Zero-Carb Bread: Keto-Friendly Or Not?

The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate method of eating that can help with diabetes, epilepsy, autoimmune disorders, acid reflux, inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and more. For bread lovers, this can be a difficult diet to follow, but there are some options for keto-friendly bread.

Zero-carb bread is a popular option for those on the keto diet. It is made with ingredients such as almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, butter, and egg whites. This type of bread is sturdy enough for sandwiches, light and fluffy, chewy like regular bread, and toasts well. It also has a neutral flavor, is easy to make, and can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.

Some popular brands of zero-carb bread include Hero Bread, Shibolim FlaxSeed Bread, ThinSlim Foods, Nature's Own Life, and Franz Bakery Keto English Muffins. These breads can be purchased online or at stores like Costco and Aldi.

In addition to zero-carb bread, some people on the keto diet also use low-carb tortillas, chaffles (egg and mozzarella cheese), or bake their own bread using keto-friendly recipes.

Zero-carb bread options for keto

Keto dieters often mourn the loss of bread in their diets, but there are actually plenty of zero-carb bread options available. These include:

• ThinSlim Foods' Zero Net Carb Bread Plain: This bread is not only zero-carb, but it's also low-calorie, with just 45 calories per slice. It's also packed with fibre, with 10g per slice.
• Hero Bread™: This sliced white bread has 0g net carbs, 0g sugar, 45 calories, and 10g of fibre per slice. It's also available in seeded and classic varieties.
• Shibolim FlaxSeed Bread: This vegan bread is low-carb and keto-friendly, as well as being rich in fibre and protein.
• Nature's Own Life Keto Soft White Bread: This keto-friendly bread is available in packs of one or two loaves.
• Franz Bakery Keto English Muffins: These keto-friendly muffins come with a keto lifestyle guide.
• Low Carb Keto Tortillas: These low-carb tortillas are a popular alternative to bread for those on the keto diet. They can be used for wraps, tacos, and even pizza bases.

Making Your Own Keto Bread

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try making your own keto bread at home. Wholesome Yum has a popular recipe for keto-friendly bread that has just 1g net carb per slice. The recipe includes common ingredients like almond flour, coconut flour, butter, and egg whites. It also includes optional ingredients like sweetener, xanthan gum, and cream of tartar.

Other Keto Bread Options

If you're not strictly looking for zero-carb options, there are plenty of other keto-friendly breads available. These include:

• Sola bread
• Aunt Millie's Carb Smart bread
• Lewis Healthy Life bread
• Costco's Natural Ovens "keto bread"
• Aldi keto bread

How to make keto bread

There are many ways to make keto bread. Here is one option that is simple and straightforward.

Ingredients:

• 7 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups blanched almond flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a silicone loaf pan with cooking spray.
• Whisk eggs in a bowl until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Add melted butter and olive oil; mix until well combined.
• Combine almond flour, baking powder, xanthan gum, and salt in a separate bowl; mix well. Add gradually to the egg mixture, mixing well until a thick batter is formed.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean, about 45 minutes.

This keto bread is delicious and easy to make. It is ideal for slicing and making toast or sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter (or 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon; measured solid, then melted; can use coconut oil for dairy-free)
• 12 large egg whites (~1 1/2 cups, at room temperature)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon sweetener (can use any sweetener or omit), 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum (for texture – omit for paleo), 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (to more easily whip egg whites)

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (163 degrees C). Line an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 in (22×11 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper, with extra hanging over the sides for easy removal later.
• Combine the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, sweetener (if using), xanthan gum, and sea salt in a large food processor. Pulse until combined.
• Add the melted butter. Pulse, scraping down the sides as needed, until crumbly.
• In a very large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the egg whites and cream of tartar (if using), until stiff peaks form. Make sure the bowl is large enough because the whites will expand a lot.
• Add 1/2 of the stiff egg whites to the food processor. Pulse a few times until just combined. Do not over-mix!
• Carefully transfer the mixture from the food processor into the bowl with the egg whites, and gently fold until no streaks remain. Do not stir. Fold gently to keep the mixture as fluffy as possible.
• Transfer the batter to the lined loaf pan and smooth the top. Push the batter toward the centre a bit to round the top.
• Bake for about 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Tent the top with aluminium foil and bake for another 30-45 minutes, until the top is firm and does not make a squishy sound when pressed. The internal temperature should be 200 degrees. Cool completely before removing from the pan and slicing.

This keto bread is soft, airy, gluten-free, and has just 1 net carb per slice. It is sturdy enough for a keto sandwich, light and fluffy, and has the right amount of chewiness. It toasts well and has a neutral flavour, so it goes with anything.

Keto bread ingredients and substitutions

Keto bread is a great way to enjoy bread without the carbs. Here are some tips and tricks for ingredients and substitutions to make the perfect keto bread.

Ingredients

The key to making delicious keto bread is in the ingredients. Here are the essential components:

• Almond Flour: This is the primary flour used in keto bread. It gives the bread a nice texture and a subtle nutty flavour. It's important to use a fine blanched almond flour for the best results.
• Coconut Flour: A small amount of coconut flour is often added to improve the texture. It absorbs moisture, so be sure to measure accurately.
• Baking Powder: Essential for leavening, ensuring your bread rises nicely. Make sure it's fresh and be precise with your measurements.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is best, but you can also use coconut oil or another oil if you prefer.
• Egg Whites: The star of the show! Egg whites give the bread structure, making it airy and fluffy. You'll need quite a few, so separate those eggs!
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavour and balances out the other ingredients.

Substitutions and Additions

While the above ingredients form the foundation of your keto bread, there are several optional additions and substitutions you can make:

• Sweetener: Adding a small amount of sweetener like monk fruit or stevia can help balance the flavours and reduce any eggy taste.
• Xanthan Gum: This ingredient adds chewiness and improves the texture of the bread.
• Cream of Tartar: This stabilises the egg whites, making them easier to whip and helping them form stiff peaks.
• Yeast: Adding a small amount of yeast can give your bread a more traditional flavour, reminiscent of yeast bread.
• Oils: If you don't want to use butter, you can substitute it with coconut oil, avocado oil, or olive oil.
• Vinegar: A teaspoon of vinegar can also help reduce any eggy flavours in the bread.

Tips for Success

• Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
• When whipping the egg whites, be sure to use a large bowl as they will expand a lot.
• Don't overmix the batter once you add the egg whites. Fold gently to keep the mixture fluffy.
• Use an 8x4 loaf pan for the best results. A larger pan will make your bread too flat.
• Bake until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.

Now you're ready to bake some delicious keto bread! Enjoy the fluffy, low-carb goodness!

Baking tips for keto bread

Zero-carb bread is a great option for those on a keto diet, and you can even make your own at home! Here are some tips for baking keto bread:

Ingredients

• Use blanched almond flour instead of almond meal for a lighter, fluffier loaf.
• Avoid using coconut flour, as it will change the texture of the bread. If you need to replace the almond flour, try using a different type of flour in a smaller quantity.
• Stick to basic ingredients like baking powder, salt, and butter or olive oil.
• You can add sweetener to balance out the salt, but this is optional.
• Egg whites are important to give the bread structure and keep it airy, but you can use fresh or carton egg whites.
• Xanthan gum and cream of tartar are not necessary but can help improve the texture and make the bread more sturdy.

Baking Tips

• Preheat your oven to around 325-350°F (163-175°C).
• Line a small loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some hanging over the sides for easy removal.
• Combine dry ingredients in a food processor, then add melted butter and pulse until crumbly.
• Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then add to the food processor and pulse until just combined.
• Gently fold the mixture from the food processor into the remaining egg whites without breaking it down.
• Transfer the batter to the loaf pan and smooth the top, rounding it slightly.
• Bake for about 40 minutes, then tent the top with foil and bake for an additional 30-45 minutes until the top is firm and golden brown.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing.

Storage

Keto bread should be stored in the refrigerator and will last for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for up to six months.

Storing keto bread

Refrigeration

Keto bread should be stored in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life. Place the bread in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag to prevent it from drying out. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing

If you want to keep your keto bread for longer, freezing is a great option. Slice the bread before freezing and place parchment paper between the slices to prevent them from sticking together. Then, store the slices in an airtight container or freezer bag. Keto bread can be frozen for up to 6 months.

Moisture Control

Keto bread is prone to absorbing moisture, so avoid storing it in anything that traps moisture, like plastic bags or plastic wrap. If condensation forms, the bread can be recovered by toasting it lightly.

Slicing

It is recommended to slice the bread as needed rather than slicing the whole loaf at once. This helps to maintain the freshness of the bread and prevents it from drying out.

Storage Containers

Using parchment paper to wrap the bread or line the storage container can help keep the bread fresh and prevent sticking. You can also store the bread in a parchment paper bag.

Frequently asked questions