How many calories does a pita gyros have? A comprehensive breakdown

January 4, 2026 •

4 min read

With typical restaurant versions ranging from 600 to over 800 calories, a traditional pita gyros can be a significant part of a daily energy intake. However, the exact calorie count is far from static, depending heavily on the specific ingredients and preparation methods used.

Quick Summary

The total calories in a pita gyros can vary widely, influenced by the type of meat (pork, chicken, lamb), the amount and richness of the sauce, and the addition of extra ingredients like fries. The components contribute differently to the overall nutritional profile.

Key Points

Variable Calories: A pita gyros can contain anywhere from 500 to over 800 calories, depending heavily on the ingredients and preparation.
Meat Matters: The type of meat is a major determinant of calories; chicken is typically the leanest option, while lamb and beef mixes are often the highest in fat and calories.
Hidden Calories in Sauce: Tzatziki sauce, while yogurt-based, can be calorie-dense due to added oil and fat content, contributing significantly to the total count.
Fries Add Up: Including french fries inside the pita can add 200 calories or more to your meal, representing a simple way to significantly increase total calories.
Healthier Alternatives: Choosing lean chicken, using low-fat yogurt for sauce, and skipping internal fries are effective strategies to reduce the calorie count of a gyros.
Pita Preparation: The method of preparing the pita, whether toasted dry or pan-fried, impacts its calorie contribution.

The Components of a Pita Gyros

A pita gyros is a popular Greek fast-food dish, traditionally consisting of meat cooked on a vertical spit, served in a grilled pita bread with toppings such as tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, and onions. The wide variability in its ingredients means the total calorie count is not a single number but a broad range. Understanding each component's contribution is key to grasping the overall nutritional impact.

How the Meat Affects Calorie Count

The meat is typically the most calorie-dense part of the gyros. While traditionally made with pork or lamb, many modern versions feature chicken for a leaner alternative. The preparation method, such as the amount of fat used during cooking, also plays a crucial role.

Pork: A standard portion of pork gyros meat (approx. 6 ounces) can contain around 402 calories. The marinating and cooking process can add further calories. Some estimates show a pork gyros pita at 582 calories, including sauce and pita.
Lamb: Often mixed with beef, lamb meat is quite fatty. A typical 6-ounce portion can have around 438 calories, contributing a high amount of fat and protein to the meal. A full lamb gyros pita has been cited with 760 calories or more.
Chicken: Considered a lighter option, chicken gyros meat (6 ounces) contains approximately 304 calories, making it a popular choice for those watching their intake. Chicken gyros pita can sometimes clock in around 581 calories, depending on preparation.

The Role of Sauces and Toppings

Beyond the meat, the other ingredients can add a surprising number of calories.

Tzatziki Sauce: This creamy sauce is a mix of yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs. While yogurt-based, many restaurant versions use full-fat varieties and a generous amount of oil, increasing the calorie count. Around two tablespoons of tzatziki can add roughly 80 calories.
Veggies: Tomatoes and onions are low-calorie additions, typically adding only a few calories. Lettuce is also a minimal calorie contributor.
Fries (optional): Adding french fries inside the gyros, a common practice in some regions, significantly increases the calorie count. A small portion can add 200 calories or more.

The Pita's Contribution

The bread holding all the ingredients together also has its own calorie value. A single pita bread for a gyros is typically around 220-250 calories. If the pita is fried or brushed with oil before serving, this amount will increase.

Calorie Comparison: Pork vs. Chicken Gyros

To highlight the difference that meat choice can make, here's a quick comparison of average calories and macronutrients for a standard pita gyros, using data from sources like Nutritionix and MEL Magazine.


Feature	Pork Gyros Pita (Average)	Chicken Gyros Pita (Average)
Total Calories	~582 kcal	~581 kcal (with fries)
Protein	~50g	~35g
Total Fat	~23g	~14g
Carbohydrates	~43g	~76g
Saturated Fat	~7.4g	~4g (based on estimates)
Sodium	~1785mg	~1200mg (based on estimates)

Note: The chicken gyros total calories in the source include french fries, which often come inside. These values can differ significantly based on the restaurant and preparation.

Factors Influencing the Final Calorie Count

The total calorie count is not just about the type of meat but also about the specifics of its preparation and assembly.

Portion Size: The amount of meat, sauce, and toppings can vary greatly between restaurants and homemade recipes. A small, non-greasy gyros might be closer to 500 calories, while a larger, heavily loaded one can exceed 800.
Preparation Method: Meat cooked on a traditional spit can sometimes be fattier than grilled chicken breast. Similarly, how the pita is heated—either toasted dry or pan-fried in oil—will affect its calorie content.
Sauce and Extras: The richness of the tzatziki sauce (using full-fat yogurt vs. low-fat) and the addition of feta cheese or fries can push the calorie count higher. Opting for less sauce and skipping extra cheese can help reduce calories.

How to Build a Healthier Pita Gyros

If you love gyros but want a healthier option, here are some tips:

Choose leaner proteins like chicken breast or a homemade version with a lean beef and lamb mix.
Use plain, low-fat Greek yogurt for your tzatziki sauce instead of full-fat versions or creamy store-bought dressings.
Load up on fresh vegetables like extra lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes to increase volume and fiber without adding many calories.
Skip the fries inside the pita. This is one of the easiest ways to save several hundred calories.
Warm your pita bread in a dry pan or toaster instead of frying it in oil.
Make your own gyros at home to control portion sizes and ingredients exactly. Explore healthy Greek recipes from BBC Good Food.

Conclusion

While a pita gyros is often perceived as a healthy meal, its calorie count can range from approximately 500 to over 800 depending on its composition. The key variables are the type of meat, the amount and fat content of the sauce, and the inclusion of extras like fries. For a lower-calorie version, opt for lean protein, plenty of fresh vegetables, a low-fat tzatziki, and warm the pita without added oil. By understanding the calorie contribution of each element, you can enjoy this delicious Greek street food while making choices that align with your dietary goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

The average calorie count for a pita gyros can vary widely, but typically falls within the 500-800 calorie range, based on the ingredients, portion size, and preparation method.

Yes, a chicken pita gyros is generally considered a healthier and lower-calorie option than a pork gyros. Chicken breast is a leaner protein than the lamb and beef mix typically found in traditional gyros.

The calorie count for gyros meat depends on the type. A 6-ounce portion of chicken gyros meat has around 304 calories, while pork meat is about 402 calories, and a lamb/beef mix can be higher.

Yes, tzatziki sauce can add a significant number of calories, especially in generous servings. Approximately two tablespoons can add around 80 calories, and using a full-fat version or adding extra oil will increase this number.

Yes, making gyros at home gives you full control over ingredients. You can use lean meats like chicken breast, make a tzatziki with low-fat Greek yogurt, and load it with extra vegetables to cut calories.

The pita bread itself adds a moderate amount of calories, typically around 220-250 calories per serving. Heating the pita in oil will increase this amount.

The biggest calorie culprits are the fatty cuts of meat (like lamb or beef/lamb mix), the generous use of high-fat tzatziki or creamy sauces, and the addition of fries inside the pita.

Restaurant gyros are often larger and contain more fatty meat, higher-fat sauces, and sometimes fries, leading to a higher calorie count (500-800+). A homemade version allows for leaner meat, healthier sauces, and smaller portions, resulting in fewer calories.