How many calories are in 1 gyro?

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, the number of calories in a single gyro can range dramatically, with most falling between 550 and 700 calories. This variation depends heavily on the type of meat, the portion size, and the generous additions of toppings and creamy sauces.

Quick Summary

A standard gyro contains roughly 550-700 calories, though different meat types like lamb, chicken, or beef can change the total. The final calorie count is also heavily influenced by the type and amount of meat, pita bread, and high-fat ingredients such as tzatziki sauce and feta cheese.

Key Points

Significant Calorie Range: A typical gyro ranges from 550 to over 700 calories, varying greatly based on its specific components.
Meat Type is Key: Lamb and beef gyros are generally higher in calories and fat than chicken or pork gyros.
Pita Adds Up: The pita bread itself can account for 250 or more calories, making it a significant contributor to the total.
Sauce and Toppings Matter: While fresh vegetables are low-calorie, rich tzatziki sauce and feta cheese can increase the fat and calorie content.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: You can reduce calories by choosing leaner meats, controlling sauce portions, or opting for a gyro salad without the pita bread.
Balanced Meal Potential: Despite potential high calories, a gyro can be part of a balanced meal, providing protein, carbs, and probiotics from the sauce.

The Core Components of a Gyro

To understand the caloric profile of a gyro, it is essential to look at its individual parts. A typical gyro is built from several key ingredients, each contributing to the final calorie count.

1. The Pita Bread: The warm, soft pita that holds all the delicious fillings is a significant source of carbohydrates. A single pita can add approximately 165 to 250 calories, depending on its size and thickness. Whole-wheat options are available but do not dramatically change the calorie count.

2. The Meat: This is the most calorie-dense component and varies by the meat chosen. Traditional gyros use lamb and beef, often processed into a loaf before being cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Chicken is a leaner alternative.

Lamb/Beef Blend: A standard 6-ounce serving of the traditional lamb and beef mixture can contribute up to 438 calories due to its fat content.
Chicken: Opting for lean chicken breast can significantly lower the total, with a 6-ounce serving having around 304 calories.
Pork: Some Greek-style gyros use pork, which for a 6-ounce serving has roughly 402 calories.

3. The Sauces and Toppings: The creamy tzatziki sauce and various vegetables add flavor and moisture. While vegetables like tomatoes and onions are low in calories, the sauce can add up quickly.

Tzatziki Sauce: This yogurt-based sauce is relatively healthy but can still add calories, with around 19 calories per 2-tablespoon serving. Restaurant portions can be much larger.
Other Toppings: Items like feta cheese or extra oil drizzled on top will increase the caloric density.

Calorie Comparison: Traditional vs. Chicken Gyro

To illustrate how the main ingredient impacts the total, here is a comparison based on approximate figures from food databases and nutritional sites.


Component	Traditional Gyro (Lamb/Beef)	Chicken Gyro
Pita Bread	250 calories	250 calories
Meat (6 oz)	438 calories	304 calories
Tzatziki Sauce (2 tbsp)	19 calories	19 calories
Tomato & Onion	17 calories	17 calories
Total (Approx.)	724 calories	590 calories

This table shows a significant caloric difference simply by changing the meat. This doesn't account for variations in portion sizes, which are very common across different restaurants. For example, a fast-food gyro from Arby's was found to be 710 calories, while one from Pita Pit was 560 calories, illustrating the variability even within the same market.

Making Your Gyro a Healthier Choice

For those who enjoy gyros but are watching their calorie intake, several modifications can be made:

Choose a Leaner Meat: Opt for chicken or turkey over the traditional lamb/beef mix. Grilled chicken breast offers a flavorful, low-fat protein boost.
Control the Sauce: Request less tzatziki or ask for it on the side to manage the portion size. A smaller amount can still provide the signature flavor without excessive calories.
Pile on the Veggies: Maximize the low-calorie toppings. Load up on fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and lettuce for added fiber, vitamins, and bulk without a significant calorie increase. You can also skip the pita altogether and enjoy a gyro salad.
Watch the Extras: Items like extra feta cheese, olive oil, or a side of fries can quickly inflate the calorie total. Consider skipping these or choosing a side like a small Greek salad instead.

The Healthier Outlook

While gyros can be high in calories, they are not inherently 'junk food'. The combination of protein-rich meat, whole-grain pita, vegetables, and probiotics from the tzatziki sauce makes for a fairly balanced meal, especially when compared to other fast-food options. Making conscious choices about the ingredients and portion sizes is key to fitting a gyro into a healthy diet. For instance, a diet-focused approach could yield a gyro with as few as 206 calories by using baked chicken and low-fat yogurt tzatziki.

Conclusion

The number of calories in 1 gyro is not a single, fixed number but a dynamic figure influenced by the specific ingredients used. While a traditional lamb and beef gyro can easily exceed 700 calories, opting for a chicken or turkey version can bring that number down significantly. By being mindful of your meat choice and portioning your sauce, you can enjoy this flavorful Mediterranean classic as part of a balanced diet. Customization is the most effective tool for managing the caloric impact of your gyro.

How to Build a Lighter Gyro

Choose lean protein like chicken or turkey to reduce overall fat and calories.
Portion your meat carefully, as larger servings are a primary calorie driver.
Ask for extra vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions for volume and nutrients.
Use a controlled amount of tzatziki, requesting it on the side if necessary.
Consider skipping the pita for a 'gyro salad' option.
Avoid high-fat extras such as excessive cheese or extra oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fast-food gyros vary significantly, but averages range from 560 to over 700 calories, depending on the specific restaurant and portion size.

Yes, a chicken gyro is typically healthier. Lean chicken breast has fewer calories and less fat than the traditional lamb/beef mix, making it a leaner protein choice.

The pita bread is a significant component, often contributing between 165 and 250 calories to the total, depending on its size and recipe.

While a small portion of tzatziki is low in calories, generous restaurant servings can add a noticeable amount of calories and fat. Requesting it on the side allows for better portion control.

To reduce calories, choose a leaner meat like chicken, manage the portion size of the meat, request less tzatziki sauce, and add more low-calorie vegetable toppings.

No, a gyro is not a low-carb food because of the pita bread. However, the meat itself is low-carb, and a 'gyro salad' without the pita is a lower-carb option.

Yes, gyros are often a lower-calorie option compared to burritos, which can contain a high number of calories from large flour tortillas, rice, and cheese.