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Golden-brown, thin layers of pastry are folded into compact, irregular pieces and served together on a plate, with a light sheen and a scattering of chopped nuts.

Borek helva Calories

Classic Turkish sweet, crisp halva made with flour, sugar, and butter

In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter

CALORIES · 100 G

470kcal

GI

65high

POTASSIUM · 100 G

70mg

FIBER · 100 G

1.5g

Quick answer

1 piece (medium) of Borek helva (40 g) has 188 calories. That works out to 470 calories per 100 g. It contains 26 g of carbs, 2.2 g of protein, 8 g of fat and 0.6 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 65 (high), so it raises blood sugar quickly.

Borek helva Nutrition Facts

Selected: 1 piece (medium) · 40 g

188

KCAL / 40G

Carbs

26g

· 9% DV

Protein

2.2g

· 4% DV

Fat

8g

· 10% DV

Fiber

0.6g

· 2% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 56% · Protein 5% · Fat 39%

Borek helva nutrition facts table · 1 piece (medium) (40 g)

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories188 kcal
Total fat8 g10%
Saturated fat3 g15%
Trans fat0.08 g
Sodium48 mg2%
Total carbohydrate26 g9%
Fiber0.6 g2%
Protein2.2 g4%

Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.

Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.

Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.

Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.

Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.

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How Many Calories in 1 Medium Borek helva?

ServingAmountCalories
1 piece (medium)40 g188 kcal
1 piece (small)25 g118 kcal
1 slice (thin)35 g165 kcal
1 slice (thick)50 g235 kcal
1 piece (large)60 g282 kcal
2 piece (double)80 g376 kcal
100 g100 g470 kcal
1 serving (large)100 g470 kcal

Calculated from 470 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Borek helva

What is Borek helva?

Borek helva is a traditional Turkish sweet made with flour, sugar, and butter, with a crisp texture. It is a prepared, processed dessert—not a savoury pastry, despite the word “börek” in its name.

Is Borek helva a pastry made with phyllo dough?

No, Borek helva is not made with phyllo dough. The name can suggest a pastry, but this sweet is a flour-based halva made with butter and sugar and shaped to give it a crisp texture.

What does Borek helva taste like?

Borek helva tastes sweet and buttery, with a toasted flavour from the cooked flour. Its crisp, sometimes crumbly texture sets it apart from softer halva varieties; it is typically eaten in small pieces.

How do you make Borek helva?

To make Borek helva, flour is cooked with butter until toasted, then combined with sugar and shaped before it cools. Careful stirring helps prevent scorching, while shaping the mixture while it is workable helps it hold together.

Why does Borek helva become soft instead of crisp?

Borek helva can soften when it absorbs moisture from the air or is stored in a container that is not airtight. Let it cool fully before covering it, then keep it in a dry place to help preserve its crispness.

Is Borek helva eaten warm or cold?

Borek helva is usually eaten at room temperature rather than served hot. Cooling helps its shape and crisp texture set, so allow freshly made helva to cool before serving.

What should you serve with Borek helva?

Borek helva pairs well with unsweetened tea or coffee, which balances its sweetness without competing with its buttery, toasted flavour. Serve it in small pieces as a dessert or alongside a hot drink.

Can you freeze Borek helva?

Yes, Borek helva can be frozen in an airtight container, though thawing may make it less crisp. Let it thaw at room temperature and avoid freezing it again once it has thawed.

Can you make Borek helva without butter?

Borek helva can be made with a different cooking fat, but changing the butter may alter its flavour and texture. Butter is part of the classic version and contributes to its rich, toasted taste.

Can people with diabetes eat Borek helva?

People with diabetes should account for Borek helva as a sweet made with flour and sugar, rather than treating it as a low-sugar dessert. A doctor or dietitian can advise how it fits an individual blood-glucose plan.

Borek helva Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

Vitamin A

24µg · 3% DV

B1

0.03mg · 3% DV

Biotin

0.6µg · 2% DV

Vitamin E

0.28mg · 2% DV

Minerals

Manganese

0.08mg · 3% DV

Phosphorus

24mg · 3% DV

Copper

0.03mg · 3% DV

Iron

0.44mg · 2% DV

Sodium

48mg · 2% DV

Potassium ⭐

28mg · 1% DV

Borek helva Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

65
High
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

16.8
Medium

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Borek helva

To burn the 188 calories in 1 piece (medium) (40 g):

🚶

47min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

19min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

26min

Cycling

🏊

22min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

What is Borek helva?

Borek helva is a traditional Turkish sweet made with flour, butter and sugar. The flour is cooked with butter and sweetened, giving the halva its characteristically crisp texture. Despite its name, it is not a savoury börek pastry.

In Turkey, it is often broken or cut into small pieces and served with tea, including at gatherings and festive meals. Its rich sweetness makes a modest portion satisfying. At 470 calories per 100 g, it is an energy-dense treat; serve a thin piece with unsweetened tea if you would like a lighter accompaniment.

How Nutritious Is Borek helva?

Nutrient density

Low

15/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Low

16/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Is Borek helva Processed?

NOVA 3

Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Borek helva Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten yes
Dairy yes
Eggs free
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish free
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is Borek helva Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

— Not suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Borek helva Fat Profile

SATURATED

3g

MONOUNSATURATED

2.88g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.88g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 44:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (44:1).

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.