These 5 Low-Carb Breads Actually Taste Like the Real Thing

view original post

With the warmer weather just around the corner, many of us are working to tone up ahead of T-shirt and beach season. There are tons of ways to do that, and a low-carb diet is one some people swear by. Oprah Winfrey once enthusiastically declared her love for bread in a viral Weight Watchers commercial, but we have good news for her and you — doing away with carbs doesn’t have to mean eating terrible bread.

While nutritionists have argued that carbohydrates are not the enemy, many diets and weight-loss plans, including keto and paleo, aim to limit carb intake as a way to drop some pounds. Bread is one well-known carb-heavy food, and so it was always going to be in the firing line for people looking to cut down on their intake. The result is a whole lot of low- and zero-carb breads that are made with a scientifically backed resistant wheat starch that’s heavy on fiber and other nutrients.

Low-carb bread has gotten pretty great in 2024.

Surprisingly, that result doesn’t deprive loaves, slices and even croissants of the softness and bulkiness found in the original versions. In fact, most low-carb bread from keto-friendly brands is downright tasty and makes a wonderful alternative to what you may be accustomed to eating on the regular.

Advertisement

Advertisement

A 2024 CNET survey found that 77% of Americans are concerned about the increase in the price of everyday groceries. So with that in mind, if you’re going to deprive yourself of carbs, you should at least make sure you’re getting the best bread for your money. I sampled dozens of options to narrow down my top five favorites. Here’s how they stacked up.

Best keto and low-carb bread for 2025

Hero

Aside from traditional sliced bread, Hero boasts a bevy of scrumptious items, including flaky croissants, classic burger buns and even cheddar biscuits. The company has made a commitment to incorporating plant-based protein, chock-full of prebiotics and — best of all — no added sugar. Consider them to be the gold standard in this increasingly popular market.

Amazon/Hero

See at Hero

Arnold Keto seeded bread

A little texture goes a long way, which is why Arnold takes home top honors in the sliced bread category. The added crunch of sunflower, flax and chia seeds brings in a wonderful complexity that makes it so much more than standard bread. These ingredients also incorporate a signature earthiness that separates it from other varieties on the market. Needless to say, your boring yet dependable PB&J just got a whole lot more interesting.

Arnold Bread

See at Walmart

Mission zero carb tortillas

Taco night doesn’t have to sit in your stomach like a bowling ball. Mission’s Zero Net Carbs Original tortillas have become a household favorite and for good reason — it touts everything you love about a standard flour tortilla but without the carbs. They’re also high in fiber, boasting a whopping 7 grams per serving, which makes them certifiably gut-healthy, as well.

Mission Foods

See at Walmart

Royo Plain bagels

One of the most beloved breakfast foods to get the keto treatment is the mighty bagel. And Royo offers the best of the best with a protein-packed offering that is available in four flavors: plain, everything, cinnamon and super seed. If you’re following a keto diet, pile it high with cream cheese for extra fat, or simply enjoy it with a fried egg, veggies and slabs of fresh-cooked bacon.

Royo plain bagels

Advertisement

Advertisement

See at Walmart

Julian’s Bakery PaleoThin almond bread

For those who prefer almond and coconut flour alternatives to water resistant wheat starch, Julian’s Bakery has got you covered.

Aside from tasting delicious, the company prides itself on an extremely simple and straightforward ingredient list with familiar (and healthy!) favorites such as egg whites, psyllium husk, water, lemon juice and sea salt. This is also a fantastic selection for those with food sensitivities and intolerances, considering the transparent labels and production processes.

Julian Bakery

See at Julian’s Bakery

Pro tip: If you don’t want to give up carbs completely but also don’t want refined or processed white bread, an excellent choice is Ezekiel bread. Flourless, sprouted and chock-full of the nine essential amino acids found in its whole grains, this is my daily go-to. The brand also makes a killer English muffin, which I eat most mornings if oatmeal just isn’t doing it for me.