Rolls, hard (includes kaiser)
Whole food · Baked Products
Photo: Wikipedia
A Kaiser roll is a crusty, round bread roll distinguished by its signature five-pointed star pattern stamped on top. Its texture is a delightful contrast: a crisp, slightly chewy exterior giving way to a soft, airy interior. Nutritionally, it's a carbohydrate-dense staple, providing quick energy with a modest protein content.
💚 Why it's loved
People love Kaiser rolls for their satisfying textural contrast and neutral, wheaty flavor that complements rather than overpowers fillings. They are a cultural icon of deli counters and sandwich shops, symbolizing a classic, no-fuss meal.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
As a refined white bread, it can cause rapid blood-sugar spikes and offers limited fiber. It is also a common vehicle for high-sodium deli meats and cheeses. To counteract this, pair it with protein (like turkey or hummus) and healthy fats (avocado, olive oil) to slow digestion, and consider an open-faced portion to reduce overall carb load.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of quick-release energy from carbohydrates.
- Provides a moderate amount of plant-based protein.
- Low in fat and contains no cholesterol.
- A versatile base for both sweet and savory preparations.
- Its sturdy crust holds up well to hearty fillings.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The distinctive five-pointed stamp on a Kaiser roll is said to mimic the crown (Kaiser) of the Austrian Empire, and its creation is often attributed to Vienna's baker's guild in the 18th century.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 31.0 g |
| Energy | 293 kcal |
| Energy | 1226 kj |
| Protein | 9.9 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 4.3 g |
| Ash | 2.0 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 52.7 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 2.3 g |
| Total Sugars | 1.8 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 95.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 3.3 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 27.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 100 mg |
| Potassium, K | 108 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 544 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.94 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.16 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.46 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 39.1 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.48 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.34 mg |
| Niacin | 4.2 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.41 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.04 mg |
| Folate, total | 95.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 80.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 15.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 151 ug |
| Choline, total | 14.6 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 58.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.42 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.60 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.61 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.48 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.13 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.1 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.03 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 1.1 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.7 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.6 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.10 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.12 g |
| Threonine | 0.28 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.38 g |
| Leucine | 0.69 g |
| Lysine | 0.24 g |
| Methionine | 0.18 g |
| Cystine | 0.22 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.49 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.28 g |
| Valine | 0.43 g |
| Arginine | 0.36 g |
| Histidine | 0.21 g |
| Alanine | 0.33 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.45 g |
| Glutamic acid | 3.3 g |
| Glycine | 0.35 g |
| Proline | 1.1 g |
| Serine | 0.48 g |
FAQ
What makes a roll a 'Kaiser' roll specifically?
It is defined by its round shape and the distinctive five-petal or star-shaped stamp pressed into the top before baking, which creates a decorative pattern and allows the roll to expand evenly.
Is a Kaiser roll the same as a Vienna roll?
They are very similar and often used interchangeably, but a traditional Vienna roll may be slightly softer and sweeter. The terms are frequently conflated in North American bakeries.
How does its nutrition compare to whole wheat bread?
A standard white Kaiser roll is higher in simple carbs and lower in fiber and micronutrients compared to whole wheat bread, which contains the entire grain kernel and offers more sustained energy.