Pita chips
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Pita chips are crisp, baked or fried wedges of pita bread, offering a satisfying crunch with a slightly chewy interior. They typically carry a golden-brown hue and a savory, often seasoned flavor profile. Nutritionally, they provide a dense source of carbohydrates with a moderate protein content.
Calorie split: 10% protein · 60% carbs · 30% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love pita chips for their robust, satisfying crunch and versatile, savory base that pairs perfectly with dips like hummus or baba ganoush. They are a staple in Mediterranean-inspired snacking and party platters.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
As a refined carbohydrate snack, they can cause rapid blood-sugar spikes, especially when consumed alone. They are also often high in sodium and may contain common allergens like wheat (gluten). To counteract this, pair them with protein- and fat-rich dips (like hummus or tzatziki) to slow digestion, practice portion control by measuring a serving, and look for low-sodium or homemade versions.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick source of energy from complex carbohydrates.
- Offers a moderate amount of plant-based protein.
- Can be a vehicle for nutrient-dense dips like hummus.
- Often lower in fat than many other snack chips when baked.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The modern commercial pita chip was popularized in the U.S. in the 1990s by a brand that was originally a bakery selling day-old pita bread, which they began slicing, seasoning, and baking to reduce waste.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 2.0 g |
| Energy | 457 kcal |
| Protein | 11.8 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 15.2 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 68.3 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 3.8 g |
| Total Sugars | 4.8 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 17.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 4.6 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 37.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 124 mg |
| Potassium, K | 129 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 854 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.96 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.14 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 33.1 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.56 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.31 mg |
| Niacin | 7.0 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.11 mg |
| Folate, total | 135 ug |
| Folic acid | 114 ug |
| Folate, food | 22.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 215 ug |
| Choline, total | 9.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 15.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 6.9 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 1.2 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.3 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.68 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.45 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 10.8 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 10.8 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 2.1 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 2.0 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.10 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Snacks, pita chips, salted — USDA does not publish this profile for Pita chips.
| Tryptophan | 0.14 g |
| Threonine | 0.35 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.48 g |
| Leucine | 0.87 g |
| Lysine | 0.18 g |
| Methionine | 0.17 g |
| Cystine | 0.29 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.64 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.33 g |
| Valine | 0.54 g |
| Arginine | 0.46 g |
| Histidine | 0.26 g |
| Alanine | 0.39 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.52 g |
| Glutamic acid | 4.6 g |
| Glycine | 0.48 g |
| Proline | 1.6 g |
| Serine | 0.56 g |
FAQ
Are pita chips healthier than potato chips?
Generally, yes. Baked pita chips often contain less fat and more protein and fiber than traditional fried potato chips. However, they are still a calorie-dense, refined-carb snack, so moderation is key.
Can I make pita chips at home?
Absolutely. Simply cut pita bread into wedges, brush lightly with olive oil, sprinkle with desired seasonings (like za'atar, garlic powder, or sesame seeds), and bake at 375°F (190°C) until crisp, about 10-12 minutes.
Why are my homemade pita chips chewy instead of crispy?
This is often due to under-baking or using pita that is too thick. Ensure the pita is cut into thin, even wedges, spread in a single layer without overlapping, and bake until uniformly golden and firm to the touch.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 4.57 kcal/g · 10% calories from protein · 3.8 g fiber · 4.8 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 6.62 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.