The rivalry between white bread and potato bread is a big one between bread-loving communities. The white bread vs. potato bread is such a central dialectic that many are interested and way too invested in the debacle. So, how does one differ from another?
White bread will always be the convenient option, and many will choose it out of convention and trust. However, potato bread offers nutritional benefits while maintaining a sense of familiarity with the taste and texture.
Let us get invested in which one, white bread or potato bread, is the best for you.
Taste And Texture Of White Bread vs. Potato Bread
White bread and potato bread are similar in texture, as both are oven-baked wheat products, albeit the fact that white bread contains more wheat than potato bread. Potato bread can have a variety of textures, depending on if it is served leavened or unleavened. Yet, it never falls far from white bread’s texture.
American potato bread, in particular, is very similar to white bread, containing a light and airy feel. However, potato bread will have a hint of potatoes in it. Yet, it never becomes too overpowering or distracting but complements the taste palettes of conventional bread. (Mu, T., Sun, H., Liu, X. 2016)
However, some potato bread can taste starkly different from white bread, depending on the country of origin. For example, Berches, a German-Jewish potato bread that may contain mashed, boiled, or cooled potato, has very little sugar and no egg in the recipe. Other variations of potato bread are pretty similar to the traditional potato bread in the United States. (Gropman, S., 2020)
White Bread vs. Potato Bread: Ingredients
As discussed earlier, the primary difference between potato bread and white bread is the base used. For example, while white bread may exclusively use white flour, potato bread may utilize potato flour and, in some recipes, may even contain mashed potatoes.
However, potato bread never omits white flour in its recipe. Instead, it replaces a part of the white flour requirement and supplements it with potato flour. The ratio of white flour and potato flour varies from recipe to recipe, and some recipes use potato flour as their main base.
In contrast, others add only a minute amount. Specific recipes have dehydrated potato flakes for an extra unique texture.
Preparation Similarities And Differences
The preparation process for white bread vs. potato bread is quite similar. For example, most ingredients you need for white bread are retained in potato bread, making the procedure relatively straightforward. In fact, like white bread, potato bread can be oven-baked, baked in a pan, or by using a hot skillet.
However, aside from potato flour, if you would like to add other condiments to boost the “potato-Esque” taste, there would be more considerable differences in the preparation process.
For example, you can include leftover mashed potatoes to create a fluffy loaf of potato bread. One should knead the mashed potatoes together with the dough. Just be careful not to add too much flour, as it ruins the consistency.
Mashed potatoes elevate the texture of the bread for a fluffier result. While the result may be visually similar to traditional white bread, your nose would beg to differ. Potato bread’s aroma would waft throughout your kitchen way more than white bread.
Nutrients Of White Bread And Potato Bread
Potato bread and white bread are pretty similar in nutritional values since they share many ingredients. However, the addition of potato flour livens things up for potato bread. Below, we compare the nutrition facts of potato bread vs. white bread.
The below chart compare the nutrition in one slice of white bread vs. one slice of potato bread (1 slice = aprox. 34 grams)
Nutrition | White bread | Potato bread |
---|---|---|
Calories | 98 | 85 |
Sodium | 180mg | 120mg |
Fat | 1.2g | 1g |
Potassium | 46mg | 230mg |
Fiber | 4% | 8% |
Calories, Gluten, And The Glycemic Index, Fiber, And Other Dietary Points To Consider
There is a lot of jargon that needs discussion when it comes to nutrition, especially since there are a lot of misconceptions regarding these terms. Below, we discuss these terms and how white bread vs. potato bread holds up in their arguments.
Gluten, And Is Potato Bread Gluten-Free?
Potato bread is not gluten-free, and neither is white bread. Gluten is one of the most misunderstood concepts in the health community. Nowadays, many food products are marked “gluten-free,” and some buy exclusively gluten-free food. This movement should imply that gluten is bad, right?
Not all the time. Gluten is a substance in flour, and it makes your bread have an elastic texture in dough. Gluten makes your bread chewy and has a consistent texture.
However, a particular minority have problems with gluten– those with celiac disease. Because of this consideration, many companies have now resorted to labeling their products “gluten-free” or creating gluten-free variations of already available products. However, gluten is not inherently bad for your health, especially for those without celiac disease.
The Diet Trio: Calories
A calorie, by definition, is a unit of energy, and it is the amount of energy it would take to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 degree celsius. An average human needs 2000 calories to maintain their weight. However, if one ingests too many calories, they gain weight. (source)
A slice of potato bread would satisfy 5% of your daily calorie intake. Reducing the amount of calorie intake is integral to losing weight. Contrary to popular belief, the most efficient way to lose weight is not exercising but having calorie deficits.
The Diet Trio: The Glycemic Index
White bread has a high glycemic index, and so does potato bread, although not as high. So what does this mean? A food product with a high glycemic index raises sugar faster when compared to a low glycemic index food, like raw cabbage.
When a person eats high glycemic food often, their body is likely to store fats. However, having a stable glycemic index, not high or low, is recommended to promote overall health.
The Diet Trio: Fiber
Dietary fiber comes from plant-based foods, and the body cannot digest it. It functions in a way wherein it binds to cholesterol-producing compounds, slowing cholesterol production. Moreover, it also slows carbohydrate absorption, regulating sugar spikes.
Potato bread vs. white bread, potato bread has twice the fiber compared to white bread.
Summary
White bread and potato bread are pretty similar, as both have the same texture. However, potato bread utilizes potato flour, and some use mashed potatoes.
Health-wise, potato flour has more potassium and fiber. Meanwhile, white bread has more calories and sodium.
Calorie regulation is essential for weight loss and weight gain. To lose weight, one must undergo a calorie deficit. Meanwhile, the glycemic index is determined by how much sugar spike a food product has. In general, food products with lower glycemic index are better for health.
Fiber, on the other hand, is a non-digestible plant-based chemical. It helps regulate cholesterol production and carbohydrate absorption. While white bread has a higher glycemic index, potato bread has more fiber.
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