All About Pita bread
Your complete guide to pita bread - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
Best Substitutes for Pita bread
Don't have pita bread? Try these alternatives in your recipes.
Safe alternatives for celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Gluten-Free Tortillas/Wraps
Widely available in various flours (rice, corn, almond, cassava). Best direct substitute for wraps and can be used for small pizzas. Check labels for specific ingredients.
Large Lettuce Leaves (e.g., butter, romaine)
1-2 leaves = 1 pita (depending on size) ratio
Naturally gluten-free. Excellent for light wraps, tacos, or as a base for fillings. Provides a fresh crunch.
Rice Paper Wraps
1:1 (after rehydration) ratio
Requires rehydration in warm water to become pliable. Best for fresh, spring-roll style wraps. Different texture (chewy, slightly sticky).
Gluten-Free Flatbreads (store-bought or homemade)
Specific GF flatbread products are available, often made from chickpea, rice, or tapioca flour. Can be used for dipping or as a pizza base.
Large Steamed Collard Greens
1-2 leaves = 1 pita ratio
Sturdier than lettuce leaves when steamed, making them excellent for wraps with more substantial fillings. Mild flavor.
Paleo diet compliant alternatives (grain-free, legume-free, dairy-free).
Large Lettuce Leaves (e.g., butter, romaine)
1-2 leaves = 1 pita (depending on size) ratio
Naturally paleo, fresh, and crunchy. Excellent for wraps with various fillings. Not suitable for dipping.
Paleo Tortillas/Wraps (e.g., cassava flour, almond flour)
Specific paleo-compliant brands are available, often made from cassava, almond, or coconut flour. Provide the closest 'bread-like' experience for wraps.
Large Steamed Collard Greens
1-2 leaves = 1 pita ratio
Sturdier than lettuce, making them great for substantial wraps. Mild flavor that won't overpower fillings.
Grilled/Roasted Sweet Potato Slices
2-3 slices = 1 pita (depending on size) ratio
Thick slices of sweet potato, grilled or roasted, can serve as a base for open-faced 'sandwiches' or mini pizzas. Adds a sweet, starchy element.
Nori Sheets (seaweed wraps)
For savory, umami-rich wraps. Best for fillings that complement a sea-like flavor, such as fish or Asian-inspired ingredients. Not suitable for all applications.
Common all-purpose substitutions that work in most recipes for wraps, dipping, or as a base.
Naan Bread
Similar soft, chewy texture, often slightly thicker. Excellent for dipping, wraps, or mini pizzas. Can be warmed before use.
Flour Tortillas
Great for wraps, quesadillas, or cut into triangles and baked for chips. Warm them slightly for better flexibility.
Lavash Bread
Thinner and often larger than pita. Good for wraps (can be rolled tightly), or baked/toasted into crisp chips. Less 'pocket-like' than traditional pita.
Sandwich Bread (sliced)
1 slice = 1/2 pita ratio
Best for open-faced sandwiches or to hold fillings. Lacks the typical 'pocket' or flexible wrap quality of pita.
Large Lettuce Leaves (e.g., butter, romaine)
1-2 leaves = 1 pita (depending on size) ratio
A fresh, crunchy, and light alternative for wraps. Won't hold up to wet dips but great for sandwich fillings.
Low-carb alternatives suitable for a ketogenic diet.
Large Lettuce Leaves (e.g., butter, romaine, iceberg)
1-2 leaves = 1 pita (depending on size) ratio
Extremely low-carb and versatile. Perfect for holding sandwich fillings, taco-style wraps, or as a base for salads. Won't work for dipping.
Low-Carb Tortillas/Wraps
Available from various brands, typically made with almond flour, coconut flour, or vital wheat gluten. Best 'bread-like' option for wraps. Always check specific carb counts.
Cauliflower Thins/Wraps
Often made from cauliflower, egg, and cheese. Can be used for small sandwiches, burgers, or as a base for mini pizzas. May have a distinct flavor and texture.
Grilled/Roasted Eggplant Slices
2-3 slices = 1 pita (depending on size) ratio
Thick slices of eggplant, grilled or roasted until tender, can serve as a base for open-faced sandwiches or mini pizzas. Adds an earthy flavor.