Carbs in Flatbread: Is It a Better Choice Than Regular Bread?

Carbs in Flatbread: Is It a Better Choice Than Regular Bread?

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Why People Worry About Carbs

Many people watch their carbohydrate intake because carbs are broken down into sugars that fuel the body. Low-carb diets and diabetic meal plans often set carb limits, so it helps to understand how different breads fit into those limits. Flatbreads are thinner alternatives to regular sliced breads, but do they actually have fewer carbs?

Below is a look at how much carbohydrate is in common flatbreads, how those numbers compare with regular white bread, and what makes Absolutely Gluten Free flatbreads a unique option.

How Many Carbs Are in a Typical Flatbread?

A long, rectangular, golden-brown flatbread cracker with a crisp texture, small holes, and slightly uneven surface.

Flatbreads come in many styles, from Indian naan and roti to Italian focaccia. Nutrition databases provide reference values for these foods. A single slice of Italian flatbread focaccia has about 27g of carbohydrates, while smaller flatbread portions, such as a 6-inch focaccia (53.97g total carbs) and roti or naan with net carbs ranging from 13-73g, depending on portion size.

A macro-tracking app shows a “whole wheat flatbread” containing 15.7g total carbs and 8.7g net carbs per piece. This example also provides 7g protein and 2.5g fat in a 97-calorie serving. These values highlight that carb counts vary widely with size and ingredients: naan and focaccia carry bread-like carbohydrate loads, while smaller whole-grain flatbreads offer fewer net carbs.

Crispy gluten-free flatbreads with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, promoted as available at Publix and Walmart.

The macronutrient distribution for these products is similar to bread; carbs usually make up 70-80% of calories. Therefore, even though flatbreads are thin, they are still made from starchy grains or flours and are not inherently low-carb.

Does Flatbread Have Fewer Carbs than Regular Bread?

To answer this and understand whether flatbread is better than bread, we need a benchmark. Nutrition databases report that a small slice (24g) of commercially prepared white bread typically contains about 12g of total carbohydrate and 0.6g of fiber. Net carbs, which subtract fiber, are around 11.3g per slice. The same slice provides 64 kcal, <1g fat and ~2g protein. These numbers are remarkably similar to those for smaller flatbreads; both deliver ~11g net carbs per serving.

Regular bread, however, is usually eaten as part of a sandwich, so portion size can double or triple quickly. Two slices of white bread add up to ~24g carbs before any fillings, whereas a single piece of focaccia or naan might already provide 27-50g of carbohydrate. In other words, portion size is the real difference.

Carb Content in Absolutely Gluten Free Flatbreads

Absolutely Gluten Free flatbreads are made from potato starch/flour and eggs and are free of wheat, soy, corn, rice and dairy.

Because the ingredients are similar across Original, Everything, and Onion, the nutrition is the same across flavors. Seasonings (sesame/poppy seeds, onion) don’t change the carbohydrate amount.

Nutrition for Absolutely Gluten Free Flatbread Varieties (per 2 pieces/14g)

Variety Flavor notes Calories Total Carbs
Original Flatbreads Savory, cracker-like; grain-free and gluten-free 70 12g
Everything Flatbreads Sesame, poppy, caraway, and onion seasoning 70 12g
Onion Flatbreads Toasted onion seasoning for extra savory flavor 70 12g

Absolutely Gluten Free flatbreads are a versatile, gluten-free alternative to bread with 0g total sugars.

Because the flatbreads are thin and have 70 calories per two pieces, they can fit into moderate-carb or lower-calorie meal plans more easily than thicker flatbreads such as naan or focaccia.

Are Flatbreads Better Than Regular Bread in Terms of Carbs?

Flatbreads can match or exceed sliced bread when portions are equal. Some compact, whole-grain styles can be similar to a small slice of bread, while bakery-style flatbreads can be much higher. In short, “lower-carb” depends on the specific product and serving.

absolutely gluten free everything flatbreads

Absolutely Gluten Free flatbreads differ from many flatbreads because they use tuber-based starches and eggs rather than wheat, making them suitable for people with gluten or grain sensitivities. They provide a light, crisp base that’s easy to pair with cheese, dips, or meats without the heaviness of bakery-style flatbreads.

Practical Tips for Choosing Between Flatbread and Bread

    • Check serving size: Compare products by grams rather than by number of slices or pieces. A naan or focaccia can be equivalent to three or four slices of white bread in carbs.
    • Look at ingredients: Flatbreads made with wheat flour will have carbohydrate profiles similar to bread; versions made with alternative flours may vary. We use potato starch, which is starchy but naturally gluten-free.
    • Watch added sugars: Check labels for added sugars; Absolutely Gluten Free flatbreads list none.

How to Enjoy Absolutely Gluten Free Flatbreads

Absolutely Gluten Free flatbreads come in three flavors—Original, Everything, and Onion—and pair well with hummus, cheese spreads, smoked salmon, guacamole or your favorite dip. Because they are sturdy and crisp, they can replace crackers or crostini on appetizer trays. They’re also kosher certified and free of soy, corn, and dairy.

Snack platter featuring Absolutely! Gluten Free flatbreads and crackers with fresh vegetables and dips

If you’d like to try them, view the product details of Absolutely Gluten Free flatbread, or use our store locator to find stores carrying Absolutely Gluten Free products. You can also buy them online via Amazon.

Bottom Line: Is Flatbread a Better Choice for Carbs?

Flatbread isn’t automatically lower in carbs than bread; it varies by recipe and serving. Absolutely Gluten Free flatbreads offer a thin, portion-friendly, gluten-free option at 12g total carbs and 70 calories per two pieces—a crunchy base when you don’t want a heavy slice. Choose what fits your goals and how you plan to use it (snack vs. sandwich).

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