Baked goods

Bread, french or vienna (includes sourdough)

FDC 172675oz (28 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 41 · +1 vs Baked goods median

French and Vienna-style breads, sourdough included, score 41 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, Fair band, placing 29th of 60 in Baked Goods. Protein and iron both land in excellent territory here, each at 22% DV per 100 g, a notably even pairing for a bread.

This is the everyday loaf for sandwiches, toast, or tearing alongside soup, with carbohydrate driving most of the calories. Sodium is the number to watch, at 602 mg per 100 g, which adds up quickly across a few slices if the rest of the meal is also salted.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around bread, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 10.8 g · 16%Carb 51.9 g · 76%Fat 2.4 g · 8%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories272 kcal14%
Total fat2.4 g3%
Saturated fat0.53 g3%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium602 mg26%
Carbohydrate52 g19%
Dietary fiber2.2 g8%
Sugars4.6 g
Protein11 g22%
Potassium117 mg2%
Calcium52 mg4%
Iron3.9 mg22%
Magnesium32 mg8%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A0 µg0%
Vitamin E0.21 mg1%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 172675

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Protein22% DV
Iron22% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the baked goods median

Nutrient density41 vs 40 median
Protein / 100 g11 vs 8.6 median
Fiber / 100 g2.2 vs 3.4 median
Sodium / 100 g602 vs 447 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Cream puff shell, prepared from recipeDensity 41 vs 41Rolls, frenchDensity 41 vs 41Rolls, hard (includes kaiser)Density 42 vs 41

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

French and Vienna-style breads, including sourdough versions, are crusty on the outside with an open, chewy crumb, and they are the loaf of choice for sandwiches, toast, bruschetta, or tearing to dip in olive oil or a bowl of soup. Sliced thin and dried, the same loaf becomes croutons or the base for a bread salad, and a stale end works well soaked into French toast batter rather than being thrown out; sourdough versions bring a tangier crumb that pairs well with cheese, charcuterie, or a simple soft-boiled egg.

Buy it the day you plan to eat the bulk of it, store cut-side down at room temperature, and freeze slices for toast if you will not finish the loaf in a couple of days, since the fridge accelerates staling more than the counter does. Per 100 grams it runs 272 calories with 10.8 grams of protein (22% DV) and iron also at 22% DV, a useful bread choice when iron intake is a consideration, along with 2.2 grams of fiber and 4.62 grams of sugar per 100 grams. Sodium runs 602 milligrams per 100 grams, so pairing it with low-sodium toppings like fresh tomato or avocado rather than cured meats helps balance a sandwich or snack.

Frequently asked questions about bread

How many calories are in French or Vienna bread?

This bread has 272 calories per 100 grams.

Is French bread a good source of iron?

Yes, it is rich in iron at 22% DV per 100 grams.

How do you keep French bread fresh?

Store cut-side down at room temperature and eat within a couple of days, or freeze slices for toast, since the fridge speeds up staling.

View the USDA source record