Calories in Pita Bread: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Pita bread is a round, soft flatbread that puffs up during baking to form a hollow pocket, making it a versatile staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. One 6.5-inch white pita provides approximately 165 calories, 33 grams of carbs, 1.3 grams of fiber, and 5.5 grams of protein. It is also a source of iron, thiamin, and folate from enriched flour.

Calories by serving size:

Pita bread is relatively low in fat, with less than 1 gram per piece, because its simple dough does not require butter or oil. The pocket that forms during high-heat baking makes it ideal for stuffing with lean proteins, vegetables, and hummus for a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does pita bread compare to regular sliced bread?

One 6.5-inch pita has about 165 calories, which is roughly equivalent to two slices of white bread at about 75 calories each. However, pita bread tends to have slightly more protein and less sugar than typical sandwich bread. The pocket design also makes it easier to control fillings and condiments, which can help with overall portion management.

Is whole wheat pita bread much healthier than white pita?

Whole wheat pita provides significantly more fiber — about 4.7 grams versus 1.3 grams in white pita — along with more magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins from the intact whole grain. The calorie difference is minimal, with whole wheat pita having only about 5 more calories per piece. The real advantage is the extra fiber, which supports digestive health and helps you feel full longer.

How does pita bread compare to naan?

Pita bread is considerably lower in calories and fat than naan, with about 165 calories and less than 1 gram of fat per piece compared to 262 calories and more fat in naan. The difference is because naan is made with butter, yogurt, and sometimes oil, while pita uses a lean dough of flour, water, yeast, and salt. If you are looking for a lighter flatbread option, pita is the better choice.

Are pita chips a healthier snack option?

Pita chips are baked or fried pita bread cut into wedges, and they typically contain about 130 calories per ounce (about 7 to 10 chips), which is comparable to most regular chips. Baked pita chips may have slightly less fat than fried potato chips, but they are still a calorie-dense snack that is easy to overconsume. Pairing a small portion with hummus or tzatziki adds protein and helps with portion control.

What are the best low-calorie pita pocket fillings?

The pita pocket is ideal for lean fillings like grilled chicken breast, falafel, fresh vegetables, lettuce, tomato, and cucumber, which add volume and nutrients without excessive calories. Light spreads like hummus (about 25 calories per tablespoon) or Greek yogurt-based tzatziki help keep things flavorful without adding too much fat. Avoiding heavy sauces, fried meats, and large amounts of cheese is the best way to keep a pita meal under 400 calories.