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Commercially produced bread and pastries are mass-manufactured baked goods, from sliced sandwich loaves to croissants and sweet rolls, typically made from refined wheat flour, water, yeast, sugar, and fats. They are ubiquitous in modern diets worldwide, with production methods standardized for consistency and shelf life.
These items are generally high in carbohydrates and often contain significant amounts of added sugars and fats, providing quick energy but limited essential nutrients. A standard serving, like a slice of white bread or a medium pastry, can range from 80 to 400 calories.
Their global prevalence is a direct result of 20th-century industrialization, which made staple baked goods affordable and accessible, fundamentally shaping modern eating habits and food distribution systems.