Is Shakshuka High in Carbs? A Comprehensive Nutritional Guide

December 19, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a standard, bread-free serving of shakshuka typically contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates, primarily from the tomato base. Knowing the exact ingredients and serving method is crucial to determine if shakshuka is high in carbs for your specific dietary needs.

Quick Summary

An analysis of standard shakshuka recipes reveals a moderate carbohydrate content, primarily from tomatoes and onions, which can be adjusted. Carbohydrate count varies significantly with the inclusion of side dishes like bread or modifications to the recipe.

Key Points

Base Is Low-to-Moderate in Carbs: A standard shakshuka made with eggs and a tomato-pepper sauce is not inherently high in carbohydrates, making it a viable option for many diets.
Accompaniments Impact Carb Count: The biggest factor in making shakshuka carb-heavy is serving it with traditional bread like pita or sourdough.
Customizable for Low-Carb Diets: You can easily reduce the carb count by adding low-carb vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini, and by avoiding high-carb side dishes.
Suitable for Keto (With Modifications): A keto-friendly shakshuka is possible by swapping out higher-carb components and focusing on the egg and low-carb vegetable base.
Tomatoes are the Primary Carb Source: The main source of carbs in the base sauce comes from the tomatoes, though they also provide beneficial fiber.
Eggs Provide Protein and Fat: The eggs in shakshuka are an excellent source of protein and fat, which contribute to the dish's satiating qualities and have zero carbs.

Understanding Shakshuka's Macronutrient Profile

Shakshuka is a North African and Middle Eastern dish featuring eggs poached in a flavorful sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, and onions, often seasoned with spices like cumin and paprika. On its own, the dish is built on a base of vegetables, making its carb content naturally derived from these ingredients. The eggs contribute a significant protein and fat component, while the tomatoes and onions provide the bulk of the carbohydrates.

The final carb count is not universal, as it depends heavily on the specific recipe and portion size. Some variations might include additional high-carb ingredients, while others, designed for specific diets, keep the numbers low. For example, a version with chickpeas or potatoes would be higher in carbs than a basic one with just tomatoes and eggs.

The Role of Ingredients in Shakshuka's Carb Count

Tomatoes: The primary source of carbohydrates in the base sauce. While tomatoes do contain sugar and carbs, they also offer fiber, which reduces the net carb count. A large can of crushed tomatoes will add a substantial amount of carbs to the overall dish.
Onions and Bell Peppers: These vegetables contribute a small number of carbs but also add fiber and essential vitamins. Sautéing them first develops their sweetness and flavor.
Eggs: Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse, providing high-quality protein and fats with virtually zero carbohydrates. They are the key component for making shakshuka a filling and satiating meal, particularly for those on a low-carb diet.
Spices: Cumin, paprika, and chili flakes add negligible carbs but are vital for the dish's signature flavor profile.
Additional ingredients: The inclusion of ingredients like chickpeas, sugar (sometimes added to reduce acidity), or a side of bread for dipping can significantly increase the total carbohydrate count.

Comparison of Shakshuka Carb Content

To better illustrate how different preparation methods and servings affect the carb count, here is a comparison table.


Shakshuka Variation	Serving Size	Total Carbs (g)	Net Carbs (g)	Notes
Classic Shakshuka (no bread)	1 serving	~15-20g	~10-15g	A standard recipe using tomatoes, onions, peppers, and eggs.
Keto/Low-Carb Shakshuka	1 serving	~10-15g	~8-12g	Modified with fewer onions or low-carb veggies like cauliflower.
Shakshuka with Pita Bread	1 serving	~30-40g	~25-35g	A classic serving, including a medium-sized piece of pita for dipping.
Shakshuka with Chickpeas	1 serving	~25-35g	~20-30g	Version with added legumes for extra fiber and plant-based protein.

How to Make Your Shakshuka Low-Carb

For those watching their carbohydrate intake, there are several simple yet effective modifications to make shakshuka a low-carb meal. The core of these changes lies in adjusting ingredients and serving choices, not sacrificing flavor.

List of Low-Carb Modifications

Swap High-Carb Veggies: Instead of a large amount of onion, use bell peppers, which are lower in carbs. Alternatively, incorporate cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles into the sauce for extra bulk and nutrients without the high carb load.
Control the Tomatoes: Use fresh, canned diced tomatoes with no added sugar. Tomato paste, while flavorful, is more concentrated and should be used sparingly if you are tracking carbs closely.
Avoid the Bread: The most significant carb source often comes from what's served alongside the shakshuka. Skip the traditional pita or crusty bread and opt for low-carb alternatives like toasted almond flour bread, cloud bread, or simply enjoy it on its own with a spoon.
Enrich with Healthy Fats: Add avocado slices, olives, or extra feta cheese to increase satiety from healthy fats, helping to keep you full and satisfied longer.
Add Leafy Greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale to wilt into the sauce. This increases the fiber content and adds vitamins with minimal carbs.

Is Shakshuka Suitable for a Keto Diet?

Because a ketogenic diet requires very strict carbohydrate limits (typically under 50g of net carbs per day), classic shakshuka with bread would not be suitable. However, a modified shakshuka recipe can be an excellent choice for a keto meal. By focusing on the eggs, the low-carb vegetables, and healthy fats, you can create a satisfying dish that fits within your daily carb allowance. Recipes like cauliflower shakshuka are specifically designed to be keto-friendly.

Conclusion: Is Shakshuka High in Carbs?

In conclusion, whether shakshuka is high in carbs depends entirely on the preparation and accompaniments. The base dish itself, made with eggs, tomatoes, and spices, contains a moderate and manageable amount of carbohydrates, which can be further lowered with simple ingredient swaps. Served with bread, the carb count increases substantially. For those on low-carb or ketogenic diets, shakshuka is a highly customizable and delicious option, provided the right modifications are made. By being mindful of your ingredients, you can enjoy this versatile and flavorful meal without derailing your dietary goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a modified shakshuka is an excellent option for a keto diet. By eliminating bread and swapping some higher-carb vegetables like onions for low-carb alternatives such as bell peppers or cauliflower, you can significantly reduce the net carb count to fit a ketogenic plan.

The carbohydrates in shakshuka primarily come from the tomato and onion base. Some recipes might also include higher-carb vegetables or added sugar, but the largest contributor is often the bread served on the side.

To lower the carb count, omit any side bread, use crushed tomatoes with no added sugar, and replace some of the onion with lower-carb vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or even cauliflower rice.

The base shakshuka recipe, made with eggs and a tomato sauce, is naturally gluten-free. However, it is crucial to ensure that any accompaniments, such as bread, are also gluten-free if you have a dietary restriction.

Adding bread dramatically increases the total carbohydrate content. While a standard bread-free serving might have 15-20g of carbs, a serving with a piece of pita bread could jump to over 30-40g, depending on the size of the bread.

Yes, adding leafy greens like spinach or kale is a great way to boost nutrients and fiber with minimal carbs. Bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini are also excellent low-carb additions.

Total carbs include all carbohydrates, while net carbs are total carbs minus dietary fiber. Since shakshuka's vegetable base is rich in fiber, its net carb count is typically lower than its total carb count, which is more relevant for low-carb diets.