Wildgrain Blog

Best Bread for Weight Gain

By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D. Wildgrain, opens in a new tab is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. Bread has long been a staple in many diets, and like most foods works best when eaten in moderation. If your goal is weight gain, bread can be a helpful and reliable way to add calories, carbohydrates, and energy to your day.  Is bread good for mass gain? Is bread good for weight gain?  Bread can support mass gain because it provides carbohydrates and calories in a form that is not only easy to eat, but is also easy to pair with other foods. In opposition to weight loss, which requires a consistent calorie deficit, weight gain requires a consistent calorie surplus. For many people, adding bread to meals or snacks is a practical way to make this surplus more achievable. Is bread good for bulking? Is bread good for gaining muscle? During a bulking phase calories matter, and carbohydrates play an important role. Bread can help provide carbohydrates to fuel workouts and support recovery through replenishing glycogen stores, the body's stored form of carbohydrates. Keeping glycogen stores full makes it easier to train at a higher intensity consistently, which is key for gaining muscle. Bread does not help build muscle directly as muscle gain comes from resistance training and adequate protein intake. However, it supports the conditions needed for muscle growth by helping keep you in a caloric surplus.  What bread has the highest calories? What bread has the most carbs? Calorie and carbohydrate content varies widely depending on the type of bread and portion size. Dense breads like multigrain and whole grain breads tend to be higher in calories because they contain whole grains that have not been stripped of the bran, germ, and endosperm. These parts contain more naturally occurring fats, fiber, and nutrients. This makes the bread more filling and slightly more calorie dense than refined white bread. Additionally, many multigrain loaves also include added seeds or grains, which further increase calorie content.  Multigrain and whole wheat sandwich breads provide a significant amount of carbs. With 11 to 20 grams per slice, carbohydrate content accounts for most of the calories in the bread. If weight gain is the goal, opt for thicker or denser breads which makes it easier to increase caloric content without increasing meal volume too much. Does sourdough bread help you gain weight? Sourdough bread can help support weight gain in the same way other breads do by contributing to overall calories and carbohydrate intake. For some, sourdough is also easier to digest which can be helpful when trying to eat more food overall. Additionally, it has a rich flavor and holds up well to toppings, making it fit well into a calorie surplus.  Is whole wheat bread good for gaining weight? Is white bread good for weight gain? Both whole wheat and white bread can contribute to weight gain. Whole wheat bread contains more fiber and micronutrients which adds additional nutritional value. However, fiber can be a double edged sword when trying to gain weight because it slows digestion and increases satiety. Some people find this helpful, but others find it limiting when trying to eat more.  White bread is lower in fiber often making it easier to eat in larger quantities. For those who struggle to consume enough calories, white bread is a good option. However, the best choice of bread is one that you enjoy and helps meet your caloric needs.  What to eat with bread for weight gain? Is bread and peanut butter good for weight gain? Is bread with butter good for weight gain? Bread becomes most effective for weight gain when it is paired with calorie-dense foods. Peanut butter is a popular option because it adds healthy fats, calories, and protein all with very little volume. Additionally, bread with peanut butter is easy to prepare, making it a quick way to add calories to your day. Butter is another way to increase calories because it adds fat without significantly increasing portion size. Other additional toppings include cheese, avocado, eggs, and other nut based spreads. These, in combination with bread, increase caloric density and make bread a vehicle to promote weight gain.  What bread is good for weight gain? What’s the best bread to gain weight? The best bread for weight gain is one that you enjoy and helps you meet your caloric needs. Dense breads like whole grain loaves, sourdough, and seeded breads tend to provide more calories per serving. These options can aid in reaching higher calorie targets. However, if the high fiber content keeps you feeling full for too long, white bread is a good option as well. There is no single perfect bread for weight gain. Consistency matters more than the specific type, so choose the bread (or breads) you enjoy and pair it with calorie rich foods to keep you on track to meet your daily calorie goals. Where can I buy healthy bread online? At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh breads that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, rolls, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular breads include whole wheat sourdough, plain sourdough loaf and rye sourdough loaf. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods.  About the Author Lucy Yanckello received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She currently works as a medical writer and enjoys being able to help people better understand nutrition and science. This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.