Group · Bread
Pitta bread
Pitta bread is a flatbread originating in the Middle East and the Mediterranean basin, recognisable by its round shape and the hollow pocket that forms as it bakes. Soft and tender, it comes in white or wholemeal versions, sometimes with added seeds. It is found filled in sandwiches and homemade wraps, or served alongside hummus and mezze. With around 249 kcal per 100 g, it provides mainly carbohydrate (48.8 g), a useful amount of protein (8.2 g) and very little fat (1.5 g). Versatile and easy to use, pitta bread naturally has a place in a balanced diet, as an occasional replacement for other everyday breads.
Macronutrient breakdown
Nutrition table per 100 g
| Calories | 249 kcal |
| Kilojoules | 1050 kJ |
| Protein | 8,2 g |
| Carbohydrate | 48,8 g |
| Fat | 1,5 g |
| Fibre | 3,7 g |
Micronutrients per 100 g
All measured nutrients, ranked by share of the daily reference intake.
- Vitamin B32,6 mg16 %
- Phosphorus84 mg12 %
- Vitamin B921 µg11 %
- Vitamin B10,11 mg10 %
- Vitamin B50,49 mg8 %
- Iron1 mg7 %
- Potassium134 mg7 %
- Calcium52,7 mg7 %
See the other 3 nutrients
- Vitamin B20,08 mg6 %
- Magnesium18,1 mg5 %
- Vitamin B60,05 mg4 %
Anses Ciqual 2025. Source: Anses, 2025, Ciqual food composition table
Tips
Pitta bread is valued for its convenience: just open it in two to get a pocket that you fill with raw vegetables, grilled vegetables, fromage frais or lean protein. For a more filling meal that is richer in fibre, choose a wholemeal or seeded version, whose glycaemic index is generally more moderate than that of white pitta.
- Portion guide: a medium pitta (about 60 g) provides nearly 165 kcal, which suits a light lunch served with a salad.
- Heating and texture: a few seconds in the oven or a pan and it puffs up again and regains its softness. Cut into triangles and toasted, it becomes crisps for dipping in a sauce.
- Storage: it freezes very well. Pop it in the toaster straight from the freezer to save time.
In terms of nutrition facts, pitta is similar to the other breads in its family. You can compare its calories and composition with wholemeal bread, which is richer in fibre, or with sourdough bread, which some people tolerate better. To explore all the varieties, the bread family page brings together all the entries.
For active people: thanks to its carbohydrate density, pitta bread is a good source of energy before an endurance workout. As a post-exercise snack, fill it with chicken breast, tuna or egg to combine recovery carbohydrate with protein for muscle rebuilding. If you are looking for other protein-rich ideas, take a look at the protein snack recipes that go well with a pitta.
Weight control: pitta remains a fairly high-calorie, carbohydrate-rich cereal product. Keep an eye on the filling, which is often fattier than the bread itself (creamy sauces, cheese, fried items). To stay on track for weight loss, go for crunchy vegetables, a light vinaigrette and a sensible portion of lean protein. You can check its figures in the food calorie table to adjust your portions. If you are sensitive to gluten, wheat-based pitta is not suitable: read up on managing gluten intolerance before eating it.