Is tzatziki gluten-free?

Yes, traditionally prepared tzatziki is gluten-free. It is made from simple ingredients such as yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and herbs which naturally do not contain gluten. However, when purchasing ready-made tzatziki, always check the label as some manufacturers may add ingredients that contain gluten or it may be processed in facilities with exposure to gluten.

Is tzatziki vegetarian?

Yes, tzatziki is vegetarian. Its main ingredients are plant-based (cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and herbs) along with yogurt, which is a dairy product. No meat or fish products are used in the preparation of traditional tzatziki.

Is tzatziki keto?

Yes, tzatziki can be keto-friendly, depending on the type of yogurt used. If made with full-fat Greek yogurt, a two-tablespoon serving of tzatziki typically contains about 3 grams of carbs. Considering the ketogenic diet often limits daily carb intake to around 20-50 grams, tzatziki can fit within these limits. However, those following a strict keto diet should also consider the extra carbs that may come from any additional accompaniments.

Is tzatziki vegan?

Traditional tzatziki is not vegan because it contains yogurt, which is a dairy product. However, it is possible to create a vegan version of tzatziki using non-dairy yogurt alternatives such as soy or coconut-based yogurts.

Is tzatziki low FODMAP?

Traditional tzatziki, a Greek yogurt-based sauce with cucumber, lemon juice, dill, and garlic, is not typically considered to be a low FODMAP food item. This is primarily due to the presence of garlic, which is a high FODMAP ingredient known to trigger digestive symptoms in some people. However, a modified version using garlic-infused oil instead of fresh garlic can allow tzatziki to be more FODMAP-friendly.

Is tzatziki high in cholesterol?

Tzatziki is not typically high in cholesterol. A standard 2-tablespoon serving of tzatziki only contains about 3 milligrams of cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends that daily cholesterol intake should be less than 300 milligrams for healthy individuals, so tzatziki contributes only a minor amount.

Is tzatziki Paleo?

Traditional tzatziki is not considered paleo since it is made with yogurt which is a dairy product. The Paleo diet encourages consuming food items that were supposedly eaten by our early ancestors, and this excludes dairy. However, a modified version using coconut or almond milk yogurt could make tzatziki suitable for a Paleo diet.

Is tzatziki Halal?

Yes, tzatziki can be Halal. Halal refers to foods that are permissible under Islamic dietary law. For tzatziki to be considered Halal, it must be made from ingredients that are permissibly sourced and prepared according to Halal principles -- notably, the yogurt must come from a Halal-certified source. If these conditions are met, then tzatziki can be enjoyed as part of a Halal diet.