company has made a commitment to incorporating plant-based protein, chock-full of prebiotics and — best of all — no added sugar. Consider them to be the gold standard in this increasingly popular market.
A little texture goes a long way, which is why Arnold takes home top honors in the sliced bread category. The added crunch of sunflower, flax and chia seeds brings in a wonderful complexity that makes it so much more than standard bread. These ingredients also incorporate a signature earthiness that separates it from other varieties on the market. Needless to say, your boring yet dependable PB&J just got a whole lot more interesting.
Taco night doesn’t have to sit in your stomach like a bowling ball. Mission’s Zero Net Carbs Original tortillas have become a household favorite and for good reason — it touts everything you love about a standard flour tortilla but without the carbs. They’re also high in fiber, boasting a whopping 7 grams per serving, which makes them certifiably gut-healthy, as well.
One of the most beloved breakfast foods to get the keto treatment is the mighty bagel. And Royo offers the best of the best with a protein-packed offering that is available in four flavors: plain, everything, cinnamon and super seed. If you’re following a keto diet, pile it high with cream cheese for extra fat, or simply enjoy it with a fried egg, veggies and slabs of fresh-cooked bacon.
For those who prefer almond and coconut flour alternatives to water resistant wheat starch, Julian’s Bakery has got you covered.
Aside from tasting delicious, the company prides itself on an extremely simple and straightforward ingredient list with familiar (and healthy!) favorites such as egg whites, psyllium husk, water, lemon juice and sea salt. This is also a fantastic selection for those with food sensitivities and intolerances, considering the transparent labels and production processes.
Pro tip: If you don’t want to give up carbs completely but also don’t want refined or processed white bread, an excellent choice is Ezekiel bread. Flourless, sprouted and chock-full of the nine essential amino acids found in its whole grains, this is my daily go-to. The brand also makes a killer English muffin, which I eat most mornings if oatmeal just isn’t doing it for me.
