How many carbs are in souvlaki meat?

November 25, 2025 •

3 min read

A single skewer of plain, grilled chicken souvlaki meat contains as little as 3.9 grams of total carbohydrates. The good news is that traditional souvlaki meat, whether pork, chicken, beef, or lamb, is naturally a very low-carb, high-protein food. The total carb count for a full souvlaki meal hinges entirely on the preparation and accompaniments.

Quick Summary

Plain souvlaki meat contains minimal carbohydrates, but the total carb count increases substantially with typical accompaniments like pita bread and fries, making a full wrap higher in carbs.

Key Points

Plain Meat is Low Carb: Grilled souvlaki meat (chicken, pork, lamb, beef) is naturally very low in carbohydrates.
Marinade Adds Minimal Carbs: Traditional olive oil and lemon-based marinades contribute negligible carbohydrates to the meat's nutritional profile.
Pita is the Primary Carb Source: The biggest carbohydrate contributor in a souvlaki meal is the pita bread, not the meat.
Accompaniments Matter: Adding french fries to a souvlaki wrap will significantly increase the total carbohydrate count.
Choose the Plate for Low Carb: Opting for a deconstructed souvlaki plate with a Greek salad is the best low-carb choice.
Keto-Friendly Option: When served with fresh veggies and tzatziki instead of a pita, souvlaki is a perfect meal for a ketogenic diet.

The Nutritional Foundation of Souvlaki Meat

Souvlaki meat is a naturally low-carbohydrate food, making it an excellent choice for diets focusing on reducing carb intake. The key to maintaining its low-carb profile lies in its preparation and the avoidance of high-carb additions like pita bread and fries. The meat itself, whether it's pork, chicken, beef, or lamb, is primarily protein and fat, with very few carbohydrates.

Traditional Greek marinades, consisting of ingredients such as olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and dried oregano, add negligible carbohydrates to the meat. These ingredients are used to tenderize and flavor the meat, infusing it with Mediterranean taste without adding significant carbs. For those following a strict low-carb or ketogenic diet, souvlaki meat is a high-quality protein source that is naturally keto-friendly, provided it is served without carb-heavy sides.

Souvlaki Meat Carb Count Comparison

To understand the differences in carbohydrate content, it is helpful to compare the typical amounts found in different types of souvlaki meat. The figures below are based on a single skewer of grilled meat, without any additional toppings or sauces.


Souvlaki Type (per skewer)	Estimated Total Carbs	Source
Chicken	~3.9g
Pork	~4.4g
Lamb	~4.4g
Beef	~4.9g

As the table shows, the carbohydrate content across different types of souvlaki meat is consistently low. The minor variations are due to differences in the meat's composition and the specific marinade recipe used. The crucial takeaway is that the meat itself contributes very little to the total carbohydrate load of a meal.

The Impact of Wraps, Toppings, and Sides

The most significant factor influencing the total carbohydrate count of a souvlaki meal is how it is served. While a skewer of meat contains very few carbs, a classic souvlaki pita wrap can contain upwards of 30-50 grams of carbohydrates. The primary culprits are the pita bread and the addition of french fries, a common practice in many Greek restaurants. For those on a low-carb diet, the choice between a wrap and a plate is the most critical decision to make.

Low-Carb Souvlaki Plate Components

For a low-carb version of souvlaki, focus on the following components:

Grilled Souvlaki Meat: The star of the show, served off the skewer.
Side Salad: A traditional Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumber, onions, and olives, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
Tzatziki Sauce: A creamy, refreshing, and protein-rich topping made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, and garlic.
Fresh Vegetables: Extra fresh tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers are perfect for adding volume and nutrients without the carbs.

High-Carb Souvlaki Wrap Components

To avoid excess carbohydrates, be mindful of these high-carb additions:

Pita Bread: A classic component that is high in refined carbohydrates.
French Fries: Often included inside the wrap, they significantly boost the carb and calorie count.
Sugary Marinades or Sauces: While traditional marinades are low-carb, some commercial versions may contain added sugars.

Enjoying Souvlaki on a Low-Carb Diet

To make souvlaki a staple in a low-carb or keto-friendly meal plan, the strategy is simple: control your plate. Start with a lean, quality cut of meat, marinate it using the traditional blend of olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and garlic, and grill it to perfection. Instead of serving the meat in a pita, plate it alongside a fresh Greek salad. Tzatziki sauce is an excellent, flavorful addition that is both low in carbs and high in protein. For more recipe ideas, resources like the KetoDiet Blog offer great inspiration.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the number of carbohydrates in souvlaki is determined not by the meat itself, but by the other ingredients that make up the meal. The meat is a high-protein, low-carb foundation, while accompaniments like pita bread and fries are the primary sources of carbohydrates. By choosing a plate-style serving with fresh vegetables and homemade tzatziki, you can enjoy the authentic taste of souvlaki while maintaining a low-carb lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, plain grilled souvlaki meat is an excellent, naturally low-carb option for a keto diet. You should avoid serving it with high-carb pita bread or french fries.

A souvlaki wrap's total carbohydrate count varies depending on the size of the pita and the fillings, but a typical chicken souvlaki wrap can contain around 39 grams of carbohydrates.

No, traditional Greek marinades made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs add very few carbohydrates to the meat.

Both chicken and pork souvlaki meat are very low in carbohydrates, with only minor differences. A chicken skewer may be marginally lower in carbs than a pork one.

Yes, traditional tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, and garlic is a great low-carb, high-protein topping for souvlaki.

The easiest way is to order or prepare it as a plate with a side salad instead of a pita wrap, and skip the fries.

Since souvlaki typically features leaner, grilled meat skewers, it tends to be lower in fat and carbohydrates than gyro meat, which is often a richer, layered meat blend.