SARA LEE Soft & Smooth 100% Whole Wheat bread earns a FoodScore of 60/100 (Good), primarily driven by its **high fiber content** and the presence of **whole wheat flour** as the first ingredient.
FoodScore: 60/100 (Good), indicating a generally positive nutritional profile.
A notable strength is its fiber content, providing 16.3g per 100g.
The product is classified as NOVA 4, meaning it is ultra-processed.
Sodium content is 465.12mg per 100g, which is a moderate amount.
Consider pairing with lean protein and vegetables to create a balanced meal.
Scores +3 points above the grain category average (57/100 across 177 foods).
Fiber
16.3g
58% of Daily Value
Protein
11.63g
23% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
465.12mg
20% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (16.3g)+12
Protein (11.6g)+7
Micronutrients (Iron)+2
−
What holds it back
Sodium (465.1mg)-1
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 60
SARA LEE Soft & Smooth 100% Whole Wheat bread achieves a FoodScore of 60 out of 100, placing it in the 'Good' category. This score reflects a balance of beneficial nutrients and some factors that reduce its overall rating. The product receives significant bonuses for its high fiber content, providing 16.3g per 100g, which is a substantial contribution to daily fiber intake. Protein also contributes positively with 11.63g per 100g, and iron adds a small bonus. However, the sodium content, at 465.12mg per 100g, incurs a minor penalty. A more significant deduction comes from its classification as NOVA 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food. While the label highlights '100% Whole Wheat,' the ingredient list includes components like modified wheat starch, maltitol, and various emulsifiers such as DATEM and monoglycerides, which are characteristic of ultra-processed items. Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, this SARA LEE product offers comparable fiber and protein, but its processing level is a key differentiator.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in sara lee soft & smooth 100% whole wheat actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Supports Digestive Health
This SARA LEE bread is a good source of dietary fiber, with 16.3g per 100g. This high fiber content, primarily from whole wheat flour and added cellulose fiber and inulin, contributes to digestive regularity. Adequate fiber intake can help maintain bowel health and prevent constipation. Incorporating foods rich in fiber like this bread into your diet can support a healthy digestive system.
Contributes to Satiety
The combination of 11.63g of protein and 16.3g of fiber per 100g in this product can contribute to feelings of fullness and satiety. Fiber and protein are known to slow digestion and help regulate appetite, which can be beneficial for weight management. Choosing fiber-rich foods like this bread may help reduce overall calorie intake by promoting a feeling of satisfaction after meals.
Provides Essential Micronutrients
While not fortified with a wide array of micronutrients, this bread does provide 1.86mg of iron per 100g, contributing 10% of the Daily Value. Iron is an essential mineral vital for oxygen transport in the blood and energy production. Including sources of iron in the diet is important for preventing iron deficiency. The presence of whole wheat flour also naturally contributes to its mineral content.
SARA LEE Soft & Smooth 100% Whole Wheat bread earns a FoodScore of 60/100 (Good), primarily driven by its high fiber content and the presence of whole wheat flour as the first ingredient.
How to eat it
This whole wheat bread is commonly consumed as a base for sandwiches, toast, or as an accompaniment to meals. A typical serving size is two slices. It can be a convenient way to incorporate whole grains into daily routines.
Pair with lean protein sources like turkey or hummus and plenty of vegetables to create a nutritionally balanced sandwich.
Use as a base for avocado toast, adding a source of healthy fats and additional fiber.
Be mindful of portion sizes; while beneficial, excessive intake of any single food can lead to an imbalance in your diet.
Consider using it for open-faced sandwiches to reduce the amount of bread per serving.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains several ingredients that some individuals may wish to monitor. It is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed, which means it contains ingredients not typically found in home kitchens, such as modified wheat starch and various emulsifiers like DATEM and monoglycerides. While generally recognized as safe, some individuals may experience digestive sensitivities to ingredients like inulin (chicory root fiber) or maltitol, a sugar alcohol. The product also contains common allergens including wheat and soy, which are clearly declared. Individuals with celiac disease or a wheat allergy should avoid this product. For most healthy adults, these ingredients are not a concern in typical consumption amounts.
Is SARA LEE Soft & Smooth 100% Whole Wheat bread healthy?
SARA LEE Soft & Smooth 100% Whole Wheat bread earns a FoodScore of 60/100, which is considered 'Good.' It provides a substantial amount of fiber and protein, and is made with whole wheat flour. However, it is an ultra-processed food (NOVA 4) and contains various additives. Its healthfulness depends on your overall dietary pattern and individual needs.
How does SARA LEE Soft & Smooth 100% Whole Wheat compare to other whole wheat breads?
Compared to a generic whole-grain equivalent, this SARA LEE product offers similar fiber and protein content. However, its NOVA 4 classification indicates a higher degree of processing with more additives. Some other brands, like Dave's Killer Bread, may offer similar nutritional profiles but with different ingredient lists and processing levels, often emphasizing organic ingredients or sprouted grains.
What is maltitol, and is it safe?
Maltitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in this bread. It provides fewer calories than sugar and does not contribute to added sugar content. While generally safe, consuming large amounts of sugar alcohols can sometimes lead to digestive discomfort, such as bloating or diarrhea, in sensitive individuals.
What is a reasonable portion size for this bread?
The declared serving size is 2 slices. This provides a good amount of fiber and protein. For most individuals, consuming 1-2 servings (2-4 slices) per day as part of a balanced diet is a reasonable intake. Adjust based on your individual calorie and nutrient needs.
Does this bread contain added sugar?
No, the nutritional information indicates 0g of added sugar per 100g. While it contains maltitol, a sweetener, it is a sugar alcohol and does not count towards added sugar content according to USDA guidelines. This can be a benefit for individuals monitoring their sugar intake.