Zero Carb Bread: Is Aldi's Keto-Friendly?

Aldi's L'Oven Fresh Zero Net Carb Bread has become a viral sensation, especially among those on the keto diet. Priced at $2.99 per loaf, it is significantly cheaper than other keto bread alternatives, which often cost over $10. The bread is advertised as having zero net carbs, but how accurate is this statement?

The bread contains 9g total carbs and 9g fiber, which would indeed give it zero net carbs. However, not all fibers are equal, and some may still have a metabolic impact. For example, the bread contains modified wheat starch, which is partially digested and therefore contributes to the net carb count. It also contains wheat gluten, wheat protein isolate, and wheat bran, which may cause inflammation or gastric distress.

Despite these concerns, the bread has received positive reviews for its taste and texture, which is similar to traditional bread. Some people have reported that consuming the bread caused a spike in their glucose levels and kicked them out of ketosis. Others have found that it does not affect their ketone levels and is a great alternative to traditional white bread.

So, is Aldi's zero carb bread keto? The answer depends on how strict of a keto follower you are. If you are aiming for zero net carbs, then this bread may not be suitable. However, if you are simply aiming to keep your carb count low, then this bread could be a good option.

The ingredients in Aldi's zero-carb bread

Aldi's L'Oven Fresh Zero Net Carb Bread has become a viral sensation, flying off the shelves since its debut in October 2019. But what's in this bread that makes it so popular?

• Modified wheat starch
• Water
• Wheat gluten
• Wheat protein isolate
• Oat fiber
• Vegetable fiber/Chicory vegetable fiber
• Wheat bran
• Soybean oil
• Yeast
• Vinegar
• Salt
• Preservatives (Calcium propionate, Sorbic acid)

The bread is not gluten-free, so it is not suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

The ingredients list also reveals that the bread is made with water and wheat gluten, similar to other best-selling low-carb breads on the market.

The bread has zero net carbs, with 9 grams of total carbohydrates and 9 grams of dietary fiber per 28-gram slice. This calculation of net carbs has been a topic of debate, as some people argue that the fiber content should be subtracted from the total carbohydrates, resulting in 0 grams of net carbs.

While the bread is marketed as keto-friendly, it contains ingredients that may be of concern to those on a ketogenic diet, such as modified wheat starch and soybean oil. Additionally, ingredients like wheat protein isolate, wheat gluten, and chicory root can trigger inflammation and cause gastric distress in some individuals.

Overall, while Aldi's zero-carb bread may be a more affordable and convenient option for those on a keto diet, it is important to carefully consider the ingredients and their potential impact on your health and dietary goals.

The taste and texture of the bread

The L'Oven Fresh Zero Net Carb Bread from Aldi has been described as having a texture similar to traditional bread but slightly more dense and spongy. Some reviews say that it is slightly chewier than regular bread, but others say it is light and moist. It has a mild aftertaste, which some attribute to preservatives.

The bread comes in a variety of flavors, including wheat, multiseed, cinnamon, and blueberry. The cinnamon and blueberry varieties are slightly drier, but still delicious, according to reviews. The multiseed variety has a sweet, nutty flavor, while the wheat variety is smaller in size.

The bread works well for sandwiches, avocado toast, grilled cheese, French toast, and bread crumbs. It can be used in both sweet and savory applications and is versatile enough to be enjoyed at any meal.

Overall, the texture and taste of the Aldi Zero Carb Bread seem to be well-liked by those following a keto diet, offering a similar experience to traditional bread while adhering to keto-friendly guidelines.

The price of the bread

The price of Aldi's L'Oven Fresh Zero Net Carb Bread is a bargain for keto dieters, at just $2.99 to $3.99 per loaf. This is a steal compared to other keto bread alternatives, which can cost upwards of $10 per loaf.

The bread was initially launched at select Aldi stores in October 2019 for $3.49 per loaf, and due to its popularity, quickly sold out. The bread is now available across the U.S., and while prices may vary by location, it remains an affordable option for those following a keto diet.

The L'Oven Fresh Keto Friendly Bread is available in wheat or multiseed varieties, with each slice containing 40-45 calories. The bread has a soft and squishy texture with a light golden brown crust and is perfect for toasting, making sandwiches, or enjoying with toppings and condiments.

In addition to its low price, the bread also offers an excellent source of fiber and recyclable packaging, making it a convenient and environmentally-friendly choice for those on a budget or with specific dietary needs.

The availability of the bread

The availability of Aldi's L'Oven Fresh Zero Net Carb Bread varies depending on location and demand. The bread was initially introduced in select Aldi stores in October 2019 and quickly gained popularity, with customers stocking up on multiple loaves. Due to its popularity, Aldi expanded the availability of the bread across the United States.

However, some customers have reported challenges in finding the bread in stock at their local Aldi stores. The bread seems to be available intermittently, and it is recommended to stock up when it is available.

In addition to physical Aldi stores, the bread can also be purchased online through third-party sellers on platforms like Amazon.com. However, the price may be higher on these platforms, and it is important to consider the freshness of the product when ordering online.

It is always a good idea to check with your local Aldi store or their website to inquire about the availability of the L'Oven Fresh Zero Net Carb Bread and to stay updated on their latest offerings.

Whether the bread is truly keto-friendly

However, not all fibers are created equal, and even if something is listed as fiber on the packaging, it may still have a metabolic impact. Modified wheat starch, for example, is a type of food starch made from the chemical, physical, or enzymatic enhancement of the wheat kernel. While the research is unclear on exactly how much of this starch is digested, we do know it is partially digested. This means that even though it is listed as a fiber, you cannot subtract the entirety of the fiber from the carbohydrates, yielding greater than 0g net carbs. In other words, you're eating carbohydrates, and this could knock you out of ketosis.

Another ingredient that poses a problem is soybean oil. While the ketogenic diet encourages fat consumption, certain fat sources should be avoided as they can be detrimental to your health. Soybean oil is composed of high levels of the omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid. This unstable polyunsaturated fatty acid is a pro-inflammatory compound. When heated, linoleic acid generates oxidised lipids, which can lead to clogged arteries and heart disease. Consumption of soybean oil has been linked to obesity, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, and immune system dysfunction.

Other ingredients that may be problematic include wheat gluten, wheat protein isolate, and chicory root. Wheat gluten may be problematic for individuals with gluten sensitivities, wheat protein isolate contains gluten and a small amount of sugar, and chicory root contains sucrose and may cause GI problems.

Based on the ingredient panel, this product would not qualify as Ketogenic Certified. It would be, at best, Ketogenic Friendly. While this low-carb Aldi bread may not be one of the best foods for the ketogenic diet, it is still better than traditional white bread.

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