FoodRef
Bulgur wheat

Grains

Bulgur wheat

5/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 7.9

Rated by 11 diets

5 approve1 caution5 avoid

The diets react (see scores below)

Approves5
Caution1
Disapproves5
Is Bulgur wheat Healthy?

It depends — Bulgur wheat is a mixed bag. Some diets approve it while others urge caution. Context and quantity matter.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
372kcal
Protein
11.8g
Carbs
75.9g
Fat
2.42g
Fiber
11.7g
Sugar
0.4g
Sodium
2.18mg

Diet Ratings

KetoAvoid

Bulgur is a processed grain product with approximately 26g net carbs per 100g cooked serving. Grains are fundamentally incompatible with ketogenic diet goals and will rapidly exceed daily carb limits.

VeganApproved

Whole grain plant food with no animal products or derivatives. Nutritious, minimally processed, and fully compliant with all vegan standards.

PaleoAvoid

Bulgur is a processed grain product made from wheat. Grains are explicitly excluded from the paleo diet due to anti-nutrients, lectins, and gluten content.

MediterraneanApproved

Whole grain with high fiber content, minimal processing, and a staple in Mediterranean cuisines. Excellent source of complex carbohydrates and nutrients.

CarnivoreAvoid

Bulgur is a processed grain product derived from wheat. It is plant-based and explicitly excluded from carnivore diet principles. Contains carbohydrates and plant compounds incompatible with carnivore protocol.

Whole30Avoid

Bulgur is a processed grain product made from wheat. Grains (including wheat) are explicitly excluded during the 30-day Whole30 elimination period.

Low-FODMAPAvoid

Bulgur is made from wheat and contains high levels of fructans, a key FODMAP. Even small portions exceed low-FODMAP thresholds.

DASHApproved

Whole grain rich in fiber, magnesium, and potassium. Minimal sodium. Core DASH food supporting cardiovascular health and blood pressure regulation.

ZoneCaution

Whole grain with moderate glycemic impact. Contains ~17g net carbs per 1/4 cup cooked. Can fit Zone meals but requires precise portioning to maintain 40/30/30 ratio. Better than refined grains but not a preferred carb source compared to vegetables.

Whole grain with intact bran and germ, providing fiber, B vitamins, and polyphenols. Low glycemic index compared to refined grains. Supports healthy gut microbiome and reduces inflammatory markers.

GLP-1 FriendlyApproved

Whole grain with 3.7g fiber and 3.6g protein per cooked cup. High fiber supports digestion and prevents GLP-1-related constipation. Low fat, nutrient-dense, easy to digest in small portions. Pairs well with lean proteins.

Nutritional profile

Six traits that cut across every diet.

Fiber & Plants

How much whole-plant food and fiber it delivers.

8/10

Healthy Fats

The quality of its fats (unsaturated, omega-3).

3/10

Whole / Unprocessed

How close it is to its natural, unprocessed form.

7/10

Gut Gentle

How easy it is on digestion (low FODMAP, few irritants).

5/10

Low Glycemic

How little it spikes your blood sugar.

6/10

Protein Density

How much protein it packs per calorie.

5/10
7-104-61-3

Controversy Index

Score range: 19/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus7.9Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Bulgur wheat

Vegan 9/10
  • 100% plant-based
  • Whole grain
  • No processing concerns
Mediterranean 9/10
  • whole grain
  • high fiber
  • minimal processing
  • traditional Mediterranean staple
DASH 9/10
  • High fiber content
  • Whole grain
  • Low sodium
  • Rich in magnesium and potassium
Zone 5/10
  • Moderate glycemic load
  • Whole grain fiber content
  • Requires careful portioning
  • Better than white grains but vegetables preferred
  • whole grain
  • high fiber
  • low glycemic index
  • polyphenols
  • minimal processing
  • high fiber content
  • whole grain
  • low fat
  • moderate protein density