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Sweet, cheese-based, traditional Turkish dessert
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
1 piece (medium) of Cheese halva (80 g) has 256 calories. That works out to 320 calories per 100 g. It contains 41.6 g of carbs, 6 g of protein, 7.6 g of fat and 0.2 g of fiber. Its 176 mg of Calcium covers 18% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 65 (high), so it raises blood sugar quickly.
Cheese halva is a traditional Turkish dessert, particularly associated with Çanakkale and parts of the Thrace region. It is usually made by cooking fresh cheese with flour or semolina, butter and sugar. Despite its name, it is quite different from the sesame-based halva familiar in many countries: cheese gives it a distinct savoury note beneath the sweetness.
Served warm or chilled, it has a lightly browned top and a soft, fine-grained interior that breaks apart easily. In Turkey it is often enjoyed as a small dessert with tea or coffee, and some versions are baked to brown the surface. The cheese contributes some protein, but this is still a sweet, carbohydrate-rich treat; a modest piece makes a satisfying finish to a meal.
Selected: 100 g
320
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
52g
· 19% DV
Protein
7.5g
· 15% DV
Fat
9.5g
· 12% DV
Fiber
0.2g
· 1% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 64% · Protein 9% · Fat 27%
Vitamins
B12
0.5µg · 21% DV
B2
0.18mg · 14% DV
Vitamin A
80µg · 9% DV
B5
0.35mg · 7% DV
Minerals
Calcium
220mg · 22% DV
Phosphorus
120mg · 17% DV
Zinc
1mg · 9% DV
Sodium
210mg · 9% DV
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Low
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.
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 320 calories in 100 g:
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
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.
Contains these allergens:
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
5.5g
MONOUNSATURATED
2.7g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.6g
Omega 6:3 ratio 4:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
Cheese halva is made with fresh, usually unsalted cheese and sugar. Depending on the regional recipe, flour or semolina, butter, and sometimes egg are added; the mixture is cooked until thick and may be baked to brown the top.
Cheese halva is traditionally made with fresh, mild, unsalted cheese, often from cow’s milk. A salty or aged cheese can give the dessert an overly sharp flavor and may not melt into the soft, fine-grained texture associated with it.
Cheese halva is a traditional Turkish dessert, especially associated with Tekirdağ in the Thrace region. Similar cheese-based sweets are made in other parts of Turkey, including Çanakkale and Balıkesir, with differences in ingredients and texture.
No, cheese halva and höşmerim are related but distinct Turkish desserts. Höşmerim is particularly associated with Balıkesir, while Tekirdağ-style cheese halva is often baked until its surface browns; recipes and textures vary by region.
Cheese halva can be served either warm or cold. Warm, it is softer and easier to spoon; after cooling, it firms up and is easier to cut into pieces. Baked versions are often served while the top is still warm.
Reheat cheese halva gently in a low oven until warmed through, or use short bursts in a microwave. Gentle heating helps keep it soft; overheating can dry it out or make its texture crumbly.
Store cheese halva in a covered container in the refrigerator because it contains fresh cheese. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for an extended time, and take out only the portion you plan to serve.
Yes, cheese halva can be frozen in an airtight container, preferably in portions. Its texture may become drier or more crumbly after thawing, so defrost it in the refrigerator and warm it gently before serving.
Cheese halva can turn crumbly if it is overcooked or made with a cheese that is too dry. The traditional texture is soft and slightly grainy rather than stretchy; stop cooking once the mixture has thickened and set.
Serve cheese halva with unsweetened tea or black coffee, which balance its sweetness. Fresh fruit is another light accompaniment; adding another syrup-soaked dessert can make the serving overly rich.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.