Calories in Naan Bread: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Naan is a soft, leavened flatbread traditionally baked in a tandoor oven, widely served alongside South Asian and Middle Eastern dishes. One piece of plain naan provides approximately 262 calories, 45 grams of carbs, 2 grams of total fat, and 8.7 grams of protein. It is also a source of folate, thiamin, and iron from enriched flour.

Calories by serving size:

Naan is higher in calories and sodium than many other flatbreads because traditional recipes often include yogurt, ghee or butter, and sometimes milk in the dough. The soft, pillowy texture that makes naan so appealing comes largely from these richer ingredients and the high-heat tandoor cooking method.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does naan compare to pita bread?

Naan is notably higher in calories than pita bread, with about 262 calories per piece compared to roughly 165 calories for a 6.5-inch pita. The difference comes primarily from the butter, yogurt, and oil used in naan dough, whereas pita is made with a simpler mixture of flour, water, yeast, and salt. Pita is generally the lighter option if you are watching your calorie intake.

How many more calories does garlic naan have compared to plain naan?

Garlic naan typically contains around 320 to 340 calories per piece, roughly 60 to 80 more calories than plain naan. The extra calories come from the added garlic butter or oil brushed on top and sometimes mixed into the dough. While garlic naan is delicious, the additional fat can add up quickly if you eat multiple pieces.

Is naan bread a healthy choice?

Naan can fit into a balanced diet, but it is calorie-dense relative to its size and provides limited fiber since it is typically made with refined white flour. A single piece delivers over 500 milligrams of sodium, which is something to watch if you are on a low-sodium diet. Enjoying naan in moderation alongside protein-rich curries and vegetable dishes helps keep the overall meal balanced.

Why is naan higher in calories than most breads?

Naan is higher in calories because traditional recipes include butter or ghee, yogurt, and sometimes milk or eggs in the dough, all of which add fat and calories that simple breads lack. The dough is also often brushed with melted butter after baking, adding even more calories. By comparison, basic bread recipes use just flour, water, yeast, and salt with minimal added fat.

Is whole wheat naan a better option?

Whole wheat naan offers more fiber and slightly more vitamins and minerals than regular naan, typically providing about 2 to 3 grams of fiber per piece compared to less than 1 gram in white naan. The calorie count may be similar or only slightly lower, since butter and yogurt are still used in most whole wheat naan recipes. It is a reasonable swap if you want more fiber, but the calorie savings are modest.