Tzatziki Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits

Tzatziki is a popular yogurt-based dip and spread that's often used in Greek dishes. It's creamy and flavorful and typically made out of Greek yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, dill, and mint.

Tzatziki is a terrific lower-calorie alternative to higher-calorie dips, such as hummus and sour cream. It's readily available in grocery stores, but also straightforward enough to make at home.

Tzatziki Nutrition Facts

The following nutrition information is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for 2 tbsp of tzatziki sauce.

Carbs

Two tablespoons of tzatziki contain 1  gram of carbohydrates and 1 gram of sugar; this allows the condiment to be considered both low-carb and low-sugar.

Fats

There are 2 grams of fat in 2 tablespoons of tzatziki which comes from ingredients like oil and whole milk or 2% yogurt.

Protein

Two tablespoons of tzatziki contain 0 grams of protein, but this may vary depending on the ingredients.

Vitamins and Minerals

Two tablespoons of tzatziki contain 100 IU of Vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for healthy eyes and strong bones.

A serving of tzatziki also provides 19.9 mg of calcium, as well as 1.2 mg of Vitamin C.

Calories

Tzatziki is a low-calorie food. There are 24.9 calories in 2 tbsp of tzatziki.

Health Benefits

The nutritional profile of tzatziki contributes to its health benefits.

Flavor Without Extra Fat 

Those who are on a reduced-fat diet might appreciate the flavor that tzatziki provides. It's a great way to enjoy an exciting condiment without consuming too much fat. Two tbsp of tzatziki has just 2 grams of fat.

Improved Heart Health

If your tzatziki is made with garlic, good news: It could be helpful for your heart.

According to one study, 600 to 1,500 mg of garlic extract was as effective as the drug Atenolol at reducing blood pressure over a 24-week period. Of course, you would have to eat a lot of tzatziki to get that much, considering that most recipes call for about 2 large cloves.

Increased Veggie Intake

It is recommended that most adults should eat 2.5 cups of vegetables every day, yet many Americans don't hit that goal. Tzatziki may entice some people to reach their recommended intake since the creamy dip is a great way to enjoy veggies like carrots, snap peas, or cucumbers.

Possible Protection Against Diabetes

Tzatziki typically contains dill, which offers many health benefits. One study, published in the Journal of Tropical Medicine, for example, found that dill has blood sugar-lowering effects. "According to the reported antidiabetic effects of dill, it can be suggested for the management of diabetic patients," the study authors noted.

Improved Gut Health

Depending on the recipe, tzatziki is typically made with Greek yogurt, which contains probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria that can help your gut achieve a healthy bacterial balance.

Allergies

More often than not, tzatziki is made with sour cream or Greek yogurt, both containing milk. Milk is a common allergen among Americans of all ages.

Varieties

Tzatziki will look and taste a bit different depending on who's making it—and where. In Greece, for example, tzatziki is commonly made with strained yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, lemon juice, and sometimes, with cattails or purslane. In Turkey, tzatziki is often served as a cold soup, and shredded carrots are frequently mixed into the sauce.

If you're buying tzatziki at the store, make sure to check its label. Some versions might use high-fat yogurt, rather than the low-fat yogurt you would use at home.

Storage and Food Safety

Store tzatziki in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to five days.

How to Prepare

Many people use tzatziki as a dip for vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and olives) or crackers. It also makes a great dip for kabobs and falafel.

If you're making tzatziki at home, you can swap out the Greek yogurt or sour cream with a plant-based yogurt to make the dip dairy-free.