How many calories are in a pitta bread with butter?

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, a standard tablespoon of butter contains approximately 102 calories. When this is added to a pitta bread, the total calorie count can be surprisingly high, impacting your daily intake significantly. This article breaks down exactly how many calories are in a pitta bread with butter, considering various factors like size and type.

Quick Summary

This guide examines the calorie content of pitta bread and butter, detailing how the type of pitta and amount of butter affect the total. It offers a clear breakdown of nutritional values and practical tips for making healthier choices. The information helps you calculate the calories in your snack and manage your dietary goals effectively.

Key Points

Butter is the main variable: The total calorie count depends heavily on how much butter is added, with one tablespoon adding over 100 calories.
Wholemeal is more nutritious: Opting for wholemeal pitta provides more fiber, which can help with satiety, and additional vitamins compared to white pitta.
Pitta bread sizes vary: The calorie count of the pitta itself depends on its size and whether it's white or wholemeal, ranging from around 135 to 170 calories for a medium to large size.
Portion control is key: For managing calorie intake, controlling the amount of butter is the most effective strategy.
Consider healthier swaps: For a lower-calorie or higher-nutrient alternative, try spreading avocado, hummus, or a drizzle of olive oil instead of butter.
Compare to other breads: Some pita breads can have a lower carb count than two slices of regular bread, but the calorie density varies by type and serving size.
Satiety matters: Higher fiber content in wholemeal pitta and protein-rich spreads can help you feel fuller for longer, which is beneficial for weight loss goals.

Decoding the Calories in Pitta Bread

Pitta bread, a staple of Mediterranean cuisine, is a versatile flatbread that can be a healthy part of a balanced diet. However, its calorie content varies based on its ingredients and size. The primary sources of calories in pitta bread are carbohydrates and protein.

White vs. Wholemeal Pitta

When calculating the calories for a pitta bread with butter, the type of pitta is the first factor to consider. White pitta bread is made from refined flour, while wholemeal (or whole wheat) pitta is made from whole grains. Wholemeal versions generally offer more fiber and nutrients, but can sometimes be slightly higher in calories due to their density.

White Pitta Bread: A single, medium-sized white pitta can contain approximately 165 calories. This can vary by brand and size, with larger pitas containing more.
Wholemeal Pitta Bread: A medium-sized wholemeal pitta often ranges from 135 to 170 calories, with brands offering varied nutrition profiles. The higher fiber content in wholemeal can help you feel fuller for longer, which is beneficial for weight management.

The Calorie Contribution of Butter

Butter is a concentrated source of fat and, consequently, calories. The amount of butter you use has a significant impact on the final calorie total of your pitta bread snack. As a general rule, a standard tablespoon (about 14 grams) of salted or unsalted butter contains around 100 to 102 calories.

Buttering Techniques and Calorie Impact

How you butter your pitta can also influence the calorie count:

Lightly Buttered: A thin scrape of butter might be around 1 to 5 grams, adding 7 to 36 calories.
Moderately Buttered: A more generous amount, perhaps half a tablespoon, could add 50 calories.
Thickly Buttered: Using a full tablespoon or more can quickly add over 100 calories to your snack.

Calorie Comparison: White vs. Wholemeal Pitta with Butter

This table illustrates the combined calorie count for different pitta and butter combinations. All calculations use a medium-sized pitta and standard salted butter, with calorie values based on average estimates.


Item	Calories (approx.)	+ 5g Butter (1 tsp)	+ 10g Butter (2 tsp)	+ 15g Butter (1 tbsp)
White Pitta (Medium)	165 kcal	201 kcal	237 kcal	273 kcal
Wholemeal Pitta (Medium)	145 kcal	181 kcal	217 kcal	253 kcal
Whole-wheat Pitta (Large)	170 kcal	206 kcal	242 kcal	278 kcal

Health Considerations Beyond Calories

While calories are a key metric, they don't tell the whole nutritional story. When considering pitta bread with butter, it's important to look at other factors for a balanced perspective.

Sodium Content

Both bread and butter contain sodium. Many pitta breads have moderate sodium levels, and adding salted butter increases this significantly. Excessive sodium intake can lead to health issues like high blood pressure, so it's wise to consider your portion sizes and opt for unsalted butter when possible.

Added Nutrients from Whole Grains

Choosing wholemeal over white pitta provides valuable dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals like magnesium and iron. This makes it a more satiating and nutrient-dense choice for your daily intake.

The Importance of Portion Control

Ultimately, a single pitta bread with butter can be a perfectly fine snack within a balanced diet. The main takeaway is the need for mindful portion control, especially with the amount of butter. A thinner spread or a smaller pat of butter can save a significant number of calories and saturated fat.

Healthier alternatives and serving suggestions

For those looking to reduce calories and fat further, several alternatives can be used instead of traditional butter:

Olive oil: Drizzling a small amount of extra virgin olive oil can add healthy monounsaturated fats and a rich flavour without the high saturated fat of butter. This aligns well with a Mediterranean diet.
Avocado: Mashed avocado provides a creamy texture and is packed with healthy fats, fiber, and potassium. A small amount can replace butter entirely.
Hummus: A classic pitta pairing, hummus offers protein, fiber, and healthy fats, turning your snack into a more complete meal. You can find many recipes for homemade hummus to control ingredients.
Low-fat spreads: Many products replicate the taste of butter with fewer calories. However, it is essential to read labels and be aware of any additives.

Conclusion

The number of calories in a pitta bread with butter is highly dependent on the type of pitta (white vs. wholemeal) and, most critically, the amount of butter used. While a medium pitta alone is a relatively low-calorie item, adding just one tablespoon of butter can nearly double the energy count. For mindful eating, opt for a wholemeal pitta for its fiber and nutrient benefits, and be judicious with your butter serving size. Substituting butter with healthier alternatives like olive oil, hummus, or avocado can further enhance the nutritional value while keeping the calorie count in check, making your snack a more complete and satisfying part of a healthy diet.

Try pairing your wholemeal pitta with a delicious, low-calorie tzatziki sauce for a flavour-packed snack.

How to Calculate Your Snack's Calories

Identify your pitta: Look at the nutritional information on the packaging. Note the calories for one serving or per pitta bread.
Measure your butter: Use measuring spoons or a kitchen scale to determine the amount of butter you are using. A tablespoon is 14 grams, a teaspoon is 5 grams.
Find butter's calorie count: Look up the calories per gram or per teaspoon/tablespoon. A good estimate is 7 calories per gram.
Add them together: Add the pitta's calories to the butter's calories. For example, a 165 kcal pitta + 5g (36 kcal) of butter = 201 kcal.
Adjust for wholemeal: If using wholemeal, find that specific pitta's calorie count to get a more accurate total.

Final Calorie Calculation

Once you have the two calorie numbers, simply add them together for your personalized total. This simple calculation helps you track your intake and make informed decisions. For those watching their weight, it's a powerful tool for maintaining control and consistency in your diet plan.

Example calculation:

Item: Medium white pitta bread (approx. 165 kcal)
Item: 1 teaspoon (5g) of butter (approx. 36 kcal)
Total Calories: 165 + 36 = 201 calories.

This simple addition demonstrates how a small amount of butter can substantially change the total calories of your snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pitta bread and sliced bread have comparable ingredients and nutritional profiles. What matters most is choosing wholemeal options for higher fiber and nutrients. Some brands of thin pitta pockets might be lower in carbs per serving, but it depends on portion size and ingredients.

A medium white pitta bread contains approximately 165 calories, though this can vary by brand and specific size. Always check the nutritional information on the packaging for the most accurate details.

A standard teaspoon of butter (around 5 grams) contains approximately 36 calories. A tablespoon (15 grams) would therefore contain about 108 calories.

Yes, you can. The key to weight loss is a calorie deficit, and a pitta bread with butter can be part of a balanced diet if portion sizes are controlled. Opt for wholemeal pitta and use butter sparingly.

Yes, healthier alternatives to butter include extra virgin olive oil, which adds healthy fats; mashed avocado for a creamy texture; or hummus, which adds protein and fiber.

Adding salted butter increases the sodium content of your meal. High sodium intake is a risk factor for health issues like high blood pressure. Using unsalted butter or a reduced-sodium spread is a healthier option.

To reduce calories, consider using a thinner spread of butter, switching to a wholemeal pitta for more fiber and a potential calorie saving, or using a butter alternative like a low-fat spread, hummus, or olive oil.

No, toasting pitta bread does not significantly alter its calorie count. It changes the texture and flavor but does not introduce or remove a meaningful number of calories.