Selina

Written by Selina

Modified & Updated: 26 Sep 2024

Sherman Smith

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

Greek gyros wraped in a pita bread

Gyros are a delicious Mediterranean dish, often served in pita bread with seasoned meat, vegetables, and a flavorful tzatziki sauce. But what’s inside a gyro when it comes to nutrition? This article explores 40 essential facts about gyros, covering their calorie content, macronutrients, and ingredients. Whether you’re counting calories or just curious about the health benefits of your favorite dish, these facts provide a detailed look at what makes gyros both tasty and nutritious.

Table of Contents

Basic Gyro Nutrition

  1. Calories
    A standard beef gyro typically contains around 600 to 700 calories.
  2. Protein Content
    A gyro provides about 40 grams of protein, making it a high-protein option.
  3. Fat Levels
    Gyros are rich in fat, with approximately 35 grams of total fat, depending on the meat used.
  4. Saturated Fat
    Out of the total fat, about 12 grams are saturated fats.
  5. Carbohydrates
    A gyro contains around 45 to 50 grams of carbohydrates, largely due to the pita bread.
  6. Fiber
    The pita provides about 2 to 3 grams of dietary fiber.
  7. Cholesterol
    Each gyro contains 90 to 100 milligrams of cholesterol, mostly from the meat.
  8. Sodium
    Expect around 1000 milligrams of sodium in a standard gyro.
  9. Sugars
    Gyros have minimal sugar content, with 2 to 3 grams of sugar in total.
  10. Calcium
    The tzatziki sauce and pita contribute around 150 milligrams of calcium.

Gyro Meat Facts

  1. Lamb Gyro
    Lamb gyros are relatively high in fat, with 30 grams of fat in a 6-ounce serving.
  2. Chicken Gyro
    Chicken gyros are a leaner option, containing 20 grams of fat and 35 grams of protein.
  3. Beef Gyro
    Beef gyros offer 40 grams of protein but also come with 40 grams of fat.
  4. Pork Gyro
    Pork gyros provide a mix of 37 grams of protein and 28 grams of fat.
  5. Turkey Gyro
    A healthier alternative, turkey gyros contain about 25 grams of protein and 15 grams of fat.

Pita and Wrap Nutrition

  1. Calories in Pita Bread
    A standard pita wrap for gyros adds 150 to 200 calories.
  2. Whole Wheat Pita
    Using whole wheat pita boosts fiber to 4 grams and reduces the glycemic load.
  3. Gluten-Free Options
    Gluten-free pita alternatives contribute 160 to 180 calories and 4 grams of protein.
  4. Low-Carb Pita
    A low-carb pita typically contains 15 grams of carbohydrates, ideal for keto diets.
  5. Grilled Flatbread
    Flatbread used in gyros adds 250 calories and 7 grams of fat.

Tzatziki Sauce Breakdown

  1. Calories in Tzatziki Sauce
    A typical serving of tzatziki sauce has 50 calories.
  2. Fat in Tzatziki
    Tzatziki sauce contains 2 grams of fat, with minimal saturated fat.
  3. Protein Content
    Tzatziki provides around 3 grams of protein per serving.
  4. Sodium in Tzatziki
    A tablespoon of tzatziki has 150 milligrams of sodium, primarily from added salt.
  5. Carbohydrates in Tzatziki
    Tzatziki contains about 1 gram of carbohydrates per tablespoon.

Vegetables in Gyros

  1. Tomatoes
    Tomatoes in a gyro add 5 to 10 calories and provide a dose of vitamin C.
  2. Onions
    Onions contribute around 10 calories and are high in antioxidants.
  3. Cucumbers
    Cucumbers in the gyro give about 4 calories and are hydrating, with high water content.
  4. Lettuce
    Lettuce adds minimal calories but provides vitamin K.
  5. Bell Peppers
    Bell peppers offer 15 calories and are rich in vitamin A and C.

Macronutrient Comparisons

  1. Gyro vs. Souvlaki
    A standard gyro has more carbohydrates due to the pita, while souvlaki is lower in carbs but higher in protein.
  2. Gyro vs. Falafel
    Falafel gyros have more fiber, about 5 grams, compared to 2 grams in meat-based gyros.
  3. Gyro vs. Shawarma
    Shawarma tends to be lower in sodium but contains more spices, which can enhance flavor without additional calories.
  4. Gyro vs. Burrito
    A burrito has more calories, averaging 800 to 900, with less protein than a gyro.
  5. Gyro vs. Burger
    A beef gyro provides similar calories to a burger but has more protein and fewer processed ingredients.

Health Considerations

  1. High Sodium Content
    Gyros can contribute to high sodium intake, with 1000 milligrams per serving.
  2. High Protein Meal
    With 35 to 40 grams of protein, gyros are suitable for those aiming to increase protein consumption.
  3. Fat Intake
    Gyros contain 30 to 40 grams of fat, which is something to monitor if on a low-fat diet.
  4. Healthy Fats
    The olive oil used in tzatziki and cooking offers a source of healthy monounsaturated fats.
  5. Nutrient-Dense Ingredients
    Vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions provide essential vitamins and minerals.

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