How many carbs are in a slice of turkey meatloaf?

October 29, 2025 •

3 min read

The carbohydrate content of turkey meatloaf can fluctuate significantly, with some traditional versions containing 15-25 grams or more per slice, while specially prepared low-carb versions can have less than 5 grams. The final carb count depends entirely on the ingredients used as binders and for the glaze.

Quick Summary

The carb count in turkey meatloaf is highly variable, largely influenced by the type of binder, such as breadcrumbs or oats, and the glaze used. Homemade recipes offer the best control, and switching to low-carb alternatives can drastically lower the final carbohydrate total.

Key Points

Variable Carb Count: The carb content of turkey meatloaf varies widely, influenced by the recipe and ingredients.
Binders and Glazes: Binders like breadcrumbs and sweet glazes like ketchup are the primary sources of carbohydrates.
Low-Carb Binders: Use almond flour, ground flaxseed, or crushed pork rinds to reduce carbs in homemade versions.
Sugar-Free Glazes: Opt for sugar-free ketchup or create a homemade low-carb glaze to avoid hidden sugars.
Homemade Control: Making meatloaf at home gives you complete control to minimize carbs, unlike many store-bought options.
Adding Moisture: Finely chopped mushrooms, grated zucchini, or a little cream can prevent lean turkey meatloaf from becoming dry.

The Surprising Truth About Turkey Meatloaf's Carb Count

The carbohydrates in turkey meatloaf primarily come from the binders and glazes used in the recipe, not the meat itself. Traditional recipes often use breadcrumbs or crackers as binders and glazes containing ketchup or sugar, significantly increasing the carb count. This is why the carb content of turkey meatloaf can range from a low-carb version with minimal grams per slice to traditional recipes with 15-25 grams or more.

The Main Sources of Carbohydrates

The Binding Agent

Conventional meatloaf recipes commonly employ breadcrumbs, crackers, or oats as binding agents. These starchy components absorb liquid and help the loaf maintain its shape, but they also contribute a substantial amount of carbohydrates. The quantity of these binders directly impacts the total carbohydrate content per serving. Substituting these with lower-carb options is key for reducing carbs.

The Glaze or Topping

Many meatloaf recipes feature a glaze or topping, often made with ingredients high in sugar, such as ketchup or barbecue sauce. These sweet additions significantly increase the overall sugar and carbohydrate content of the dish. Opting for sugar-free alternatives or homemade low-carb glazes is essential for a reduced-carb meatloaf.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: A Nutritional Divide

Hemmade turkey meatloaf offers greater control over carbohydrate content compared to store-bought options. Homemade versions allow for the selection of low-carb binders and sugar-free glazes, resulting in a lower carbohydrate dish. In contrast, commercially prepared meatloaf often includes added sugars and fillers to enhance taste and texture, leading to higher carb counts.

How to Prepare a Lower-Carb Turkey Meatloaf

Reducing the carbohydrate content of turkey meatloaf involves replacing high-carb ingredients with low-carb alternatives. The focus is on maintaining moisture and flavor while minimizing carbs.

Consider these low-carb substitutions:

Binders: Replace breadcrumbs with options like almond flour, crushed pork rinds, or ground flaxseed meal. These provide structure without the high carb load.
Moisture Enhancers: Lean ground turkey can be dry, so adding ingredients like finely grated zucchini or mushrooms, or a small amount of heavy cream, can add moisture and flavor without adding significant carbs.
Glaze: Utilize a sugar-free ketchup or prepare a glaze using tomato paste, vinegar, spices, and a low-carb sweetener.

Traditional vs. Low-Carb Turkey Meatloaf Comparison


Feature	Traditional Meatloaf	Low-Carb Meatloaf
Primary Binder	Breadcrumbs, crackers, or oats	Almond flour, pork rinds, or flaxseed meal
Glaze Type	Ketchup (high-sugar), BBQ sauce	Sugar-free ketchup, homemade low-carb glaze
Carbs per Slice (Estimate)	15-25+ grams	3-10 grams (or less)
Key Takeaway	Higher carbs, often from added sugars.	Significantly reduced carbs with healthier binders.

Expert Cooking Tips for a Perfect Low-Carb Loaf

Achieving a moist and flavorful low-carb turkey meatloaf involves careful preparation and technique. Here are some tips for success:

Avoid Overmixing: Gentle mixing prevents a tough texture.
Add Moisture: Incorporate ingredients like minced mushrooms, grated onion, or heavy cream to counteract the leanness of ground turkey.
Use Appropriate Binders: Ensure correct measurements for low-carb binders, as they differ from traditional ones.
Enhance Flavor: Use ample seasonings and a flavorful, sugar-free glaze.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety without drying out the meatloaf.
Allow Resting Time: Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to retain moisture.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

The carbohydrate content in a slice of turkey meatloaf is highly adaptable and depends on the ingredients used. For those aiming to manage their carb intake, substituting traditional high-carb binders and glazes with low-carb alternatives is an effective strategy. Preparing meatloaf at home provides the flexibility to control ingredients and create a delicious dish that meets dietary requirements. You can find examples of low-carb recipes at Stem and Spoon's Keto Turkey Meatloaf.

Frequently Asked Questions

The biggest source of carbohydrates in traditional meatloaf is the binding agent, such as breadcrumbs, and sugary glazes like ketchup or barbecue sauce.

No, not all turkey meatloaf recipes are low carb. While turkey itself is low in carbs, recipes using traditional binders and glazes can be high in carbohydrates. Only recipes specifically designed as 'low-carb' or 'keto' will have a reduced carb count.

While oats are a slightly healthier whole-grain option than some breadcrumbs, they are still a significant source of carbohydrates. For a truly low-carb meatloaf, you should opt for binders like almond flour or crushed pork rinds.

To keep your meatloaf moist without breadcrumbs, you can use ingredients like almond flour, eggs, finely grated vegetables such as zucchini or carrots, or a small amount of heavy cream. These alternatives bind and add moisture effectively.

Good low-carb glaze alternatives include sugar-free ketchup, or a homemade glaze made with tomato paste, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce (ensure it's low-carb), and a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit.

Yes, ground turkey is naturally low in carbohydrates, as it is primarily a source of protein and fat. The carbs in a turkey meatloaf recipe are added through other ingredients.

Yes, many people find that keto turkey meatloaf recipes taste just as delicious, if not better, than traditional ones. The key is using flavorful seasonings and moisture-enhancing ingredients to compensate for the leaner meat and alternative binders.