Group · Bread
Milk bread roll
The pain au lait (milk bread roll) is a soft, sweetened French pastry with a stretchy crumb, made from flour, milk, yeast, butter and sometimes a little sugar. It comes as individual brioche-style rolls, golden finger rolls or plaited loaves, often enjoyed at breakfast and as an afternoon snack. Its melt-in-the-mouth texture and mild taste make it a classic of family snacks. Nutritionally, a milk bread roll provides around 376 kcal per 100 g, with 9.38 g of protein, 49 g of carbohydrate and 15.4 g of fat. Richer and higher in calories than an ordinary bakery bread, it is to be enjoyed as a treat but not in excess, as part of a varied, balanced diet.
Macronutrient breakdown
Nutrition table per 100 g
| Calories | 376 kcal |
| Kilojoules | 1580 kJ |
| Protein | 9,4 g |
| Carbohydrate | 49 g |
| Fat | 15,4 g |
| Fibre | 1,5 g |
Micronutrients per 100 g
All measured nutrients, ranked by share of the daily reference intake.
- Vitamin B120,82 µg33 %
- Vitamin B946 µg23 %
- Phosphorus114 mg16 %
- Vitamin B60,17 mg12 %
- Omega-6 LA1,19 g12 %
- Copper0,11 mg11 %
- Vitamin E1,2 mg10 %
- Vitamin B50,57 mg10 %
See the other 11 nutrients
- Vitamin B20,13 mg9 %
- Potassium171 mg9 %
- Iron1,1 mg8 %
- Omega-3 ALA0,13 g7 %
- Vitamin B10,07 mg6 %
- Total omega-30,15 g6 %
- Vitamin A46,1 µg6 %
- Magnesium20,3 mg5 %
- Calcium37,1 mg5 %
- DHA0,01 g4 %
- Vitamin B30,46 mg3 %
Anses Ciqual 2025. Source: Anses, 2025, Ciqual food composition table
Tips
The milk bread roll naturally has its place at breakfast or as an afternoon snack. A reasonable portion is one or two rolls, or roughly 50 to 80 g. To enjoy its nutrition facts without weighing down the meal, pair it with a source of protein (plain yoghurt, fromage blanc) and a piece of fresh fruit, to steady the carbohydrate intake and prolong the feeling of fullness.
From a nutritional point of view, the milk bread roll is denser than traditional breads, because of the added fat and sugar. It provides quickly available carbohydrates and a fair amount of protein (around 9.38 g per 100 g) from the milk and the gluten in the flour, but almost no fibre. Its glycaemic index is fairly high, which calls for moderation if you are watching your weight or your blood sugar. For more fullness and fibre, alternate with wholemeal bread or bran bread day to day.
Some practical tips:
- Store milk bread rolls in a sealed bag at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, or freeze them to keep them soft.
- Warm them for a few seconds to bring back a tender crumb, ideal with a thin layer of jam or nut butter.
- Avoid routinely serving them with sweet chocolate spread, which multiplies the calories and added sugars.
For active people, the milk bread roll can serve as a handy snack before moderate exercise: its easily digested carbohydrates give a quick burst of energy. During recovery, pair it with a source of protein to support muscle repair, for example taking inspiration from our protein snack ideas. If you want to structure your eating around training, the guidelines in fitness nutrition will help you manage your intake.
When it comes to weight loss or a balanced diet, keep its calorie density in mind and limit portions, without demonising it: an occasional milk bread roll is perfectly compatible with a balanced diet. To explore other soft or more rustic options, browse the bread family and compare their profiles using the food calorie table. That way you can adjust your choices to your goals, your activity and your cravings, while varying your treats through the week.