Franz Keto Bread: Truly Low-Carb?

Franz Keto Bread is a low-carb bread that has become popular among people on the ketogenic diet. The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat, and high-protein diet that has gained traction for its potential health benefits, including weight loss, managing medical conditions like diabetes and epilepsy, and even cancer prevention. With a total carb content of 12 grams per slice, all derived from fiber, Franz Keto Bread is marketed as having zero net carbs. However, some have questioned the accuracy of this claim, as certain forms of processed fiber can act like carbohydrates and impact blood glucose levels. While Franz Keto Bread may be a convenient option for those craving bread on a low-carb diet, it is considered a heavily processed food item and may not be suitable for everyone, especially those on a strict keto or clean keto diet.

Franz Keto Bread's ingredients

Franz Keto Bread is made with high-fibre ingredients to keep net carbs low. Each slice contains 12 grams of fibre and has zero grams of trans fat. The bread contains no high-fructose corn syrup and has the taste and texture of real bread.

The ingredients in Franz Keto Bread are as follows:

• Bread base (modified wheat starch, wheat gluten, inulin or chicory vegetable fibre, oat fibre, wheat protein isolate)
• Water
• Soybean oil
• Yeast
• Salt
• Sorbic acid (a mould inhibitor)
• Fully hydrogenated soybean oil
• Distilled vinegar
• Ascorbic acid
• Calcium propionate (a mould inhibitor)
• Enzymes

Franz Bakery, founded in 1906 by Englebert Franz, continues to bake fresh bread for communities throughout the United States. It remains one of the largest independently owned and operated bakeries in the nation.

Franz Keto Bread is suitable for those on a ketogenic diet, which is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat, and high-protein diet. The bread is low-calorie, with only 40 calories per slice, and is lower in carbohydrates and higher in protein and fibre than other breads. A slice of Franz Keto White contains 12 grams of carbohydrates, which are all fibre, and 4 grams of protein. This is due to the presence of wheat gluten, a form of protein, and inulin or chicory root fibre.

For those on a keto diet, Franz Keto Bread provides an option to enjoy bread and bagels, which are typically off-limits. It allows people to enjoy their favourite foods without feeling deprived and still meet their carb budget.

Nutritional value

Franz Keto Bread is a low-calorie bread, with only 40 calories per slice, and is also low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fibre. A single slice of Franz Keto White Bread contains 12 grams of carbohydrates, all of which come from fibre, and 4 grams of protein. This is in contrast to a typical slice of white bread, which contains 75 calories, 14 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fibre, and 2 grams of protein.

However, it is important to note that the fibre in Franz Keto Bread may not be as easily digested as the fibre in whole foods. Some forms of fibre can act like carbohydrates and raise blood glucose levels, especially in processed foods. Therefore, it is recommended to count each slice of Franz Keto Bread as 1 gram of net carbs. Additionally, with 12 grams of fibre per slice, this bread may be difficult for some people to digest and may cause stomach cramps or other unpleasant effects.

Franz Keto Bread also falls under the "dirty keto" or "lazy keto" category, which means it is a highly processed food item that may not be suitable for those following a strict keto or clean keto diet. It is important to note that any diet should include whole foods like fruits and vegetables to ensure adequate intake of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Overall, Franz Keto Bread can be a good option for those following a keto diet who are craving bread. However, it is important to consume it in moderation, experiment with small quantities first, and monitor blood ketone levels to ensure it does not interfere with the diet.

Taste and texture

The Franz Keto Bread has been described as tasting almost like the original white bread. However, some reviews have mentioned that it has a weird texture and is dry and almost granular while eating it.

Some reviews mention that the bread is soft, fluffy, and heavy, while others say that it is dry and crumbly. There are also a few reviews that mention the bread having a musty, almost moldy smell.

One review states that the bread is "soft and tasty" and that the slices are a regular size. Another review mentions that the bread toasts well and allows them to enjoy meals without feeling deprived of bread, making it easier to stick to the keto diet.

Overall, the feedback on the taste and texture of Franz Keto Bread is mixed, with some people loving it and others finding it disappointing. It is important to note that the bread is highly processed and should be consumed in moderation, especially for those on a strict keto diet or just starting with the keto journey.

Health concerns

Franz Keto Bread has zero net carbs according to its nutrition label. However, it contains "modified wheat starch", which may contain hidden carbs depending on how it was processed. This means that the product may not be as low-carb as it claims to be.

Some people have expressed concerns about the high amount of fiber in the bread, which is 12 grams per slice. A high fiber intake can cause digestive issues such as stomach cramps and diarrhoea. It is recommended that consumers start with small quantities of the bread to see how their body reacts.

Another concern is that Franz Keto Bread falls under the "dirty keto" or "lazy keto" category. This means that it is a highly processed food item that is not considered to be a whole, natural food. Dirty keto is often associated with a high intake of saturated fats, which are linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

In addition, the bread contains wheat gluten, which some people may need to avoid due to allergies or intolerances.

Finally, there is a cancer warning on all Franz products due to the presence of acrylamide, a chemical formed when plant-based foods are cooked at high temperatures. While this is a common issue in many cooked foods, it is still a potential health concern.

Overall, while Franz Keto Bread may be a convenient option for those on a low-carb diet, it is important to be aware of the potential health concerns associated with consuming this product. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet.

Homemade alternatives

While Franz Keto Bread is a convenient option for those on a ketogenic diet, some may prefer to make their own low-carb bread at home. Here are some recipes for keto bread that you can try:

Wholesome Yum's Keto Bread:

This recipe uses a combination of almond flour and coconut flour to create a soft, airy, and gluten-free loaf. It has just 5 main ingredients and 1 net carb per slice. The preparation time is around 10 minutes, and the total time required is about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

The Big Man's World Keto Bread:

This recipe uses almond flour and olive oil to create a light and fluffy loaf. It has 2 grams of net carbs per serving and is naturally gluten-free. The preparation time is minimal, and there is no need for yeast, kneading, or rising time.

Ketofocus' Keto Bread:

This recipe uses a food processor to combine shredded mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, eggs, almond flour, protein powder, sour cream, baking powder, and baking soda. The result is a gluten-free loaf with a prominent crunchy crust and a soft, tender crumb inside. It has 2.4g net carbs per slice.

Other Homemade Keto Bread Options:

There are also several other keto bread recipes available online that use a variety of ingredients such as coconut flour, sesame seed flour, butter, eggs, and olive oil. Some recipes even include unusual ingredients like psyllium husk or xanthan gum. Experimenting with different recipes will help you find the perfect keto bread that suits your taste and texture preferences.

Frequently asked questions