Pita bread is a round bread made from flour, oil, yeast, sugar, and salt. It is available in white and whole wheat varieties and is used in many ways – such as wraps, dipping, as a side dish, and even as an easy crust for mini pizzas. But is Pita Bread Healthier than Other Bread? Check out our full review of nutrition facts and ingredients to find out.
Is Pita Bread Healthy?
Yes, whole wheat pita bread is a source of complex carbohydrates. It is high in fiber, with 5g of fiber per pita, and a source of protein, with 7g per pita.
Is Pita Bread Healthier than Other Bread?
| Whole wheat pita | Whole wheat bread | |
|---|---|---|
| Per 1 pita (66g) | Per 2 slices (71g) | |
| Calories | 160 | 170 |
| Fat (g) | 1.5 | 2 |
| Saturated fat (g) | 0 | 0 |
| Sodium (mg) | 250 | 290 |
| Carbohydrate (g) | 30 | 31 |
| Fibre (g) | 5 | 4 |
| Sugar (g) | 1 | 3 |
| Protein (g) | 7 | 7 |
| Vitamin A (mcg) | 0 | 0 |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 0 | 0 |
| Calcium (mg) | 26 | 75 |
| Iron (mg) | 2 | 2 |
| Brand = | Brand = Dempster’s |
An average whole-wheat pita is comparable to 2 slices of whole-wheat bread (see our comparison table above for details). Both options are similar in overall calories, protein, carbohydrate, and fat content. The bread brand we used for this comparison is higher in sodium than pita bread, but this will vary depending on the brand. Get our full list of Low Sodium Bread Brands at the Grocery Store here.
Pita Bread Ingredients
The main ingredients in pita bread are:
- whole wheat flour or white flour
- water
- yeast
- salt
| Whole Wheat Pita | White Pita | |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Unbleached enriched whole wheat flour, filtered water, fresh yeast, salt, calcium propionate | Unbleached enriched white flour, filtered water, fresh yeast, salt, calcium propionate |
Pita Bread Nutrition
Pita bread is made up of carbohydrates and contains little fat. Whole wheat pita is a complex carbohydrate source as it is made from whole wheat flour and provides 5g of fiber per pita. Pita bread is also a source of protein, with 7g and 5g in whole wheat and white pita, respectively. The sodium content of pita bread is moderate, with 250mg per pita.
| Whole Wheat Pita | White Pita | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 160 | 160 |
| Fat (g) | 1.5 | 1 |
| Saturated (g) | 0 | 0 |
| Sodium (mg) | 250 | 250 |
| Carbohydrate (g) | 30 | 33 |
| Fibre (g) | 5 | 1 |
| Sugar (g) | 1 | 1 |
| Protein (g) | 7 | 5 |
| Vitamin A | 0 | 0 |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 0 | 0 |
| Calcium (mg) | 26 | 0 |
| Iron (mg) | 2 | 2.5 |
White Pita vs. Whole Wheat Pita
Compared to white pita, whole wheat pita is higher in fiber and protein from whole wheat flour. Both are comparable in total carbohydrate, fat, sodium, and sugar content.
Taste & Texture
Pita bread is a flat bread that is soft and chewy. It puffs up during baking, giving it a fluffy texture.
Pita Bread vs. Naan Nutrition Facts
| White Pita | White Naan | |
|---|---|---|
| Full pita (66g) | Half Naan (63g) | |
| Calories | 160 | 185 |
| Fat (g) | 1 | 4.5 |
| Saturated fat (g) | 0 | 1 |
| Sodium (mg) | 250 | 495 |
| Carbohydrate (g) | 33 | 21 |
| Fibre (g) | 1 | 1 |
| Sugar (g) | 1 | 3 |
| Protein (g) | 5 | 6 |
| Vitamin A (mcg) | 0 | 0 |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 0 | 0 |
| Calcium (mg) | 0 | 88 |
| Iron (mg) | 2.5 | 2 |
| Brand: Cedar Baker | Brand: Stonefire Original Naan |
Is Pita Bread Healthier than Naan?
Pita bread is typically smaller in size and weight compared to naan bread. An average pita is similar to half an average naan in terms of nutrient content, including carbohydrate and fiber content. Naan bread is much higher in sodium than pita bread, with 495mg per 63g naan compared to 250mg per 66g pita.
Sources: Pita bread nutrition facts from Cedar Bakery.
