Breadsticks, NFS
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Breadsticks, NFS (Not Further Specified) are crisp, golden-baked sticks of dough, offering a satisfying snap and a toasty, wheaty flavor. Their texture ranges from airy and light to dense and crunchy, depending on the recipe. Nutritionally, they are a carbohydrate-rich energy source with a notable amount of protein for a baked good.
💚 Why it's loved
People love breadsticks for their addictive crunch and savory, neutral flavor that pairs perfectly with everything from marinara sauce to cheese. They are a beloved, shareable staple in Italian-American dining and a comforting, simple snack.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
As a refined carbohydrate, they can cause rapid blood-sugar spikes, especially when eaten alone. They are often high in sodium and may contain common allergens like wheat (gluten). To counteract this, pair them with a protein or fat (like hummus, cheese, or olive oil) to slow digestion and stabilize blood sugar, and practice portion control.
Key benefits
- Provides quick energy from complex carbohydrates
- Offers a good source of plant-based protein
- Low in sugar, making it less sweet than many snacks
- Can be a vehicle for nutrient-dense dips
- Long shelf life for convenient snacking
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The longest breadstick ever made was created in Italy in 2015, measuring over 140 meters (460 feet) long.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 28.3 g |
| Energy | 342 kcal |
| Protein | 12.2 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 12.8 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 44.4 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 2.4 g |
| Total Sugars | 1.1 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 87.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 4.6 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 22.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 129 mg |
| Potassium, K | 132 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 615 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.0 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.11 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 22.0 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.49 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.56 mg |
| Niacin | 7.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.10 mg |
| Folate, total | 147 ug |
| Folic acid | 123 ug |
| Folate, food | 24.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 233 ug |
| Choline, total | 7.5 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.13 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 24.0 ug |
| Retinol | 23.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 7.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 10.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.88 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 21.1 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 3.0 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.22 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.8 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.67 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 2.8 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.07 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 2.6 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 6.1 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 5.4 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.72 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.01 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 | 7.0 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Are breadsticks a good source of fiber?
Typically, no. Standard breadsticks are made from refined white flour and contain minimal fiber (about 2.4g per 100g). For higher fiber, look for whole-wheat versions.
What is the best way to store breadsticks to keep them crisp?
Store them in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature. If they lose their crispness, you can re-crisp them in a low-heat oven for a few minutes.
Can breadsticks be part of a balanced diet?
Yes, when consumed in moderation. Pairing them with protein-rich or vegetable-based dips helps create a more balanced snack or meal component.