Is there such a thing as a low carb bread?

This question does beg a few other questions like – why do you want a lower carb bread? Fewer calories? Reduce your insulin response?

Low carb bread is kind of an oxymoron since bread by definition IS a carbohydrate. You are really looking for a LOWER carb bread! The real question becomes:  are there breads that have more complex carbohydrates and are less likely to spike our insulin?  The answer is yes.  Breads made with flax seed, soy flour, coconut flour and other dense, complex carbohydrates are slower to digest and keep us feeling full longer.  Fiber content helps to slow down the digestion process and reduces the impact on our insulin. You may want a high fiber and not really a low carb bread.

Many recipes for low carb breads and cakes use nut flours instead of grain flours since nut flours have more protein in them. They also have more fat which is usually in the form of an omega 3 fat.  While the bread is lower in overall carbohydrate due to using nut flours, it is not necessarily lower in calories. Make sure to read the labels carefully.  These breads can also be very filling so you don’t need to eat as large of a serving; my family eats a bread like this.  When I make French toast with it, one piece or even just half a piece is enough of a serving to fill us up vs two or more pieces of French Toast made with a more conventional bread.

It’s important to consider all the nutrients in your meal or sandwich, so make sure you balance out your low carb bread with the other important nutrients; protein & fat.