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How many carbs are in a Greek gyro at Arby's?

3 min read

According to Arby's official nutrition data, a Greek gyro contains approximately 55 grams of total carbohydrates. This makes it a moderately high-carb option for a fast-food meal, which is an important consideration for those tracking their macronutrient intake, such as people following a low-carb diet.

Quick Summary

This article details the carbohydrate count and complete nutritional profile of Arby's Greek gyro. It breaks down the macronutrients, including total carbs, net carbs, and sugar, and offers context by comparing it to other menu items. It also provides practical advice on how to modify your order to manage carb consumption.

Key Points

  • Carb Count: An Arby's Greek gyro contains approximately 55 grams of total carbohydrates.

  • Net Carbs: After accounting for 4 grams of dietary fiber, the net carb count is about 51 grams.

  • Main Contributor: The pita bread is the primary source of carbohydrates in the gyro.

  • Lower-Carb Options: Arby's Roast Beef or Roast Turkey gyros contain fewer total carbohydrates than the Greek gyro.

  • Modification Strategy: To reduce carbs significantly, skip the pita and have the fillings in a lettuce wrap or salad bowl.

  • Dietary Context: The 55g carb count is important for those monitoring their intake for weight management or specific health conditions.

  • Other Macronutrients: The Greek gyro also contains 710 calories, 44g of fat, and 23g of protein.

In This Article

Arby's Greek Gyro: The Carb Count

Based on data from Arby's and nutritional websites, a single Greek gyro contains roughly 55 grams of total carbohydrates. This carbohydrate content comes from several key ingredients: the pita bread, the protein, and the tzatziki sauce. For many, 55 grams is a significant portion of their daily carb allowance, especially if they are on a specific diet like keto or a lower-carb plan. Understanding this total figure is the first step towards making an informed decision about your meal.

Breaking Down the Carbohydrates

Not all carbohydrates are the same, and it’s helpful to look at the breakdown. The 55 grams of total carbs include both starches and sugars. Additionally, the fiber content affects the net carb total, which is a number many diet-conscious individuals monitor. The Greek gyro at Arby's has approximately 4 grams of dietary fiber. This means the net carb count is around 51 grams per serving (Total Carbs - Fiber = Net Carbs). The 6 grams of sugar also contribute to the overall carbohydrate total.

Comparing the Greek Gyro to Other Arby's Menu Items

To put the carb count into perspective, it's useful to compare the Greek gyro to other sandwiches on Arby's menu. This helps identify which items are higher or lower in carbohydrates and allows for a more balanced choice, depending on your dietary goals.

Arby's Menu Item Total Carbohydrates (g) Net Carbohydrates (g) Protein (g) Total Calories
Greek Gyro 55 51 23 710
Roast Beef Gyro 48 45 24 550
Roast Turkey Gyro 48 45 25 470
Corned Beef Reuben 62 57 35 600

As the table illustrates, the Greek gyro has the highest total and net carbohydrate count among the gyro options. The roast beef and roast turkey gyros, while still relatively high in carbs due to the pita, are a slightly lower-carb alternative if you're set on a gyro. The Corned Beef Reuben is another high-carb contender, primarily due to the marbled rye bread.

Understanding the Components That Contribute to Carbs

What makes the Greek gyro's carb content so high? Here is a breakdown of the likely culprits:

  • Pita Bread: This is the most significant source of carbohydrates in the meal. The soft, fluffy pita wrap is essential to the gyro experience but contributes a large number of refined carbs.
  • Gyro Meat: While the meat itself is protein-rich, some processed gyro meats may contain fillers or additives that can add to the carb count, though this contribution is typically minor compared to the bread.
  • Tzatziki Sauce: The creamy, cucumber-yogurt sauce is relatively low in carbs, but some commercial sauces may have added sugars or starches, contributing a small amount to the total. Homemade versions are often lower in carbs and sugar.
  • Vegetables: The shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and onions add flavor and texture but contribute only a minimal amount of carbohydrates, most of which are from dietary fiber.

Making Smarter Choices at Arby's

For those watching their carb intake, modifying your Arby's order can significantly lower the final count. Simply changing the bread can have a dramatic effect. Here are some strategies:

  1. Skip the Pita: Ordering your gyro without the pita is the most effective way to drastically reduce carbohydrates. You can request the gyro meat, sauce, and veggies in a container instead.
  2. Turn it into a Salad: Ask for the gyro ingredients to be served on a bed of lettuce. This effectively eliminates the refined carbs from the pita while still allowing you to enjoy the savory flavors of the gyro meat and fresh toppings.
  3. Choose a Different Protein: The Roast Turkey Gyro has fewer calories and a slightly lower carb count than the Greek Gyro, offering a marginal improvement.
  4. Consider Other Menu Items: If you are committed to a low-carb diet, other menu items like a salad or a meat-only option might be a better fit. Always check the nutritional information for the specific item online.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line for Carb Counters

Arby's Greek gyro comes in at 55 grams of total carbohydrates, making it a higher-carb choice compared to some other fast-food alternatives. The pita bread is the main carbohydrate contributor, and individuals on low-carb diets should be mindful of this. With simple modifications, like opting for a lettuce wrap or skipping the pita entirely, it's possible to enjoy the flavors of the gyro while keeping your carb intake in check. Understanding the nutritional breakdown empowers you to make a choice that aligns with your dietary needs and goals.

Arby's official nutrition information provides comprehensive data on all menu items

Frequently Asked Questions

The net carb count is approximately 51 grams, calculated by subtracting the 4 grams of dietary fiber from the 55 grams of total carbohydrates.

To reduce the carb count, the most effective method is to order the gyro without the pita bread. You can ask for the meat and toppings to be served in a bowl or as a lettuce wrap.

With 55 grams of total carbohydrates, the Greek gyro is not a suitable option for a strict low-carb or keto diet, unless you remove the pita bread entirely.

No, the tzatziki sauce contributes only a minimal amount of carbohydrates. The vast majority of the carbs come from the pita bread.

A single Greek gyro from Arby's contains approximately 710 calories.

The Greek gyro has a higher carb count (55g) than the Roast Beef Gyro (48g). The Roast Beef Gyro is a slightly lower-carb option.

Yes, minor amounts of carbs also come from the vegetables and any potential added sugars in the commercial tzatziki sauce. However, the pita bread accounts for the most significant portion.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.