What’s the Best Kind of Bread to Order?

By Mary Parsons, MS, RD

Question: What’s the best kind of bread to order?

Without a doubt, sandwiches are a favorite option for Healthy Dining on the go. We especially love when restaurants offer the opportunity to customize our sandwiches, choosing our favorite nutritious foods for every layer from the ground up. What could be better than building a meal perfectly crafted to satisfy not only our taste buds, but also our health goals? The healthy foodies here at Healthy Dining have discussed a lot about building the best sandwiches, including how to choose lean proteins, fresh veggies and lighter spreads to power up your lunch with the best nutrition… But let’s talk a little more about the bread!

  • Go for whole grains. When dietitians talk about bread, we have to talk about whole grains. It’s a no-brainer if you’re looking for more fiber, vitamins, minerals and a wealth of health benefits.
  • Looking for lower calories? Downsizing the amount of carbs by choosing wraps, pita or other flatbreads can reduce calories to help you maintain a healthy weight.
  • Need more flavor in your life? If you’re tired of the classic whole-wheat, be aware that rye and pumpernickel are made with whole grains, as well!
  • Serious about finding the best nutrition for your kids? Dedicated label-readers may already know that not all brown breads are made equally and that some are sneakily more refined than whole grain. When dining out, it’s difficult to know exactly how much whole grains you can count on, but our dietitians have you covered