5 piece (small) of Small meatballs (70 g) has 147 calories. That works out to 210 calories per 100 g. It contains 4.9 g of carbs, 10.9 g of protein, 9.1 g of fat and 0.6 g of fiber. Its 0.8 µg of B12 covers 32% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 35 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Small meatballs?

Small meatballs are bite-sized, spiced köfte from Turkish home cooking, usually made with minced beef or a mixture of meats. The mince is commonly seasoned and shaped into little rounds before being pan-cooked, grilled or baked; recipes vary from household to household.

In Turkey, they’re served with rice or bulgur and salad, or added to soup. They also make an easy centerpiece for a weeknight meal beyond Turkey, with roasted vegetables or flatbread. They provide protein—15.5 g per 100 g—along with fat, so baking or grilling with little added oil and serving them with vegetables keeps the plate balanced.

Small meatballs Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

210

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

· 3% DV

Protein

15.5g

· 31% DV

Fat

13g

· 17% DV

Fiber

0.8g

· 3% DV

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

Calories come from: Carbs 14% · Protein 30% · Fat 56%

Small meatballs Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

1.1µg · 46% DV

3.2mg · 20% DV

0.18mg · 14% DV

0.7mg · 14% DV

Minerals

Zinc

3mg · 27% DV

Phosphorus

145mg · 21% DV

Sodium

420mg · 18% DV

Selenium

8µg · 15% DV

How Nutritious Is Small meatballs?

Nutrient density

Medium

55/ 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

46/ 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.

Small meatballs 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 Small meatballs

To burn the 210 calories in 100 g:

🚶

52min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

21min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

29min

Cycling

🏊

24min

Swimming

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

Is Small meatballs 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 Small meatballs Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Small meatballs 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

Small meatballs Fat Profile

SATURATED

4.7g

MONOUNSATURATED

5.2g

POLYUNSATURATED

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 4.4:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (4.4:1).

Compare Small meatballs

🍖vs🥩

Small meatballs vs Ground Beef40 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍖vs🍢

Small meatballs vs Chicken Skewer70 kcal more per 100 g

→🍖vs🥩

Small meatballs vs Sauteed Lamb20 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍖vs🍗

Small meatballs vs Smoked Turkey100 kcal more per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Small meatballs

🥩

Ground Beef

250 kcal

🍢

Chicken Skewer

140 kcal

🥩

Sauteed Lamb

230 kcal

🍗

Smoked Turkey

110 kcal

🥩

Beef Kavurma

230 kcal

🍆🍖

Meatballs with Eggplant Purée

155 kcal

🥩

Beef Cubed

250 kcal

🍗

Chicken (Sauteed)

165 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Small meatballs

How do you make small meatballs?

Small meatballs are made by mixing ground meat with seasonings and a binder such as breadcrumbs or egg, then rolling the mixture into evenly sized balls. Handle the mixture gently so the meatballs stay tender rather than becoming dense.

Why do small meatballs fall apart while cooking?

Small meatballs usually fall apart when the mixture is too wet, has not been mixed enough to bind, or is moved before its surface sets. Add a little breadcrumb if needed, shape the balls firmly, and turn them gently.

How do you know when small meatballs are cooked through?

Small meatballs are done when the centers are fully cooked, not raw or cool. Because size and meat blends affect cooking time, check the thickest one by cutting it open or using a food thermometer rather than relying only on browning.

Should you brown small meatballs before adding them to sauce?

Browning small meatballs first is optional, but it gives them a browned exterior and adds flavor to the sauce. You can also cook them directly in simmering sauce; handle them gently until they firm up.

Can you cook small meatballs from frozen?

Yes, small meatballs can be cooked from frozen, though they take longer than thawed ones. Add them directly to a simmering sauce or cook them on a tray, and check that the centers are fully cooked before serving.

What can you serve with small meatballs?

Small meatballs pair well with pasta and tomato sauce, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. For a lighter meal, serve them with a crisp salad or tuck them into a warm flatbread with sauce and vegetables.

Can you freeze small meatballs?

Yes, freeze small meatballs either raw or cooked. Arrange them separately until firm before packing them into a sealed freezer container, so they do not stick together; thaw raw ones safely in the refrigerator before cooking.

How long do cooked small meatballs keep in the fridge?

Cooked small meatballs keep for about 3–4 days in a covered container in the refrigerator. Refrigerate them promptly after cooking, and reheat until hot all the way through before serving.

Do small meatballs need breadcrumbs or eggs?

No, small meatballs do not always need both breadcrumbs and eggs. Breadcrumbs help absorb moisture and keep the texture tender, while egg can help bind the mixture; the right choice depends on how wet and cohesive the meat mixture is.

How do you keep small meatballs tender?

To keep small meatballs tender, use meat with some fat, mix only until the ingredients come together, and avoid packing the mixture too tightly. Cook them just until done, since prolonged cooking can make them dry.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 26, 2026