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Halva Calories
Sweet, sesame or semolina-based, energy-dense
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
Quick answer
1 piece (medium) of Halva (40 g) has 192 calories. That works out to 480 calories per 100 g. It contains 20.8 g of carbs, 3.4 g of protein, 10.4 g of fat and 1.4 g of fiber. Its 0.2 mg of Copper covers 27% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 65 (high), so it raises blood sugar quickly.
What is Halva?
Halva is a family of sweets found across the Middle East and Mediterranean. This dense, crumbly variety is sesame halva, made mainly from tahini and sugar; other familiar versions are cooked with semolina or flour. It breaks into flaky layers and has a rich, nutty sweetness.
In Turkey, slices are enjoyed with tea or coffee, at breakfast, or as a dessert after a meal; elsewhere, halva is often served in small pieces alongside hot drinks or as a sweet snack. It is energy-dense, with sesame providing some protein as well as fat. A modest slice with fruit or unsweetened tea makes a satisfying treat.
Halva Nutrition Facts
Selected: 100 g
480
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
52g
· 19% DV
Protein
8.5g
· 17% DV
Fat
26g
· 33% DV
Fiber
3.5g
· 13% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 44% · Protein 7% · Fat 49%
Halva Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Biotin
5µg · 17% DV
B1
0.13mg · 11% DV
B3
1.2mg · 8% DV
Folate
32µg · 8% DV
Minerals
Copper
1mg · 111% DV
Manganese
1mg · 43% DV
Phosphorus
180mg · 26% DV
Selenium
13µg · 24% DV
How Nutritious Is Halva?
Nutrient density
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.
Satiety score
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.
Halva Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Halva
To burn the 480 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.
Is Halva 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 Halva Contain Allergens?
Contains these allergens:
Which Diets Is Halva Good For?
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
Halva Fat Profile
SATURATED
4.2g
MONOUNSATURATED
10.5g
POLYUNSATURATED
7.2g
Omega 6:3 ratio 65:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (65:1).
Compare Halva
Foods Similar to Halva
Frequently Asked Questions About Halva
What is halva made of?
Sesame halva is made by mixing tahini, a paste of ground sesame seeds, with a hot sugar syrup and working the mixture until it develops its characteristic fibrous texture. Some versions include pistachios, cocoa, or vanilla.
What does halva taste like?
Sesame halva tastes sweet, nutty, and rich, with a slight toasted flavor from the tahini. Its texture is dense yet crumbly and fibrous, rather than smooth like fudge; added cocoa or nuts can change the flavor.
What is the difference between sesame halva and semolina halva?
Sesame halva is made with tahini and sugar syrup, while semolina halva is cooked from toasted semolina, fat, and syrup. Sesame halva is typically sold in firm, sliceable blocks; semolina halva is usually soft and served warm with a spoon.
Why does halva crumble when I cut it?
Halva naturally has a layered, fibrous texture that can break into crumbs when sliced. A dry or stale piece may crumble more. Use a sharp knife and cut gently without pressing down hard to keep the slices neater.
How should you store halva after opening?
Keep halva in a cool, dry place, tightly wrapped or in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out and absorbing odors. In a warm room, sesame oil may rise to the surface without the halva necessarily being spoiled.
Does halva go bad?
Yes, halva can spoil, especially if exposed to heat or moisture. Discard it if it develops mold, an unusual sour or rancid smell, or a noticeably changed, damp texture. A little oil on the surface can be normal for sesame halva.
Can you freeze halva?
Yes, halva can be frozen, although it may become more fragile and crumbly after thawing. Wrap it tightly or seal it in an airtight container, then thaw it slowly in the refrigerator and avoid repeatedly freezing and thawing it.
How do you eat halva?
Halva is usually eaten in small slices as a dessert or snack, often with tea or coffee. You can also crumble it over yogurt or fruit, or serve it with bread; its sweetness means a little can go a long way.
Is halva healthy?
Halva provides sesame-derived fats and some protein, but it is also a concentrated sweet made with sugar. It can fit as an occasional dessert, but it is not a substitute for a balanced meal or a food to rely on for health benefits.
Does halva raise blood sugar?
Yes, the added sugar in halva can raise blood glucose. Tahini’s fat and protein may slow digestion, but they do not cancel out the sugar; people managing diabetes should account for halva as a sweet rather than a free snack.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.