The bread aisle is getting flat - with a growing number of flat breads (tortillas, pitas, nan and more) stacked on shelves. Among the newcomers are bun-type products variously called slims, flats and thins.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest, a Washington-based nonprofit consumer health group, served up a few kudos for these newcomers. They applauded the low calories of the rated thin buns: Each weighed in with 100 calories apiece versus the 150 to 200-plus calories in two slices of some loaf breads. Another plus? Many were lower in sodium than their sliced-loaf cousins.

The slim/thin/flat buns didn't get off without a CSPI caveat: "You have to look for thins that are 100 percent whole wheat, not imposters that are 'made with whole grain,' 'whole grain white,' '7 grain,' or an 'excellent source of fiber,'" the raters wrote in a CSPI Nutrition Action HealthLetter.

Top rating

Trader Joe's Whole Wheat Slims

100 calories

5g fiber

150mg sodium

EarthGrains Thin Buns

100 calories

4g fiber

150 mg sodium

Pepperidge Farm Deli Flats Soft 100 Percent Whole Wheat or Soft Honey Wheat

100 calories

5g fiber

170mg sodium

Nature's Own Sandwich Rounds 100 Percent Whole Grain or 100 Percent Whole Wheat

100 calories

5g fiber

190mg sodium

Honorable mention

Arnold Sandwich Thins Fill'ems, 100 Percent Whole Wheat

100 calories

5g fiber

230mg sodium

Arnold Select or Oroweat Sandwich Thins, 100 Percent Whole Wheat

100 calories

5g fiber

230mg sodium