Smart Carb Bread: Keto-Friendly Or Not?

The Ketogenic Diet is a low-carbohydrate method of eating that has been known to help people with diabetes, epilepsy, autoimmune disorders, acid reflux, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances, among other issues. For those following a keto diet, bread is typically off the table. However, some brands have formulated keto-friendly bread with minimal carbohydrates per slice, allowing those on the keto diet to enjoy bread without compromising their dietary preferences.

Carb Smart bread nutritional information

Carb Smart bread is a low-carb, low-sugar bread that is perfect for those following a low-carb lifestyle or ketogenic diet. It is an excellent source of fiber and contains no high-fructose corn syrup. The bread is made with a variety of ingredients, including resistant wheat starch, wheat gluten, yeast, wheat protein isolate, allulose, oat fibre, soybean oil, salt, vinegar, and natural flavours.

The nutritional information for Carb Smart bread can vary slightly depending on the specific product and brand. For example, Aunt Millie's Live Carb Smart White Bread contains 2g of net carbs per slice, while Nature's Own Keto Soft White Bread contains 1g of net carbs per slice. On the other hand, Healthy Life KETO Bread contains 0g of net carbs per slice.

In general, Carb Smart bread typically has a low number of net carbs, which is calculated by subtracting the dietary fibre and allulose from the total carb count. It is also relatively low in calories, with some brands offering slices as low as 35 calories each.

Carb Smart bread is a good option for those following a keto diet, as it allows them to enjoy the taste of bread without exceeding their daily carb limit. However, it is always important to read the labels and check the nutritional information, as the values may vary slightly between brands and products. Additionally, some individuals may have specific dietary restrictions or allergies, so it is crucial to review the ingredients list to ensure the product is suitable for personal consumption.

Is Carb Smart bread clean keto?

Carb Smart Bread is marketed as a keto-friendly bread option, but it is not considered "clean keto". This is because it contains dextrose, which is a form of sugar that is not typically allowed on the ketogenic diet as it can spike insulin levels and potentially knock someone out of ketosis.

Clean keto generally refers to a more restrictive version of the keto diet that focuses on whole, unprocessed foods and eliminates most packaged or processed foods. Carb Smart Bread is a processed product that contains a number of ingredients that are not typically considered clean or keto-friendly, such as wheat, dextrose, and yeast.

While Carb Smart Bread may be a convenient option for those following a keto diet, it is important to note that it may not be suitable for those who are strict with their keto guidelines or who are particularly sensitive to the effects of certain ingredients. Some individuals may find that this bread causes an insulin spike or knocks them out of ketosis, while others may be able to include it in their diet without issue.

Ultimately, whether or not to include Carb Smart Bread in a keto diet is a personal decision and may depend on an individual's specific goals, tolerance to certain ingredients, and overall approach to the keto diet. Some people may choose to follow a more relaxed or "dirty keto" approach, which allows for more flexibility in food choices, while others may prefer to stick to clean keto and avoid processed or packaged foods as much as possible.

Alternatives to Carb Smart bread

Carb Smart Bread is a low-carbohydrate bread option, with one net gram of carbs per slice. This is achieved by including 12 grams of fibre and using allulose instead of sugar.

Keto Soft White Net 1 Carb Bread

This option from Nature's Own contains one gram of net carbs per slice, providing a high-fibre, high-flavour sandwich bread. It has 35 calories per slice and no artificial preservatives, colours or flavours.

Healthy Life KETO Bread

This bread has zero net carbs per slice and is a reduced-calorie option, with 50% fewer calories than regular white bread. It has 35 calories per 28-gram slice.

Ezekiel Bread

This bread is made from organic grains and legumes, including wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet and spelt. The grains are sprouted before milling, increasing the nutrients and reducing the impact on blood sugar. It is unsuitable for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Cloud Bread

A popular option for low-carb and keto dieters, Cloud Bread is a protein-rich alternative that works well as a sandwich base or English muffin replacement. It can be made at home with a simple recipe of egg whites, egg yolks, cream cheese and salt.

Eggplant/Aubergine

Large eggplant slices can be grilled or baked and used as a base for burgers or sandwiches. Eggplant slices can also be rolled up with fillings for bite-size bread wrap alternatives.

Portobello Mushroom Buns

Large portobello mushrooms can be cooked and used as burger buns or sandwich bread. They add texture and flavour to your meal while being low-carb.

Bell Pepper

Bell peppers can be sliced in half, de-seeded and filled with sandwich fillings. They can be eaten raw or grilled and provide a crunchy, low-calorie, low-carb option.

Zucchini

Zucchini can be thinly sliced lengthwise and used as a low-carb alternative to pasta sheets in dishes like lasagna.

Almond Flour

Almond flour or ground almonds can be used to make bread or pancakes with a significantly lower carbohydrate value than wheat flour. Using eggs with almond flour will help the bread hold together.

Sweet Potato Toast

Sweet potato slices can be toasted and used as a base for toppings such as eggs, avocado, peanut butter, banana and cinnamon.

Carb Smart bread reviews

Carb Smart bread is a low-carbohydrate bread option for those following a Ketogenic diet. The bread claims to have one net gram of carb per slice, achieved by having 12 grams of fibre and using allulose instead of sugar.

Reviews of Carb Smart bread are generally positive, with some Reddit users expressing their love for the product and their desire to continue eating it. One user says they keep a loaf in their pantry for when they're craving grilled cheese and that they've never noticed any weird side effects. Another user says they buy it regularly and recommends pairing it with "Extraordinary Bites" Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, which they say are the best-tasting keto rolls they've tried.

However, some users are sceptical about the bread's claims, with one person saying that their "bullshit meter is hot". Another user comments that the bread sold at their store has 5g of carbs per slice, so it's important to read the labels carefully.

Overall, Carb Smart bread seems to be well-received by those following a keto diet, but it's always a good idea to read the nutritional information and ingredients carefully to ensure the product aligns with your specific dietary needs and preferences.

Making your own keto bread

There are many keto-friendly bread recipes available online, and most of them are quite easy to make. Here is a simple recipe for keto bread that you can try at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups almond flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon olive oil, melted
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 5 eggs (or 6 egg whites)

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the sides for easy removal later.
• In a small bowl, combine the almond flour, baking soda, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar.
• Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined and thick.
• Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
• Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• To minimise the eggy flavour, you can use 6 egg whites instead of 5 whole eggs. This will give the bread a more neutral 'white bread' flavour.
• Be sure to use a proper-sized pan (8 x 4 inches) to ensure the bread rises and develops a dome shape.
• Leave some parchment paper hanging over the sides of the pan to make it easier to lift the bread out after baking.
• Keep an eye on the bread while it's in the oven, as oven brands and models can vary. Check the bread after 30 minutes, and then every 3-4 minutes until it's done.
• This bread freezes well, so you can make a double batch and freeze one loaf for later.

Storage:

• To store: Keep the bread covered in the refrigerator at all times. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
• To freeze: Place slices of bread in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Frequently asked questions