1 piece (medium) of Kadayif (80 g) has 272 calories. That works out to 340 calories per 100 g. It contains 54.4 g of carbs, 3.4 g of protein, 5.8 g of fat and 1 g of fiber. Its 0.1 mg of Copper covers 8% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 75 (high), so it raises blood sugar quickly.

What is Kadayif?

Kadayif is a traditional Turkish dessert made from fine strands of dough, usually layered or shaped into nests, baked until golden and soaked in syrup. It may be filled with walnuts or pistachios, and is sometimes served with kaymak, a rich clotted cream. The strands turn crisp at the edges while the syrup makes the centre tender and sweet.

In Turkey, it is commonly enjoyed after a meal or with tea or coffee, and often appears on festive and Ramadan tables. Kadayif is mainly a source of carbohydrates and sugar, with 68 g of carbohydrates per 100 g. A small piece makes a satisfying dessert; unsweetened tea or coffee balances its sweetness well.

Kadayif Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

340

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

68g

· 25% DV

Protein

4.2g

· 8% DV

Fat

7.2g

· 9% DV

Fiber

1.3g

· 5% DV

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

Calories come from: Carbs 77% · Protein 5% · Fat 18%

Kadayif Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

0.07mg · 6% DV

Vitamin E

0.7mg · 5% DV

Biotin

1.2µg · 4% DV

0.04mg · 3% DV

Minerals

Phosphorus

62mg · 9% DV

Iron

1mg · 6% DV

Selenium

3.2µg · 6% DV

Sodium

110mg · 5% DV

How Nutritious Is Kadayif?

Nutrient density

Low

18/ 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

Low

19/ 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.

Kadayif Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

High

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

High

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

How to Burn Off Kadayif

To burn the 340 calories in 100 g:

🚶

84min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

35min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

46min

Cycling

🏊

40min

Swimming

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

Is Kadayif 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 Kadayif Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten yes

Dairy yes

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts yes

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Kadayif Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

— Not 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

Kadayif Fat Profile

SATURATED

2.6g

MONOUNSATURATED

2.7g

POLYUNSATURATED

1.3g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 60:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (60:1).

Compare Kadayif

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Kadayif vs Rose Turkish delight10 kcal more per 100 g

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Kadayif vs Caramel sauce20 kcal more per 100 g

→🍮vs🍫

Kadayif vs Dark chocolate200 kcal fewer per 100 g

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Kadayif vs Höşmerim20 kcal more per 100 g

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Foods Similar to Kadayif

🍬

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🍯

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🍫

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Frequently Asked Questions About Kadayif

What is Kadayif?

Kadayif is a Turkish dessert made with fine, shredded pastry strands that are baked or pan-cooked, sweetened with syrup, and often filled or topped with nuts. The name can also refer to the shredded pastry itself, so recipes may use it in different ways.

How is Kadayif traditionally made?

Traditional Kadayif is made by coating shredded pastry with butter, layering it with chopped nuts, and baking it until golden. Syrup is poured over the hot pastry, then the dessert is left to absorb the syrup before serving.

Is Kadayif the same as kunafa?

They are closely related, but not always the same dessert. Kadayif commonly has a nut filling, while kunafa—also called kanafeh—often sandwiches soft cheese between shredded pastry layers and is served warm.

What is the difference between Kadayif and kataifi pastry?

Kadayif usually means the finished Turkish dessert, while kataifi often refers to the raw shredded pastry used to make desserts. The names overlap in some regions, so a recipe may use “Kadayif” for either the pastry or the prepared sweet.

What filling is used in Kadayif?

Walnuts and pistachios are common fillings for Kadayif, though recipes vary by region and household. Some versions use cheese instead, especially those related to kunafa; chopped nuts are also often scattered over the finished dessert.

Why does Kadayif turn soggy?

Kadayif can turn soggy if it is underbaked, drenched in too much syrup, or stored while warm in a sealed container. Bake it until deeply golden, add syrup gradually, and let it cool uncovered before storing.

How should Kadayif be served?

Kadayif is usually served in squares or nests once it has absorbed the syrup, often with crushed pistachios or walnuts on top. Cheese-filled versions are best served warm, while nut-filled syrupy Kadayif can be served at room temperature.

Can you freeze Kadayif?

Yes, Kadayif can be frozen in an airtight container, although the pastry may lose some crispness after thawing. Freeze it once completely cool, thaw it in the refrigerator, then warm it briefly in an oven rather than a microwave.

How do you reheat Kadayif without making it soft?

Reheat Kadayif in an oven rather than a microwave to help its surface regain some crispness. Use moderate heat and warm it briefly; adding more syrup or covering it while hot can make the pastry soft.

Where does Kadayif come from?

Kadayif is a traditional dessert associated with Turkish and wider Middle Eastern cuisine, with regional versions found across the eastern Mediterranean. Its exact history is shared across food traditions, while Turkish preparations include distinct nut-filled and cheese-filled styles.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026