1 slice (medium) of Unsweetened Halva (40 g) has 168 calories. That works out to 420 calories per 100 g. It contains 7.2 g of carbs, 4.8 g of protein, 12.8 g of fat and 2 g of fiber. Its 0.5 mg of Copper covers 53% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 35 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Unsweetened Halva?

Unsweetened Halva is a version of halva made without added sugar. In Turkey and across much of the Middle East, halva commonly gets its rich, nutty character from tahini, or sesame paste; other regional styles use flour or semolina. Sesame-based halva is usually formed into a firm block that breaks into fine, flaky crumbs, much like the pale, compact slice shown here.

It is often served in small pieces with tea or coffee, as a simple sweet after a meal. Without added sugar, its flavour is still distinctly nutty, and its texture remains rich and crumbly. It is energy-dense, with much of its nutrition coming from fat and some protein, so a small slice can feel satisfying. Pair it with fresh fruit or an unsweetened drink for a lighter-tasting snack.

Unsweetened Halva Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

420

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

18g

· 7% DV

Protein

12g

· 24% DV

Fat

32g

· 41% DV

Fiber

· 18% DV

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

Calories come from: Carbs 18% · Protein 12% · Fat 70%

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Unsweetened Halva Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

Biotin

8µg · 27% DV

0.25mg · 21% DV

0.3mg · 18% DV

Vitamin E

2.5mg · 17% DV

Minerals

Copper

1mg · 111% DV

Manganese

1mg · 43% DV

Phosphorus

260mg · 37% DV

Magnesium

120mg · 29% DV

Potassium ⭐

340mg · 10% DV

How Nutritious Is Unsweetened Halva?

Nutrient density

High

60/ 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

43/ 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.

Unsweetened Halva 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 Unsweetened Halva

To burn the 420 calories in 100 g:

🚶

104min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

43min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

57min

Cycling

🏊

49min

Swimming

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

Is Unsweetened 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 Unsweetened Halva Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts yes

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame yes

Which Diets Is Unsweetened Halva 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

Unsweetened Halva Fat Profile

SATURATED

4.5g

MONOUNSATURATED

12.5g

POLYUNSATURATED

13.2g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 52:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (52:1).

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Frequently Asked Questions About Unsweetened Halva

What is unsweetened halva made of?

Unsweetened halva is made from different ingredients depending on the style. Sesame halva usually contains tahini and ingredients that help it set, while semolina halva uses toasted semolina and fat. Some recipes add dates, fruit purée, or non-sugar sweeteners for flavour.

How do you make unsweetened halva?

You can make unsweetened halva with tahini or semolina. For sesame halva, mix tahini with the recipe’s dry ingredients and press the mixture into a mould; for semolina halva, toast semolina in fat, then cook it with liquid until it thickens.

Does unsweetened halva contain sugar?

Unsweetened halva generally has no sugar added, but the phrase does not always mean zero sugars. A recipe may contain dates or other naturally sweet ingredients, and carbohydrate content can come from its main ingredients even when no sugar is added.

Can people with diabetes eat unsweetened halva?

Unsweetened halva can still affect blood glucose because it contains carbohydrates, even without added sugar. The recipe and portion matter; if you have diabetes, ask your clinician or dietitian how to fit it into your individual meal plan.

How does unsweetened halva taste compared with regular halva?

Unsweetened halva is usually less sweet and lets the flavour of tahini or toasted semolina come through more clearly. Its texture can also differ from conventional halva if the recipe leaves out the sugar syrup that normally helps bind and aerate it.

How can you sweeten unsweetened halva?

You can sweeten unsweetened halva with mashed dates, fruit purée, or a non-sugar sweetener that suits the recipe. Add a small amount at a time: extra liquid can soften tahini halva or change how semolina halva sets.

How should you store unsweetened halva?

Keep packaged unsweetened halva tightly covered in a cool, dry place, away from heat and sunlight, to help preserve its texture and flavour. Refrigerate moist homemade semolina halva in a sealed container and eat it promptly.

Can you freeze unsweetened halva?

Yes, unsweetened halva can be frozen in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature while still covered; tahini halva may become crumbly, and semolina halva can soften after thawing.

What is the difference between sesame and semolina unsweetened halva?

Sesame unsweetened halva is based on tahini and tends to be dense, rich, and fibrous. Semolina unsweetened halva is made by cooking toasted grain with fat and liquid, so it is usually softer and spoonable rather than a compact block.

How is unsweetened halva usually served?

Unsweetened halva is commonly served in small slices or pieces alongside tea or coffee. You can also pair it with fresh fruit or plain yogurt; these add contrast to its rich texture without requiring extra sweetener.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026