White bread carbon footprint

1.3 kg CO2e per kg (about 0.13 kg CO2e per 100g) — compare with similar foods below.

Low ImpactGrains

1.3

kg CO2e / kg

1,608

litres water / kg

3.2

m² land / kg

protein / 100g

Per Serving

Serving size: 36g (1 slice)

CO2 per serving: 0.05 kg CO2e

CO2 per 100g: 0.13 kg CO2e

What does 1.3 kg CO2e mean?

Producing 1 kg of White bread generates the same CO₂ as driving a petrol car for approximately 8 km, or charging a smartphone 158 times. These are global average figures — actual values vary by country, farming method, and supply chain.

White bread vs Other Grains

How does White bread compare to other foods in the Grains category?

White bread

1.3

kg CO2e per kg — lower is better

Methodology and data sources

Values are lifecycle-style estimates (farm to retail gate, typical global production mix), consistent with meta-analyses such as Poore & Nemecek (2018) and summaries like Our World in Data — environmental impacts of food. Your country, brand, and cooking method can shift real impacts; use comparisons on this page for directional choices, not exact accounting.

Browse the full food carbon database · Diet carbon calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much CO2 does White bread produce?

White bread produces approximately 1.3 kg of CO2 equivalent per kilogram. Per typical serving (36g / 1 slice), that's about 0.05 kg CO2e.

Is White bread bad for the environment?

White bread has a relatively low carbon footprint at 1.3 kg CO2e/kg, making it a more climate-friendly food choice.

How much water does producing White bread require?

Producing 1 kg of White bread requires approximately 1,608 litres of water. This includes irrigation, processing, and supply chain water use.

What are lower-carbon alternatives to White bread?

Lower-carbon alternatives include Watermelon (0.3 kg CO2e/kg), Carrots (0.4 kg CO2e/kg), Apples (0.4 kg CO2e/kg). Switching to these can significantly reduce your dietary carbon footprint.