Stuffed grape leaves (dolma)
Rated by 11 diets
Diet Ratings
Grape leaves are low-carb, but traditional dolma is stuffed with rice, which is high in carbs. Rice-based dolma contains approximately 15-20g net carbs per 3-4 pieces. Meat-only or cauliflower rice versions would be keto-compatible.
iStrict keto followers may avoid entirely due to rice content, while others accept small portions (1-2 pieces) as occasional treats if carbs are tracked.
Traditional dolma typically filled with rice, herbs, and spices. Vegan when prepared without meat. Most versions are plant-based, but some regional variations include ground meat.
iSome dolma recipes include ground lamb or beef as a traditional filling, so verification of ingredients is necessary before consumption.
Traditional dolma is stuffed with rice (grain) and sometimes legumes (lentils, chickpeas). Both rice and legumes are paleo-excluded. Grape leaves themselves are acceptable.
Dolma combines whole grains (rice), vegetables, herbs, and olive oil wrapped in nutrient-dense grape leaves. It represents traditional Mediterranean/Levantine cuisine with minimal processing and excellent nutritional balance.
Dolma is grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat. Even meat-containing versions are primarily rice and plant material. The rice and herb filling violates carnivore principles; grape leaves are plant-based.
Traditional dolma is stuffed with rice, which is a grain and explicitly excluded on Whole30. Some versions may contain legumes as well.
Grape leaves themselves are low-FODMAP, but dolma filling typically contains rice, herbs, and often garlic and onion. The FODMAP content depends on the specific filling recipe. Many traditional recipes include high-FODMAP aromatics.
iMonash University has limited specific testing on dolma; clinical practitioners note that garlic and onion are common filling ingredients. Plain rice-filled versions without garlic/onion would be low-FODMAP, but traditional recipes are often high-FODMAP.
Grape leaves are low-calorie and nutrient-dense. Fillings vary (rice, herbs, sometimes meat). Primary concern is high sodium from brining process and added salt. Olive oil content is moderate. Acceptable in limited portions.
Grape leaves provide fiber and polyphenols (anti-inflammatory). Rice filling is moderate-glycemic refined carb. Meat filling (if present) adds protein. Olive oil preparation is monounsaturated fat. Macronutrient balance depends on meat-to-rice ratio.
iDr. Sears' writings don't specifically address dolma; some practitioners view rice as problematic, others accept it if portion-controlled as part of Mediterranean-style Zone approach.
Grape leaves provide polyphenols and antioxidants. Typically filled with rice, herbs (dill, mint), and sometimes lean meat. Olive oil-based preparation aligns with Mediterranean anti-inflammatory model. Minimal processing, whole food ingredients, and herb content support anti-inflammatory profile.
Dolma provides fiber from grape leaves and moderate protein from rice/meat filling (3-5g per piece). However, they're often made with significant oil, which can trigger GLP-1 nausea and bloating. The small portion size is favorable. Some GLP-1 patients tolerate them well; others find the oil content problematic.
iSome GLP-1 nutrition experts consider dolma acceptable if oil content is minimized, while others recommend avoiding due to typical preparation methods and potential for digestive upset.
Controversy Index
Score range: 2–8/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.