EatBetterEatBetter
Foods ▾
Ready & Packaged FoodsVegetables & LegumesDesserts & ConfectioneryMeat & ProteinGrains & BakeryBeveragesMilk & DairyNatural & Other Foods

Ready & Packaged Foods

All →
Fast Food & RestaurantBurgers · Pizza · Doner & Wrap · Fried Sides · Restaurant Menu Items

Explore foods by category, subcategory or brand

CompareBrands
Tools ▾

Calorie Calculator

Work out your daily calorie needs

BMI Calculator

Body mass index from your height and weight

Food GuideCompareBlog
TR
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
Finger-shaped portions of finely cracked bulgur mixed with red pepper and tomato pastes, herbs and spices, reddish-brown with a moist, slightly coarse texture and ridged hand-pressed surfaces, arranged on green lettuce leaves with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.
🌿High Fiber

Cigkofte Calories

Traditional Turkish vegan bulgur and spice patty, spicy and savory

In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter

CALORIES

170kcal

GI

55medium

POTASSIUM

220mg

FIBER

5.5g

Quick answer

100 g of Cigkofte has 170 calories. It contains 32 g of carbs, 4.2 g of protein, 2.5 g of fat and 5.5 g of fiber. Its 480 mg of Sodium covers 21% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 55 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.

What is Cigkofte?

Cigkofte, known in Turkish as çiğköfte, is a spicy bulgur dish associated with southeastern Turkey, especially Şanlıurfa and Adıyaman. The widely sold meatless version is made by kneading fine bulgur with pepper and tomato pastes, herbs and spices; traditional meat versions also exist.

The mixture is pressed into ridged, finger-shaped portions. It is moist and slightly coarse, with a savoury, spicy flavour and often a tangy finish. In Turkey it is commonly wrapped in lettuce with lemon and parsley, or served in lavash as a dürüm. It also works as part of a shared spread. Bulgur makes it mainly a carbohydrate source, with useful fibre: a 100 g serving provides 5.5 g. Pair it with extra salad for a lighter meal, or choose lettuce leaves instead of lavash.

Cigkofte Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

170

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

32g

· 12% DV

Protein

4.2g

· 8% DV

Fat

2.5g

· 3% DV

Fiber

5.5g

· 20% DV

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

Calories come from: Carbs 77% · Protein 10% · Fat 13%

Cigkofte Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

Vitamin A

120µg · 13% DV

B1

0.13mg · 11% DV

B6

0.18mg · 11% DV

Vitamin C

9mg · 10% DV

Minerals

Sodium

480mg · 21% DV

Phosphorus

85mg · 12% DV

Zinc

1mg · 9% DV

Magnesium

32mg · 8% DV

How Nutritious Is Cigkofte?

Nutrient density

Medium

55/ 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

Medium

57/ 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.

Cigkofte Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

55
Medium
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

18
Medium

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

How to Burn Off Cigkofte

To burn the 170 calories in 100 g:

🚶

42min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

17min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

23min

Cycling

🏊

20min

Swimming

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

Is Cigkofte 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 Cigkofte Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

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

Which Diets Is Cigkofte Good For?

Vegan

✓ 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

Cigkofte Fat Profile

SATURATED

0.4g

MONOUNSATURATED

0.8g

POLYUNSATURATED

1.1g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 7.9:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (7.9:1).

Compare Cigkofte

🌶️vs🧴
Cigkofte vs Hawthorn Vinegar152 kcal more per 100 g
→
🌶️vs🌯
Cigkofte vs Tantuni40 kcal fewer per 100 g
→
🌶️vs🌯
Cigkofte vs Chicken Wrap25 kcal fewer per 100 g
→
🌶️vs🍫
Cigkofte vs Protein Bar180 kcal fewer per 100 g
→

Foods Similar to Cigkofte

🧴

Hawthorn Vinegar

18 kcal

🌯

Tantuni

210 kcal

🌯

Chicken Wrap

195 kcal

🍫

Protein Bar

350 kcal

🥟

Cheese Börek

290 kcal

🧇

Waffle

291 kcal

🍟

French Fries

312 kcal

🥟

Fried Sigara Börek

320 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Cigkofte

What is cigkofte?

Cigkofte is a Turkish dish shaped into small, ridged portions, usually made today from fine bulgur, pepper and tomato pastes, herbs, and spices. It is commonly served with lettuce and lemon.

Why is cigkofte called “raw kofta” if it is often meatless?

The name reflects an older preparation in which raw meat was kneaded with bulgur and spices. Many cigkofte versions sold in Turkey today are meatless, so the name does not necessarily describe their ingredients.

How is cigkofte traditionally served?

Cigkofte is commonly served with lettuce leaves, lemon wedges, and parsley. You can wrap portions in lettuce or flatbread, adding lemon and, if you like, pomegranate molasses or hot sauce.

Where does cigkofte come from?

Cigkofte is associated with southeastern Turkey, especially the Şanlıurfa region. Its recipes have changed over time, and meatless versions are now widely sold and eaten across the country.

How do you make cigkofte at home without meat?

Knead fine bulgur with pepper and tomato pastes, grated onion, spices, and small amounts of water until the bulgur softens and the mixture holds together. Shape it by hand, pressing ridges into each portion.

What is the difference between Urfa and Adıyaman cigkofte?

Both are regional styles of Turkish cigkofte, but recipes and seasoning vary between makers and families. Adıyaman is particularly associated with the modern meatless style; the names alone do not guarantee a fixed recipe.

Is cigkofte spicy?

Cigkofte is usually savory and peppery, and some versions are quite hot. Heat varies by recipe and shop, so ask for a mild version or pair it with lettuce and lemon if you prefer less burn.

How should leftover cigkofte be stored?

Refrigerate leftover cigkofte promptly in a covered container and keep it chilled until serving. Avoid leaving it out during a meal, especially if you do not know how long it has been at room temperature.

Why is cigkofte shaped with ridges?

The ridges are made by squeezing the mixture between the fingers, a traditional way to portion and shape cigkofte. They also make the small pieces easy to pick up and serve.

Can cigkofte be eaten during pregnancy?

Meatless cigkofte can be eaten during pregnancy if it has been prepared hygienically and kept properly chilled. Avoid versions containing raw meat, since uncooked meat can carry foodborne pathogens.

Have another question about Cigkofte?

Ask the AI nutrition coach — calories, portions, alternatives and more, answered in seconds in the app.

EatBetter

Scan calories with your camera

Instant AI nutrition analysis

App StoreGoogle Play

Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.