You may think bread is off limits with type 2 diabetes, but that’s not necessarily true. Even though bread has carbohydrates that can raise blood sugar, some breads are diabetes-friendly when eaten in moderation.

Some members of DiabetesTeam have been talking about Dave’s Killer Bread. “I chose a loaf of the thin-sliced 21 Whole Grains and Seeds to see if it was ‘sugar safe,’” one member said. “The bread didn’t make much of an impression on my sugar levels. I will test a couple more times, but this looks to be my new number one bread choice.”

“I have tried it and it does taste good, but a little too much of a spike for me,” another member replied.

If breads are part of your diabetes meal planning, you’ll want to look for loaves made with whole grains and fiber. Consider thin-sliced options to reduce the carbohydrate consumption that can affect your blood sugar levels, and always check with your doctor about the best foods for you.

If you’re thinking about trying Dave’s Killer Bread, here’s how this popular sliced bread could fit into your diabetes meal plan.

What Is Dave’s Killer Bread?

The story of Dave’s Killer Bread begins in 1955, when the Dahl family opened Midway Bakery. By the 1980s, it was renamed NatureBake. The company was one of the first in the bread industry to use sprouted grains and organic ingredients.

In 2005, Dave Dahl, who had just finished a 15-year prison sentence, joined the family business. He experimented with an organic bread recipe that contained a lot of grains and seeds. After successful sales at the Portland Farmers Market, the company rebranded as Dave’s Killer Bread and now sells its breads in major grocery stores. Dave’s Killer Bread is a second-chance employer, meaning the company doesn’t discriminate against job applicants with a criminal past.

Today, Dave’s Killer Bread makes several varieties of sliced bread and snack foods, including bagels, English muffins, buns, rolls, snack bites, and bars.

Dave’s Killer Bread Nutrition Facts

You can find the nutrition information for all Dave’s Killer Bread products on the company’s website. Since the American Diabetes Association recommends choosing more whole grains, the 100 Percent Whole Wheat bread may be a good option for people with type 2 diabetes. Whole grains raise blood sugar more slowly than refined carbs like white bread.

One slice has 21 grams of carbohydrates. It also has 3 grams of fiber and some healthy fats. Adults should try to get 30 grams of fiber per day, so one slice of Dave’s Killer whole grain bread is a start. But you’ll need to include other fiber sources, like nonstarchy vegetables, to meet your nutritional needs and maintain good blood sugar control. Other health benefits of fiber include satiety (meaning it makes you feel full) and supporting healthy digestion. Fiber also lowers cholesterol levels and is good for your heart.

Other varieties of Dave’s Killer Bread have similar nutrition facts. For instance, the White Bread Done Right has 21 grams of carbs and 2 grams of fiber. Although it doesn’t have all the whole grain benefits of the 100 Percent Whole Wheat, it’s more nutritious than many other brands of white bread. It still has 10 grams of whole grains per slice, whereas most white breads have none.

Eating Bread With Diabetes in Mind

Pretty much any type of food can fit into a diabetes diet, including bread. You just need to check your blood sugar levels to see how it affects your numbers. Sometimes, upping your physical activity level can help make room for more carbohydrates in your diet when diabetes hunger strikes.

If a sandwich with two slices of bread causes blood sugar spikes or exceeds your doctor’s recommended carbs per meal, consider making an open-face sandwich with just one slice of bread instead. You could opt for the thin slice varieties to shave off some extra carbs. You could also consider adding more nonstarchy vegetables and protein to help balance the meal and reduce your carb intake while maintaining better blood sugar control.

Dave’s Killer Bread sells its regular sliced bread flavors as thin-sliced products. These can be a good option for people with diabetes who are trying to eat smaller carbohydrate portions. For example, the thin-sliced 100 Percent Whole Wheat bread has 14 grams of carbohydrates versus 21 grams in the regular size. If you have two pieces, that’s 28 grams in total instead of 42 grams.

Overall, Dave’s Killer Bread may be a good bread option for people with and without diabetes. The company aims to include lots of whole grains and avoid unhealthy additives in its products. But as with any food, you’ll still need to be mindful of how it affects your blood sugar.

DiabetesTeam members also report enjoying diabetes-friendly breads from brands like Carbonaut, Franz Bakery, Aunt Millie’s, and Carb Master.

If you’re confused about what types of bread or other foods to buy, talk with your doctor or meet with a registered dietitian. They can help you find healthy options.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On DiabetesTeam, the social network for people with diabetes and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with diabetes.

Do you scan the fiber content or carbs when shopping the bread aisle? What’s your suggestion for the best bread? Share your comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.