P

grains

Phyllo dough

2/ 10Poor
Controversy: 3.6

Rated by 11 diets

0 approve5 caution6 avoid

The diets react (see scores below)

Caution5
Disapproves6
Is Phyllo dough Healthy?

Mostly no — Phyllo dough is avoided by the majority of diets reviewed. 6 out of 11 diets recommend against it.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g

Diet Ratings

KetoAvoid

Wheat-based pastry dough with ~7g net carbs per sheet. Refined grain product incompatible with keto.

VeganCaution

Phyllo dough is traditionally made from wheat flour, water, and oil, making it plant-based. However, some commercial brands may contain eggs or dairy. Most phyllo is vegan, but ingredient verification is essential.

Debated

Some whole-food plant-based advocates view phyllo as an ultra-processed food with minimal nutritional value, though it remains technically vegan when egg-free.

PaleoAvoid

Phyllo dough is made from wheat flour and is a processed grain product. Grains are explicitly excluded from paleo diet.

MediterraneanCaution

Phyllo is a traditional Mediterranean (Greek/Turkish) pastry made from refined flour and often brushed with butter or oil. While culturally authentic, it is a refined grain product. Acceptable occasionally in small portions, especially if brushed with olive oil rather than butter.

Debated

Traditional Greek and Turkish Mediterranean cuisines regularly use phyllo in savory and sweet dishes; modern guidelines recommend limiting refined grains, but phyllo's cultural significance in Mediterranean cooking is undeniable.

CarnivoreAvoid

Phyllo dough is made from grain (wheat flour) and is a processed plant food. It is explicitly excluded from the carnivore diet as it contains no animal products.

Whole30Avoid

Phyllo dough is made from wheat flour (a grain). Grains are explicitly excluded from Whole30. Additionally, phyllo dough is a baked good product that violates the 'no recreating baked goods' rule.

Low-FODMAPAvoid

Phyllo dough is made from wheat flour. Wheat contains high levels of fructans. Standard serving (2-3 sheets, ~50-75g) exceeds low-FODMAP thresholds. Monash rates wheat-based doughs as high-FODMAP during elimination phase.

DASHCaution

Refined wheat product with added sodium (typically 200-300mg per 2 sheets). Low in fiber and micronutrients. Often brushed with butter or oil, increasing saturated fat. Acceptable in small amounts but not aligned with DASH whole grain emphasis.

ZoneCaution

Phyllo dough is made from refined wheat flour with high glycemic index. One sheet (~14g) contains ~10g carbohydrates with minimal fiber and ~1.5g fat (mostly from brushing with oil). While it can technically be incorporated in very small amounts (0.5–1 sheet) as part of a balanced meal, the refined carbohydrate content and portion sensitivity make it challenging for Zone compliance.

Phyllo is made from refined white flour and typically brushed with butter or oil, adding saturated fat. It lacks fiber and whole grains. While lighter than puff pastry, it remains a refined carbohydrate with limited anti-inflammatory value. Should be used sparingly in an anti-inflammatory diet.

Phyllo dough is refined grain with minimal protein (3g per 2 sheets), minimal fiber (0.5g per 2 sheets), and is typically brushed with butter or oil (high fat). It's calorie-dense (90 per 2 sheets) with poor nutritional return. Often used in fried or heavily buttered applications.

Controversy Index

Score range: 15/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus3.6Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Phyllo dough

Vegan 5/10
  • Usually vegan (oil-based versions)
  • Some brands contain eggs or dairy
  • Processed food
  • Verify ingredient list
Mediterranean 5/10
  • refined grain
  • traditional Mediterranean pastry
  • often high in fat
  • portion control important
DASH 4/10
  • refined grain
  • moderate sodium
  • low fiber
  • often paired with added fat
Zone 5/10
  • Refined grain (unfavorable carb)
  • High glycemic index
  • 10g carbs per sheet
  • Minimal fiber
  • Requires careful portioning
  • refined carbohydrate
  • high glycemic index
  • added saturated fat
  • low fiber
  • processed food