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Sesame paste, sugar, high energy, traditional Turkish sweet
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
1 slice (medium) of Koska halva (30 g) has 162 calories. That works out to 540 calories per 100 g. It contains 13.8 g of carbs, 3.8 g of protein, 9.9 g of fat and 1.1 g of fiber. Its 0.5 mg of Copper covers 50% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 60 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.
Koska halva is a Turkish sesame sweet made from tahini and sugar. Its pale, compact block breaks into fine, crumbly layers, with a rich toasted-sesame flavour and pronounced sweetness.
In Turkey, it is commonly sliced and served with tea, and may also appear at breakfast or on the table after a meal. Elsewhere, enjoy it in small pieces as a sweet treat, or alongside coffee and fresh fruit. It is energy-dense, with 540 calories per 100 g, so a modest slice is often satisfying; its sesame-rich flavour also pairs well with tart fruit.
Selected: 100 g
540
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
46g
· 17% DV
Protein
12.5g
· 25% DV
Fat
33g
· 42% 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 35% · Protein 9% · Fat 56%
Vitamins
Biotin
8µg · 27% DV
Folate
70µg · 18% DV
B1
0.13mg · 11% DV
Vitamin E
1.5mg · 10% DV
Minerals
Copper
2mg · 222% DV
Phosphorus
320mg · 46% DV
Manganese
1mg · 43% DV
Calcium
420mg · 42% DV
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.
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.
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 540 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.
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.
Contains these allergens:
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
SATURATED
5.5g
MONOUNSATURATED
13.5g
POLYUNSATURATED
13.2g
Omega 6:3 ratio 32.5:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (32.5:1).
Plain Koska halva is made mainly from tahini, a paste of ground sesame seeds, and sugar. Soapwort extract is commonly used to create its characteristic fibrous, flaky texture; flavoured varieties may include ingredients such as cocoa or pistachios.
Koska halva is usually sliced and eaten on its own, with tea, or alongside bread at breakfast. It is also served as a dessert after a meal; its sweet, dense texture makes a small slice a satisfying serving.
Store opened Koska halva in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat, with the package tightly closed. It does not generally need refrigeration, and keeping it covered helps prevent it from drying out or absorbing other food odours.
Yes, Koska halva can go bad, particularly if its sesame oils turn rancid. Discard it if you notice mould, an unpleasant or paint-like smell, or a markedly off taste; a change in smell is a useful warning sign.
Koska halva’s crumbly, fibrous texture comes from the way tahini and cooked sugar are worked together during production. The fine layers are characteristic of Turkish tahini halva, so the texture is not a sign that the product has spoiled.
Koska halva is Turkish tahini halva, made mainly with sesame paste and sugar. Greek semolina halva is commonly cooked from semolina, oil, sugar and water, so it has a grainier, pudding-like texture rather than Koska halva’s flaky layers.
Yes. For a Turkish-style baked halva dessert, crumble Koska halva, mix it with a little milk until soft, place it in an ovenproof dish and bake until the top browns. It is often served warm after a fish meal.
Yes, Koska halva can be frozen in an airtight container, although thawing may make its texture drier or more crumbly. Freeze it in portions and thaw in the refrigerator before serving so it softens gradually.
Koska halva can provide sesame-derived nutrients, but it is also a sugary, energy-dense sweet, so it is better treated as an occasional dessert than a daily staple. Pairing a modest slice with unsweetened tea keeps the serving simple.
Yes, Koska halva can raise blood sugar because it contains sugar and carbohydrates. People managing diabetes should account for it as a sweet food; the suitable portion depends on their individual care plan.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.