How many calories does a pita gyro have? Your comprehensive nutritional breakdown

October 30, 2025 •

3 min read

A traditional pork pita gyro can contain around 582 calories, with many variations ranging from under 400 to over 700 based on ingredients. Understanding how many calories does a pita gyro have depends entirely on its specific components and preparation.

Quick Summary

A pita gyro's calorie count varies widely depending on the meat type, sauces, toppings, and portion size. This guide breaks down the typical caloric contributions of each component and offers tips for making it a lighter meal.

Key Points

Meat is Key: The type of meat most impacts calorie count, with lamb/beef blends being highest and chicken being the leanest option.
Sauce Adds Calories: The creamy tzatziki and other toppings like feta cheese add significant calories, especially if made with full-fat ingredients.
Pita Matters: A whole wheat pita is a healthier option than a standard white one, and grilling it with oil adds extra fat and calories.
Load Up on Veggies: Adding plenty of fresh vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers increases fiber and volume with minimal caloric impact.
Control Your Toppings: Limit high-calorie additions like feta cheese and fries to manage overall intake.
DIY is Best: Making your gyro at home gives you full control over ingredient quality, portion sizes, and calorie content.

Understanding the Calorie Breakdown of a Pita Gyro

Breaking down the nutritional content of a gyro is key to understanding its overall calorie count. The components that have the most significant impact are the meat, the sauce, and the choice of toppings.

Meat: The Core of the Gyro

The type of meat used is one of the most important factors determining the total calorie count. In North America, gyros are often made with a beef and lamb mix, while in Greece, pork and chicken are more traditional.

Beef and Lamb Mix: This combination typically has a higher fat content, resulting in more calories. For instance, a lamb and beef gyro can exceed 700 calories, particularly when the meat loaf is processed with fillers.
Pork Gyro: Traditional pork gyros, when made with leaner cuts, can be a moderate option. An example of a pork gyro pita contains 582 calories.
Chicken Gyro: Chicken is the leanest option and will result in a lower-calorie gyro, especially if using boneless, skinless breast meat. A standard chicken gyro can be around 550 calories, but can be made even lighter.

Sauces and Toppings

The choice of sauces and toppings also plays a huge role in the final calorie count. The creamy, tangy additions we love also add significant fats and calories.

Tzatziki Sauce: A yogurt-based sauce, tzatziki, can vary widely in calorie count depending on the fat content of the yogurt and if olive oil is added. While it offers beneficial probiotics, excessive amounts can add up.
Feta Cheese: This salty and delicious cheese adds a significant amount of fat and calories when included in a gyro. Opting for a smaller portion or skipping it can save calories.
Fries: In some Greek versions, french fries are added directly into the pita, which is a major calorie addition due to the frying oil.
Vegetables: Fresh vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and lettuce add minimal calories and are packed with vitamins and fiber, making them an excellent filling.

The Role of the Pita

The pita bread itself contributes a moderate amount of carbohydrates and calories. A standard pita round can have around 170 calories. Choosing a whole wheat or smaller pita can reduce this. Additionally, if the pita is grilled with oil, that will increase the total fat and calorie content.

Classic Gyro vs. Lighter Chicken Gyro: A Calorie Comparison

To illustrate how ingredient choices affect the total calorie count, here is a comparison table of a standard gyro and a lighter version.


Component	Classic Lamb/Beef Gyro	Lighter Chicken Gyro
Meat (4oz)	~280-350 calories	~150-200 calories
Pita Bread (white)	~170 calories	~170 calories (or whole wheat)
Tzatziki Sauce (2 tbsp)	~80 calories	~40 calories (low-fat yogurt)
Feta Cheese (optional)	~50 calories	Excluded (0 calories)
Vegetables	~10 calories	~10 calories
Total (Approx.)	~590-660+ calories	~370-420 calories

How to Build a Healthier Pita Gyro

For those looking to enjoy a gyro while managing calorie intake, a few simple substitutions can make a big difference.

Opt for Leaner Proteins: Swapping the beef and lamb blend for grilled chicken breast significantly reduces fat and calories.
Use Whole Wheat Pita: Choose a whole wheat pita for increased fiber and nutrients compared to a standard white pita.
Lighten the Sauce: Make your tzatziki with low-fat or Greek yogurt and plenty of cucumber and fresh dill.
Maximize Vegetables: Load your gyro with fresh tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and lettuce. The extra volume will help you feel full without adding many calories.
Go Easy on Toppings: Limit or skip high-fat additions like feta cheese and olives.
Avoid Fries in the Pita: While a delicious addition, adding fries directly into the wrap dramatically increases the calorie density.

Conclusion

While the answer to "how many calories does a pita gyro have?" is not a single number, a typical serving can range widely from 350 to over 700 calories depending on preparation. The total count is heavily influenced by the type of meat, the amount and fat content of the sauce, and extra toppings. By being mindful of these components and making strategic choices, you can easily adapt this classic Greek dish to fit your dietary goals without sacrificing its delicious flavor. Learning how to make your own at home offers the ultimate control over ingredients and nutrition. For a detailed traditional recipe, visit this Allrecipes guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

A gyro can be a healthy and balanced meal, rich in protein and fresh vegetables. However, it can also be high in calories and fat depending on the meat, amount of sauce, and toppings used. Choosing leaner meat and limiting high-fat additions can make it a much healthier option.

In Greece, gyros traditionally feature pork or chicken, cooked on a vertical spit. In North America, a more common variant uses a seasoned ground mixture of beef and lamb formed into a loaf.

To reduce calories, opt for a leaner protein like chicken, use a low-fat yogurt-based tzatziki, load up on fresh vegetables, and use a whole wheat pita. You should also go easy on or skip high-calorie toppings such as feta cheese and fries.

Tzatziki is a traditional Greek sauce made from yogurt, shredded cucumber, garlic, dill, and sometimes a splash of lemon juice or olive oil. It is a classic accompaniment to gyros and other Greek dishes.

Yes, the type and preparation of the pita affect the calorie count. Whole wheat pita offers more fiber and nutrients than white pita. Additionally, pitas that are grilled with oil will have a higher fat and calorie count than those warmed without it.

Gyros, especially those from restaurants, can be high in sodium due to the seasoned meat and other ingredients like feta cheese and specific sauces. Checking the nutrition facts for specific restaurant versions is recommended if you are monitoring your sodium intake.

Yes, a gyro can be adapted for a keto diet by skipping the pita bread. Gyro meat itself is high in protein and fat and low in carbs. Serving the meat and toppings over a bed of lettuce or other non-starchy vegetables is a great low-carb alternative.