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Head meat Calories
Rich in iron and B vitamins, contains collagen
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 piece (medium) of Head meat (120 g) has 252 calories. That works out to 210 calories per 100 g. It contains 0 g of carbs, 23.4 g of protein, 18.6 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 2.5 µg of B12 covers 105% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Head meat Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 piece (medium) · 120 g
252
KCAL / 120G
Carbs
0g
· 0% DV
Protein
23.4g
· 47% DV
Fat
18.6g
· 24% DV
Fiber
0g
· 0% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 0% · Protein 36% · Fat 64%
Head meat nutrition facts table · 1 piece (medium) (120 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 252 kcal | |
| Total fat | 18.6 g | 24% |
| Saturated fat | 7.44 g | 37% |
| Trans fat | 0.1 g | |
| Sodium | 78 mg | 3% |
| Total carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 23.4 g | 47% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Medium Head meat?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 piece (medium) | 120 g | 252 kcal |
| 1 slice (thin) | 40 g | 84 kcal |
| 1 slice (thick) | 70 g | 147 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 80 g | 168 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 210 kcal |
| 1 cup (chopped) | 110 g | 231 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 150 g | 315 kcal |
| 1 piece (large) | 180 g | 378 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 250 g | 525 kcal |
Calculated from 210 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Head meat
What is head meat?
Head meat is meat taken from an animal’s head, commonly the cheeks and other muscle or connective tissue. Fresh head meat is minimally processed; it is usually cleaned and cut before sale, then needs thorough cooking at home.
What animal does head meat come from?
Head meat can come from sheep, goat, cattle, or other animals, depending on the butcher and local cuisine. Ask which animal it is from and which cuts are included, since the flavour and cooking time can vary.
How do you cook head meat?
Cook head meat gently in liquid until the connective tissue softens and the meat pulls apart easily. A pressure cooker can shorten the cooking process. Serve it with its broth, or use the cooked meat in soup or a stew.
Does head meat include the tongue or brain?
Not necessarily. Head meat usually refers to muscle and connective tissue, while tongue and brain are generally sold as separate cuts. Ask the butcher what is included in a particular package rather than assuming it contains the whole head.
What does head meat taste like?
Head meat has a rich, meaty flavour, and cuts such as cheek can become tender and gelatinous when slow-cooked. Its taste is often more intense than a lean muscle cut, especially when it is served with the cooking broth.
How do you clean head meat before cooking?
Do not rinse raw head meat under running water, since splashes can spread bacteria around the kitchen. Ask the butcher to remove any hair or residue, keep the meat separate from ready-to-eat foods, and clean utensils and surfaces after handling it.
How long does head meat keep in the refrigerator?
Keep raw head meat covered in the coldest part of the refrigerator and cook it promptly; its safe storage time depends on how fresh it was and how cold it has been kept. Refrigerate cooked leftovers within two hours.
Can you freeze head meat?
Yes, head meat can be frozen in a sealed, freezer-safe package. Thaw it in the refrigerator rather than on the counter, and cook it soon after thawing. Avoid refreezing meat that has been thawed at room temperature.
Can head meat be used to make head cheese?
Yes. Head meat can be cooked until tender, picked from the bones, and set with its gelatin-rich cooking liquid to make head cheese. Head cheese is a prepared, chilled dish; it is not the same thing as fresh head meat.
Can you eat head meat during pregnancy?
Yes, head meat can be eaten during pregnancy if it is thoroughly cooked and handled safely. Avoid raw or undercooked meat, and refrigerate leftovers promptly. If you have a pregnancy-related dietary restriction, ask your healthcare professional for advice.
Head meat Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B12
2.52µg · 105% DV
B3
4.2mg · 26% DV
B2
0.22mg · 17% DV
B5
0.78mg · 16% DV
Minerals
Zinc
3.72mg · 34% DV
Phosphorus
174mg · 25% DV
Selenium
11µg · 20% DV
Copper
0.16mg · 18% DV
Potassium ⭐
252mg · 7% DV
Sodium
78mg · 3% DV
Head meat Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Head meat
To burn the 252 calories in 1 piece (medium) (120 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.
What is Head meat?
Head meat comes from the edible parts of an animal’s head, such as the cheeks, and is often slow-cooked until tender. In Turkey, it is commonly boiled and served as kelle söğüş, thinly sliced; other cuisines also use head meat in broths, stews and traditional boiled-meat dishes. Its flavour is rich and savoury, while the texture ranges from tender and meaty to softly gelatinous in collagen-rich parts.
Serve it warm or cold with herbs, onion and a squeeze of lemon, or tuck it into bread for a substantial meal. It provides protein and iron, and is relatively high in fat, so pair a modest portion with vegetables or a crisp salad for a lighter plate.
How Nutritious Is Head meat?
Nutrient density
High
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
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.
Is Head meat 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 Head meat Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Head meat 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
Head meat Fat Profile
SATURATED
7.44g
MONOUNSATURATED
8.04g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.72g
Omega 6:3 ratio 1.4:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.