3 piece (medium) of Finger Meatballs (90 g) has 189 calories. That works out to 210 calories per 100 g. It contains 6.3 g of carbs, 15.8 g of protein, 11.3 g of fat and 1 g of fiber. Its 1.4 µg of B12 covers 60% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 35 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Finger Meatballs?

Finger meatballs are Turkish-style köfte made by mixing minced beef or lamb with onion and spices, then shaping the mixture into short, finger-like pieces. They are usually pan-fried, baked or grilled until browned on the outside and cooked through.

Their savoury, warmly spiced flavour and browned, slightly uneven surface make them a satisfying main dish. In Turkey, they may be served with rice or bulgur, salad and yoghurt, or tucked into flatbread; elsewhere, they work well with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. They provide plenty of protein, while their fat content depends partly on the mince used. For a lighter meal, choose leaner mince and grill the meatballs rather than frying them.

Finger Meatballs Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

210

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

· 3% DV

Protein

17.5g

· 35% DV

Fat

12.5g

· 16% DV

Fiber

1.1g

· 4% DV

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

Calories come from: Carbs 13% · Protein 33% · Fat 54%

Finger Meatballs Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

1.6µg · 67% DV

3.8mg · 24% DV

0.18mg · 14% DV

0.23mg · 14% DV

Minerals

Zinc

3mg · 27% DV

Phosphorus

170mg · 24% DV

Selenium

11µg · 20% DV

Sodium

390mg · 17% DV

How Nutritious Is Finger Meatballs?

Nutrient density

High

65/ 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

51/ 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.

Finger Meatballs Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Low

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

How to Burn Off Finger Meatballs

To burn the 210 calories in 100 g:

🚶

52min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

21min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

29min

Cycling

🏊

24min

Swimming

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

Is Finger Meatballs Processed?

NOVA 2

Minimally 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 Finger Meatballs Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Finger Meatballs Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

— Not suitable

Gluten-Free

✓ Suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

✓ Suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

✓ Suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Finger Meatballs Fat Profile

SATURATED

5.1g

MONOUNSATURATED

4.8g

POLYUNSATURATED

1.1g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 2:1

Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.

Compare Finger Meatballs

🥩vs🥩

Finger Meatballs vs Ground Beef40 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🥩vs🍢

Finger Meatballs vs Chicken Skewer70 kcal more per 100 g

→🥩vs🥩

Finger Meatballs vs Sauteed Lamb20 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🥩vs🍗

Finger Meatballs vs Smoked Turkey100 kcal more per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Finger Meatballs

🥩

Ground Beef

250 kcal

🍢

Chicken Skewer

140 kcal

🥩

Sauteed Lamb

230 kcal

🍗

Smoked Turkey

110 kcal

🥩

Beef Kavurma

230 kcal

🍆🍖

Meatballs with Eggplant Purée

155 kcal

🥩

Beef Cubed

250 kcal

🍗

Chicken (Sauteed)

165 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Finger Meatballs

What are Finger Meatballs made of?

Finger Meatballs are made from seasoned ground meat shaped into short, elongated pieces. Beef or lamb is commonly used, and recipes may add onion, herbs, or spices; the exact seasoning varies between cooks and regional styles.

How do you keep Finger Meatballs juicy?

Use ground meat with some fat and avoid overcooking Finger Meatballs. Mix the ingredients just until combined, shape them gently, and let them rest before cooking; pressing or repeatedly turning them can squeeze out moisture and make them dense.

Do Finger Meatballs need skewers to hold their shape?

No, Finger Meatballs do not need skewers if the mixture is firm and well chilled before cooking. Skewers can make them easier to turn on a grill, but shape the meat around them securely and avoid moving the kebabs before their surface has browned.

What spices go in Finger Meatballs?

Finger Meatballs are commonly seasoned with salt, black pepper, and spices such as cumin or paprika. Onion, garlic, parsley, and chili can also be added, but keep wet ingredients finely chopped so they do not make the mixture too loose.

Are Finger Meatballs the same as kofta?

Finger Meatballs are a kofta-style preparation: seasoned ground meat shaped into elongated pieces. The name describes their shape, while recipes and seasonings vary, so they are not one fixed recipe shared by every cuisine or region.

Can you cook Finger Meatballs in an air fryer?

Yes, Finger Meatballs can be cooked in an air fryer. Arrange them in a single layer with space around each piece so hot air can circulate, and turn them as needed; check that the centers are fully cooked before serving.

How can you tell when Finger Meatballs are fully cooked?

Finger Meatballs are ready when the centers are no longer raw and have reached a safe internal temperature for ground meat. A food thermometer gives the clearest check, especially for thicker pieces; browned outsides alone do not guarantee that the middle is cooked.

Can you freeze cooked Finger Meatballs?

Yes, cooked Finger Meatballs can be frozen once cooled. Pack them in an airtight, freezer-safe container and thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating; warming them gently helps keep the meat from becoming tough or dry.

What sauce goes well with Finger Meatballs?

Finger Meatballs pair well with yogurt-based sauces, tomato sauce, or a simple garlic and herb dip. For a Turkish-style plate, serve them with grilled vegetables and flatbread, letting the sauce complement rather than hide the browned, spiced meat.

Can you make Finger Meatballs without breadcrumbs?

Yes, Finger Meatballs can be made without breadcrumbs. Knead the seasoned meat thoroughly and chill it before shaping so it holds together; if the mixture feels wet, finely chopped onion can be squeezed dry rather than adding more liquid.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026