Breadsticks may not be your typical health food, but that doesn’t mean there’s no way to incorporate them into a balanced diet. So today we’re going to tackle the question: are breadsticks healthy? We’ll take a look at what makes up most versions and discuss both their pros and cons so that you feel empowered to make an informed decision when snacking.
What are Breadsticks?
Breadsticks, also known as breadsticks, are a type of Italian bread made with simple ingredients such as white flour, oil, and salt. They are generally long, hard and relatively thin. They have a crunchy texture and are often served as appetizers or snacks with dipping sauces.
Ingredients in breadsticks
In the table below, you can see the ingredients commonly found in prepackaged breadsticks. The brands of breadsticks we have chosen to display here are sourced from the UK’s most popular supermarkets.
| BRAND | INGREDIENTS |
| Original Tesco breadsticks | Wheat flour, olive oil (7%), baking powder, Barley Malt extract, Salt. |
| ASDA Classic Breadsticks | Wheat flour, olive oil (7%), Barley malt extract, yeast, salt |
| Sainsbury’s Grissini Bread Sticks | Wheat flour, olive oil (7%), baking powder, Barley malt extract, salt |
| Aldi Savor Bakes Breadsticks | 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐫, Olive Oil (7%), Sea Salt, Yeast, 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐲 Flour |
| M&S Torinesi Italian Breadsticks | Wheat flour (contains Gluten), Olive Oil (5%), Yeast, Malta Wheat flour (contains Gluten), Salt |
| Crosta & Mollica Torines Breadsticks | Wheat flour, extra virgin olive oil (7%), malted barley flour, salt, yeast |
| Classic Breadsticks The Artisan Bread Company | Wheat Flour, sunflower oil (10%), sea salt, yeast, malt Wheat Flour |
The main ingredients of classic breadsticks are white flour, oil and salt. Olive oil is often used, which is a healthier option than other types of oil.
Some brands use extra virgin olive oil instead of just “olive oil”. extra virgin olive oil has more health benefits because it is less processed and retains most of its healthy qualities.
In some brands of breadsticks you can find sunflower oil instead of olive oil. Sunflower oil is high in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, however, it is not as healthy as olive oil.
Some brands have developed flavored breadsticks with added ingredients such as herbs, garlic, spices and cheese. These are generally higher in calories and saturated fat than regular breadsticks.
At first glance, classic breadsticks seem like a pretty healthy snack option since they’re made with only natural ingredients and contain no processed sugar, artificial flavors or unhealthy additives. But are they healthy? Let’s look at their nutritional values to find out.
Nutritional value of breadsticks
The nutritional values of breadsticks are very similar across different supermarket brands.
Of all the supermarket breadstick brands we reviewed, Aldi’s breadsticks contain the fewest calories (406 calories per 100g). Most of the calories come from Asda brand breadsticks (418 calories).
They all contain around 8g of fat per 100g, with Sainsbury’s breadsticks being the least fat (7.2g per 100g) and Aldi’s breadsticks being the highest in fat (8.5g per 100g). g). The protein content is between 10 and 12 g, while the carbohydrates are around 73 g.
Aldi’s breadsticks have 70g of carbs and M&S’s breadsticks have slightly less (69.5g).
How many calories are there in 4 breadsticks?
Most supermarket brands of breadsticks contain around 25 calories per breadstick. This means that 4 breadsticks is around 100 calories.
Sugar in breadsticks
Although there is no added (processed) sugar in breadsticks, they still contain small amounts of natural sugars from barley malt extract, a natural sweetener used to improve flavor and texture. .
The sugar content of breadsticks is generally low, around 3g per 100g. Thus, a breadstick generally contains less than 0.5 grams of sugar.
Fiber in Breadsticks
Breadsticks are quite low in fiber. Most brands contain around 3g of fiber per 100g, so a breadstick typically contains less than 0.5 grams of fiber. This means that they are not a good source of dietary fiber and are unlikely to help you reach your recommended daily intake of fiber. 30g/day.
protein content
The protein content of breadsticks is generally low. The protein content per 100 g is between 10 and 12 g, so one breadstick contains only about 0.7 g of protein. Eating 4 breadsticks will give you 2.8g of protein but that still won’t meet your daily protein needs.
Breadsticks are not a good source of protein because you need to eat a lot of them to get your recommended dose. daily protein intake (56 g/day for men, 46 g/day for women).
Salt content
The salt content of breadsticks varies from brand to brand. However, most brands contain between 1g and 2g of salt per 100g. Tesco’s breadsticks, for example, contain 1.75g of salt per 100g and Sainsbury’s breadsticks contain 1.17g per 100g. If you eat 4 breadsticks, you will consume up to about 0.1g of salt, which is not a significant amount.
Are there any benefits to eating breadsticks?
Breadsticks are a good source of carbohydrates and are low in fat and sugar. This makes it a good option for those who are active and looking for a snack to refuel and replenish their energy.
Other than that, there aren’t really any health benefits to eating breadsticks. They are low in protein and fiber and are not a good source of vitamins or minerals.
Breadsticks vs Bread
Breadsticks and white bread are high in carbs and low in fiber and don’t contain many minerals or vitamins.
If you’re looking for a healthier option than white bread, whole-wheat bread is a better choice because it contains more fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Breadsticks vs cheese sticks
Cheese sticks are a popular snack, but they are higher in fat and calories than breadsticks.
Cheese sticks are also higher in protein than breadsticks, but aren’t a good source of fiber or vitamins and minerals.
FAQs
Are breadsticks healthy for toddlers?
Breadsticks are very popular with toddlers, but they are not the most nutritious snack choice. They are high in carbohydrates and low in protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Breadsticks are best combined with another snack that is higher in protein and fiber, such as cheese or hummus.
Are breadsticks healthy for diabetics?
Breadsticks are not the best choice for people with diabetes because they are high in carbs and low in fiber and protein. Eating too many breadsticks can spike blood sugar, so it’s best to combine them with foods high in protein and fiber.
Can Breadsticks Constipate You?
Constipation is the result of many factors, and breadsticks are probably not the main cause. However, because breadsticks are low in fiber, eating too much can contribute to constipation by not providing enough fiber in your diet. It is best to combine them with foods rich in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables.
Also, if you’re feeling constipated, it’s important to increase your fluid intake and watch the other foods you’ve eaten.
Are breadsticks fattening?
Breadsticks are not particularly fattening and contain less fat than many other snacks. However, if you’re trying to lose or maintain weight, it’s best to choose another snack that’s higher in protein and fiber. Protein and fiber play an important role in keeping you feeling full longer and are essential for maintaining a healthy weight.
Are breadsticks good for you?
Breadsticks aren’t the healthiest snack choice, but may be a better option than some other snacks. They are a good source of carbohydrates and are low in fat and sugar. However, they are not high in protein, fiber, vitamins or minerals, so it is best to combine them with other healthier snacks for a more balanced and nutritious meal.
